La Ruta del Sol
Ecuador’s iconic coastal road trip along the Pacific. Beach towns, surf breaks, seafood culture, sunsets, and nature stops connected by the E15 corridor.
What this route is
La Ruta del Sol is a classic Coast drive that links key beach towns and coastal experiences across Santa Elena and Manabí. It is perfect for building a trip where you move slowly, pick a couple of bases, and then add easy beach stops in between.
What La Ruta del Sol is best for
- Beach hopping with flexible pacing and short drive days
- Surf culture, ocean viewpoints, and sunset time built in
- Seafood and local coastal food scenes
- Mixing lively towns with quiet beach resets
- Adding nature stops and boat day trips when available
Good for
Travelers who want a simple Coast route with two bases, short drives, and plenty of time for the ocean. If you like to keep mornings calm and plan around late afternoon light, this route fits you well.
Typical time
3 days for a quick coastal taste. 5 days for a balanced route with multiple beach stops. 7 days if you want a slower pace and more nature and food time.
Simple planning flow
Keep the route easy. Choose two bases, add a few beach stops between them, and protect your sunset time.
Start with your vibe
- Chill and quiet beaches
- Surf town energy and nightlife
- Food focused coastal route
- Nature and boat day trips
Build the route in 4 steps
- Pick a Santa Elena base
- Pick a Manabí base
- Add 2 to 4 beach stops between bases
- Keep drive days light and plan for sunset blocks
Beaches and towns you can stop at
Use these as building blocks. Start with one or two base towns, then add short stops that match your vibe.
Typical route map
Use this as a reference for the usual coastal path and the most common stops. Zoom in for towns, beaches, and short detours.
Want a clean Coast road trip plan?
Tell us your dates, your pace, and your preferred beach vibe. We can help you choose bases, stop timing, and a route that feels easy. Reach out via the Contact page when you are ready.