Overview
Salinas is a coastal town on the western tip of Ecuador's Santa Elena province. It's known for its popular beaches, like San Lorenzo and Chipipe, which are both hugged by the palm-lined Malecón promenade.
Description
Near the promenade, the Museo de Ballenas features whales, dolphins and sea lions. Migratory humpback whales pass the rocky point of La Chocolatera, which offers panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. At first glance Salinas looks like Miami Beach: a row of tall white condominiums fronts a pale sandy expanse filled with sun worshippers. Although the backstreets look more ‘down-and-out’ than a playground for wealthy Ecuadorians, Salinas is one of the smarter beach towns and certainly the biggest resort town on the south coast. It also boasts the most westerly point on the Ecuadorian mainland – a scenic spot named La Chocolatera – a must-visit for those passing through.