Volunteer at a Ecological farm, or help the children and teachers at the local school
Montañita and Spanish School
Montañita is a very special place. Feedback comes from our students all the time that 'it is safe,' 'it is friendly' and it is 'genuine'. Students often call it an 'Oasis'. It may be famous, but it's uniquely small. The houses and restaurants are still largely constructed of bamboo, and until recently thestreets were still sand!
Montañita is small, so it's not long before you get to know many people and make friends with other students and the locals. Everyone seems to carry a smile, and be happy to say hello.
The school and our teachers are relaxed, professional and friendly. The school building is right on the beach and was one of the original large homes in town, so it has a nice, intimate, friendly and peaceful feel to it.
Montañita is a brilliant beach, has great surfing and lots of activities nearby. These activities include wildlife tours to Isla de la Plata, the Galapagos Islands, many beaches, horse trekking into the cloud forest, massages, spas and much more.
Our greatest recommendation is that so many students tell us they want to come back, and many do! The record so far is 7 times…. Maybe we need to change our logo to 'I'll be back!'
Intensive Mini Group Spanish
Montañita Spanish School provides small mini-group Spanish. We pride ourselves on the quality of these courses. There are 4 lessons per day, 5 days per week. With 6 different ability groups you wil be with others also keen to learn at the same level. The levels follow the standard European Educational system of A 1 to C 2. By having others in your class it is an excellent way to stay motivated, practise what you are learning and meet other students.
Classes consist of 2 hours of largely grammar-based learning. We still try to make it fun! Then there are 2 hours of more conversational or activity-based Spanish, to put into practise what you have learned. We have found this approach to be extremely effective.
The groups are very small, normally 2-4 persons. In fact, the maximum per class is only 4! So you will get lots of attention, and your learning needs are catered for. Occasionally we will not meet our minimum numbers per class in your ability group. In this case your lessons will be replaced with 15 hours of private one-on-one lessons.
Private One on One
Some people learn best with individual attention. If this is you, then we suggest our private classes. With our teacher only focused on your needs, you can guarantee that you will learn quickly and efficiently. This is often the best route to take if you are limited on time, if you have specialised Spanish to learn or just because it suits your learning style best. The teacher will be following a well proven course syllabus, but is free to concentrate on any weaknesses you have or to discuss in conjunction with you and areas you want to improve. Our teachers are all qualified professionals and with private classes your Spanish will improve rapidly.
Spanish and Surf
Montañita is the home of surfing in Ecuador and known as one of the best surfing sites anywhere in South America! If you can already surf, just take some of the Spanish and head for the break! If you can't surf, but always wanted to, or are a beginner, why not combine your Spanish by taking surfing lessons? Montañita is one of the best places you could possibly find to start your new surfing passion!
First, there are very CONSISTENT waves ALL YEAR! The waves are very manageable at low tide for beginners and are bigger and more powerful at high tide. Also, the closer to the point you go, the bigger the wave sets are. Therefore you can choose your level of surfing very easily. This makes Montañita perfect for all levels and abilities from beginners to very experienced.
Montañita also 'eats and breathes' surfing. It IS the culture. So you will very soon become immersed in surfing. Lastly, there are hundreds of miles of other breaks all along the coast. If you want a deserted first class break, you can easily find it! AND, surf boards ARE allowed in local buses.
Spanish and Volunteer
There are several Spanish and Volunteering options in and around Montañita.
The main options are:
1.
Elementary/Primary SchoolThis is a typical poor village school. The children are super friendly. It is not long before the local children are coming up to you in the street to say 'Hola'. You will be helping the teacher, especially with teaching some English (don't worry, expectations are not high, and you don't need experience).
You can also be helping with arts, crafts or sports if you wish. Please note that the school is a 5-minute bus trip (25 cents each way) from our school.
2. Local Children's Nursery
You can help at a local nursery for half a dozen local poor children. There is strong community spirit and the local community encourages you to become involved. This is often extremely rewarding, making friends and helping the local children. There are very few resources and help is really needed. Your input is appreciated.
3. Local Veterinary
Volunteer with the local veterinarian Otta, as he takes care of the local animals, many of which have been neglected. Be fully involved in the day to day life at a veterinary in a small town. Work often includes travelling out to local small fincas (farms).
4. Ecological Project
Just 12 miles (20 km) from Montañita is an amazing project. Tucked in a valley is a very proactive ecological program. Designed to replant and replenish the trees around this area, the project has been very successful. Your day will be spent helping out with planting, pruning and the daily life of a farm passionate about restoring nature to its pristine, feeding animals and helping with bird watching. There is also a local remote elementary school where you can teach English. This project is part of an award-winning organisation (world's top Eco Lodge 2007) and is highly regarded.
The program includes:
1-week intensive Spanish at Montañita. 20 hours per week and includes dorm accommodation.
4 weeks volunteering at the project. This is residential and includes 3 meals per day and dorm accommodation.
Accommodation
Cabanas:
We have made a big effort to be ecologically friendly. This includes much of the building materials being ecologically friendly, using recycled water to feed our large and growing garden (please bring biodegradable soap and shampoo if possible), solar outside lighting, rainwater collection for swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a recycling system, all to help the environment.
Our accommodation is a perfect combination of location, quietness and luxury! The main are also includes a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and large communal kitchen.
