Information about Salinas Ecuador real estate

Can you recommend a local hotel? What is the weather like? How do I get to Salinas? These are just some of the questions we are frequently asked.   See below for answers to these questions and other helpful information.

HOTELS
1. Hotel Amira, www.hotel-amira.com, just a block from the beach in a nice area of town, the hotel has a pool and small restaurant onsite.
2. Cocos Hostal, www.cocoshostal.com, located right on the Malecon in Salinas, surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars.
3. Hostal Aqui, www.hostalaqui.com, located at the start (quiet end) of the Malecon, just a block from the beach, owned by an American.
4. Barcelo Colon Miramar, the most luxurious hotel in Salinas, located on the Malecon, pool, several restaurants and casino onsite.
5. Hotel Playa Dorada, www.playadorada.com.ec, located about a mile from the Malecon in a quiet neighborhood, beachfront pool and direct beach access.
6. Farallon Dillon, www.farallondillon.com, located in Ballenita, about 5 miles north of Salinas. Incredible views, restaurant, pool, a great location for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
7. In Guayaquil Hotel Marcelius, www.hotelmarcelius.com, conveniently located to the airport restaurants and shopping, pool, small business center and restaurant onsite.
8.  In Cuenca Inca Real, www.hotelincareal.com.ec, located in the heart of the historic district, large selection of restaurants, shops and sightseeing within easy walking distance.
9. In Manta Balandra Hotel, www.hotelbalandra.com, located close to the beach and ammenities, individual guest cabins are available.

CLIMATE
We have two seasons in this area of coastal Ecuador. December through May is the warmer time of year. Sunny almost every day, with daytime temperatures in the mid to high 80s and nights in the 70s. It is also the rainy season, but with just 4 to 5 inches per year, this rain comes in the form of occasional showers. June through Novemer the cooler ocean current runs closer to shore, bring more cloud cover and a cooler breeze. It tends to be partly sunny to overcast, but not rainy. Daytime temperatures are typically in the high 70s to low 80s and nights in the 60s.

INSURANCE
Home owners insurance is available in Ecuador. For information, contact broker Mirella Fernanda Gorotiza Alcivar at mgorotiza@grupocana.com She also handles medical, auto and life insurance policies.

GETTING HERE
Plan to fly into the international airport in Guayaquil. From there it is less than 2 hours by car to Salinas. You can rent cars at the airport, but reserve in advance through an online travel site. You can also take a cab or private service to Salinas. From the main depot in Guayaquil, just a few miles from the airport, buses depart every half hour for Salinas during the daytime and early evening hours. For private car service we recommend local expat Will Rodriguez, who can be reached at willienavy70@gmail.com

WHAT TO PACK
This is the beach, so dress code is casual. That means shorts, jeans, tee shirts, sun dresses and a light jacket or sweater for cooler nights. Sandals and comfortable walking shoes are good to have. Bring a bottle of sun screen, especially if you are visiting during the warmer season.

MONEY
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, so no money exchange headaches! Do not bring travelers checks; very few places accept them. Avoid bills larger than $20, many merchants will not accept $50 or $100 bills. It is good to bring about $50 in one and five dollar bills for small purchases. ATM machines are readily available in the cities and larger towns, like Salinas. Avoid travelers checks. Most merchants do not accept them.

POPULATION
Salinas has about 60,000 year round residents. Combined with neighboring towns La Libertad, Santa Elena and Ballenita, the year round population is about 240,000.

AMMENITIES
Salinas, La Libertad and Santa Elena have a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, medical clinics and schools. There is a university in Santa Elena. La Libertad has a modern shopping mall with movie theater.  There is also a car dealership and several motorcycle dealers in the area.  Just about everything you need is right here in the Salinas area.