The Ruta del Sol, or in english Sun Route or The Route of the Sun, is part of the Spondylus Route and is best known for being the first tourist passage that the Ecuadorian Coast had. It is also called as the Manabi-Santa Elena Route, since it is made up of the beaches of both coastal provinces.
This route is a good option for those who are new to this adventure along the Ecuador Coastal Region because it is shorter than the Spondylus Route.
Ruta del Sol Map
This route begins in Salinas (Santa Elena) and ends in Pedernales (Manabi). As we already mentioned, it only involves Santa Elena beaches and Manabi beaches .
How to travel the Route of the Sun?
The best way to travel this Sun Route is with your own vehicle. Why? You can travel with your own itinerary and you can stop anywhere. If you don’t have your own car, you can also rent one.
The other best way to get around is by bus. It is much cheaper than hiring tours, the roads are good and the best thing is that you can inform yourself with the local people who go on the bus. The buses, in addition, can drop you off in places near the beaches in case they do not go directly to where you want to go. And from there you can take another bus, or even a taxi that will not charge you much if the place is nearby.
You finally have the tour option. The advantage is that they plan the entire itinerary for you and you can visit several places without having to worry about how to get there or what to eat. The downside is that you go with their time, and obviously, their destinations.
Sun Route beaches
| Santa Elena | Manabi |
|---|---|
| Salinas | Ayampe |
| Ayangue | Las Tunas |
| Ballenita | Puerto Rico |
| Santa Elena | Salango Island |
| Olon | Salango |
| Montañita | Puerto Lopez |
| Manglaralto | Los Frailes beach |
| Libertador Bolivar | Puerto Cayo |
| Chulluype | Pile |
| Palmar | San Lorenzo |
| Monteverde | Liguiqui |
| San Pedro | Santa Marianita |
| San Pablo | San Mateo |
| Valdivia | Piedra Larga |
| Playa Rosada | Barbasquillo |
| Punta Blanca | Manta |
| Punta Centinela | Crucita |
| Punta Barandúa | San Jacinto |
| Punta Carnero | San Clemente |
| Anconcito | Bahía de Caráquez |
| Ancon | San Vicente |
| Capaes | Canoa |
| Chanduy | Briceño |
| Pacoa | Jama |
| La Libertad | Pedernales |
| Las Núñez | |
| La Entrada |
Also read: Ecuador Surf Route guide
