Study Spanish and Surf in Ecuador

Montanita Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Safe?
Yes, Ecuador is seen as a safe South American country. Montanita has many visitors, and is seen as a very safe destination within Ecuador. Of course, like anywhere in the world you need to be careful with your possessions, but just following common sense is all you normally need.

How good are the teachers?
The teachers s are very good and experienced. Our Manta school (three hours to the north) is has been operating for almost 10 years and ahs an excellent reputation, and has received a excellent official recognition from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. Most of our teachers in Montanita have transferred from our Manta school. They are friendly, and very professional

How do I get there
 

Flying to Guayaquil. Highly Recommended:

The following is main international air timetable to Guayaquil as at 1 Jan 2008

 

Air comet: From Madrid: 7 days per week
KLM: From Amsterdam: 5 days per week (NOT Wednesday or Friday)
Taca: From Lima: 4 days per week
LAN: From Santiago Chile: 7 days per week
Copa: From San Jose Costa Rica: 7 days per week
Lacsa From San Jose Costa Rica: 7 days per week
Avianca: From Bogota Colombia: 7 days per week
LAN: From Madrid: 6 days per week (NOT Sunday)
LAN: From JFK New York: 7 days per week
Iberia: From Madrid: 7 days per week
American: From Miami: 7 days per week
Delta: From Atlanta: 7 days per week
Continental: From Houston 7 days per week.

From Guayaquil: This is the biggest city in Ecuador and many planes and buses arrive here. Go to the bus ‘terminal’ (Said as ‘ter-me-Nal’). There are buses direct to Montañita with the company CLP, with daily departures at (approximately!) 05h00, 13h00 and 16h30. It takes about 2.5hours. The price is about $6USD.

At the terminal CLP is located at office number 84 (easy to find – they are all in numbered order). Here you buy a ticket for Montanita (price $5.50). At number 89 (very close) you pay 10 cents! for a separate ticket to get you into the bus departures. CLP will tell you where the bus is departing – but normally its on the second floor.

OR catch a bus to Santa Elena  (many bus companies go to here, so departures are about hourly)), cost is $3, and then transfer (it’s a small bus station so very easy to do) to the local buses to Montañita (about $2). The total time is normally about 4 hours depending on transfer time.

What happens if I am arriving late into Guayaquil?
There is 3 options
1. After 2 pm – we can offer you a airport meet and greet, transfer to 3 star Hotel, accommodation, breakfast and transfer to bus terminal. Total price is $49 for one person, $59 for two persons
2. Any time: we can offer a meet and greet, and transfer from airport direct to Montanita. Price is $70-$80USD (depending on time of day/night

3. Many peoples if arriving on the 1 am flights, stay at the airport for 2 hours and then catch a taxi to the Bus terminal (see above)

From Manta: Go to the bus terminal. From here catch the bus to Montañita. Some will go direct (about 3 hours) and some will have a stop over (about 4 hours). Unfortunately just because you got a ‘directo’ doesn’t mean that it won’t stop!

From Quito: There are direct buses to Jipijapa, Portoviejo or Puerto Lopez. From each of these locations you need to change bus and get a different direct bus to Montañita. Puerto Lopez (only 30 minutes from Montañita) is normally the easiest to do this. Total time will be about 8-10 hours depending on transfer times.

OR Catch a plane to Guayaquil (about $50USD if you pre book) and then catch a bus from there (read above). The main domestic airlines are: Aerogal Aerolitoral Atesa Austro Aéreo Ícaro

Once you are in Montañita

There is no street addresses (or in fact a postal service) in Montanita – so you will have to follow some directions!

Our school is right in the centre of town, in front of the main beach.

From the bus stop, walk down the main road towards the sea, about 80 metres/yards.

You reach a ‘main’ intersection, turn right. This is the main street of Montanita

Walk to the end (100 metres/yards) to the only ‘T’ intersection. Western Union is on your left. Turn left and we are almost right in front of you.

We are easy to find.
If in doubt ask for us, or the Western Union, or Cana Grill (everyone knows this one, and we are directly in front of it).

Please note that the school is open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. If you are coming outside of these hours, please email me so I can give you different directions. ALSO, Carlos the school warden and his family live below our school, so even on weekends/after hours he is there and you can ring the bell and he will find us for you!

How do I book.
Email and ask for an application form, and the process starts!

Email us at: info@montanitaspanishschool.com

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