How to get to Salinas

Are you planning a holiday on the Pacific coast and looking for information on how to get to Salinas? This resort city, located on the Santa Elena Peninsula in Ecuador, is often referred to as "Little Miami" due to its high-rise buildings and wide sandy beaches. You can reach this popular tourist hub in various ways: by flying into the nearest major airport, taking an intercity bus, or enjoying a scenic drive by car.

Since there is no commercial airport directly in Salinas that handles scheduled international flights, the main aerial gateway for tourists is Guayaquil (GYE). This major transport hub is located approximately 120 km from the resort and receives numerous flights from around the world, ensuring a convenient connection to the coast.

Alternative options include flying via the city of Manta (MEC), located 140 km to the north, or even via Tumbes (TBP) in Peru if you are travelling from the south, although the distance of 160 km will require a longer transfer. Nevertheless, Guayaquil airport remains the most popular and logical choice for most travellers heading to the beaches of Salinas.

Rail services in this region are not well-developed, and there is no train station in the city of Salinas. Travellers should note that it is not possible to reach the resort exclusively by train, as the main transport burden here falls on the road networks.

The nearest major cities where you can plan a route before transferring to another mode of transport are Guayaquil and Manta. Even if your journey through Ecuador includes trips on historic railways in the mountains, the final leg of the journey to the ocean will have to be covered by bus or car.

Bus services are one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel to Salinas. Most services depart from the main terminal in the city of Guayaquil; buses run very frequently, literally every 15–20 minutes, covering the distance to the resort in approximately 2.5 hours along an excellent highway.

There are also direct or connecting routes from other regions of the country, including the capital, Quito, and the city of Manta. Travelling by bus is not only an economical option but also an opportunity to witness the changing landscapes, from tropical plantations to the arid coastal zones of the peninsula.

Travelling by car allows you to enjoy picturesque coastal views and plan stops at your own pace. The shortest and most popular route runs from the city of Guayaquil: the distance of 148 km can be comfortably covered in about 2 hours on the modern Via a la Costa motorway.

For those travelling along the coast from the north, the road from the city of Manta will take about 4 hours (distance — 226 km). Tourists heading from the direction of Peru, for example from the city of Tumbes, face a longer journey of 413 km, which will require about 6 hours of driving.

To ensure your holiday in Salinas is as comfortable and carefree as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations that take into account the local features of this Ecuadorian resort.

1. Clothing and Sun Protection. The equatorial sun is very active, so be sure to bring high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing made of natural fabrics. Even in cloudy weather, the risk of sunburn is high.
2. City Transport. It is convenient to get around the city by taxi, which is inexpensive here. Be sure to agree on the fare in advance before getting into the car, as meters are not always used.
3. Currency and Payment. The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. It is recommended to carry small denominations (1, 5, 10, 20 dollars), as vendors often do not have change for large notes. Cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential.
4. Safety. Salinas is a relatively safe resort, but observe basic precautions: do not leave belongings unattended on the beach and avoid unlit areas at night.
5. Language. The main language is Spanish. In tourist areas, staff may speak English, but knowing a few basic phrases in Spanish will be a great advantage and is appreciated by the locals.
6. Water and Hygiene. It is strongly advised not to drink tap water. Buy bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid stomach issues.
7. Seasonality. The high beach season lasts from December to April (warm and sunny, though rain is possible). From June to October, the weather is cooler and cloudier, but this is the best time for whale watching.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on your holiday, enjoying the ocean, fresh seafood, and the hospitality of the local residents.