Cabanas! (seven only)
They are large and extremely attractive. Full ensuite (private bathroom) facilities. Single or double occupancy, and therefore perfect for those solo, couples or when with a friend.
Cabanas with kitchen. (two only)
We have one cabana, a little larger than most of the others, that has been outfitted with a kitchen. Great for a couple wishing to do their own cooking in private. Tastefully decorated.
Suite/Family Cabana (one only)
Large kitchen, private bathroom. This is perfect for those wanting extra space or for a family.
Shared Mini Dorm
These are large, private and quiet. A maximum of only four per dorm allows you plenty of space. They are perfect for the traveller on a low budget!
Home StayWith your Ecuadorian host family you have the opportunity to be fully immersed in Ecuadorian life. It is important to understand that you will be located in the local village. It is quite poor and won't have the conveniences you will be used to. It is full immersion in Ecuadorian life. There will be a flush toilet and your own bed. You will be roomed by yourself (unless you are a couple). The families are very friendly, but the facilities are basic by western standards. The families all enjoy chatting with you (they are used to people not speaking much Spanish!) to find out about your home,family, what you like, etc. These chats normally after dinner are a highlight for many students and the perfect way to practise the Spanish you have learned.
The local school at Montanita deals with many poor children. There is strong community sprit and the local community encourages you to become involved. This is often extremely rewarding, making friend and helping the local children. There are very few resources, nad help is really needed. Your input is is appreciated, and it is not long before the local children are coming up to you in the street to say Hola.
Montanita
Montañita is a funky cool place. This is due to both its charm and excellent surfing. Over the last few years it has been discovered and is now THE place to hang out on the coast. Although its still small it is a booming beachside retreat attracting both international travellers as well as an alternative Ecuadorian crowd. It is therefore a great place to learn Spanish, meet other travellers and also practise your Spanish with local Ecuadorians. Pavement culture thrives in Montañita village and the two main roads are lined with outdoor cafes in which to sit, and experience the uniqueness. The food is delicious, and cheap!, a great choice of pancakes and tropical fruit for breakfast and fantastic fresh seafood for the rest of the day.
Montanita is known as the best location in Ecuador for surfing. Or perhaps you would like to scuba dive? With many dive sites, and the famous Isla Del Plata not far away the diving is also world class. We mentioned Isla del Plata for a good reason. Almost all the guide books call it the 'poor mans Galapogas' and this is exactly what it is. Stemming with wild life, at a fraction of the cost! Then there is Agua Blanca - an extremely important and interesting archaeological site. Playa Frailes is known as the most beautiful beach in Ecuador, and perhaps on the planet! But there are many stunning beaches close by...to walk, swim or horse ride! Puerto Lopez is a great traditional fishing port and of course the this part of the coast is world famous for its whale watching.
Surfing
Montañita is the home of surfing in Ecuador, and known as one of the best sites anywhere in South America! If you can already surf, just take some of the Spanish and head for the break! If you can surf, and always wanted to, or are a beginner why not combine your Spanish by taking surfing lessons? Montaniita is one of the best places you could possibly find to start your new surfing passion!
First, there is very CONSISTENT waves ALL YEAR! The waves are very manageable at low tide for beginners, and are bigger and more powerful at high tide. Also, The closer to the point you go, the bigger the wave sets are. Therefore you can choose your level of surfing very easily. This makes Montanita perfect for all levels and abilities from beginners to very experienced.
Montanita also 'eats and breathes' surfing. It IS the culture. So you will very soon become immersed in surfing. Lastly, there are hundreds of miles of other breaks all although the coast. If you want a deserted first class break you can easily find it! AND, surf boards ARE allowed in local buses.
Accomodation
Special Cabanas!
There is a very limited number of cabanas. They are extremely attractive and finished in native bamboo style, Full ensuite facilities. They are normally double occupancy, and therefore perfect for couples or when with a friend. A single supplement is available.
Shared Mini Dorm
These are constructed of traditional native bamboo and blend in perfectly with the surrounding. A maximum of only three per dorm allows you plenty of space. They are basic, but perfect for the traveller on a low budget!Home Stay
With your Ecuadorian host family you have the opportunity to be fully immersed in Ecuadorian life. It is important to understand the families are quite poor and wont have the conveniences you will be used to. It is full immersion in Ecuadorian life. There will be flush toilet and your bed. Most often you will be roomed by yourself but sometimes you will to share your room for short periods. The families are very friendly but the facilities are basic by western standard. Most families only speak Spanish, so its a great opportunity to really practice your Spanish and become immersed. the families wish for you to become involved in their Ecuadorian lifestyle, but also respect your privacy. We carefully choice our families, and they are active member of the local communtiy.
Prices start from £550GBP for a 1 month placement, spanish lessons and accomodation included. Prices vary depending on spanish lessons and accomodation type. See our booking page for details of packages or contact us for more information
Prices
Montanita, Spanish and Volunteer 1-month (possible extension if required)
Prices start from £550GBP for a 1 month placement, spanish lessons and accomodation included. Prices vary depending on spanish lessons and accomodation type. See our booking page for details of packages or contact us for more information
Dates
Ongoing. Please contact us to check avaialability Please contact us at mail@swaptravel.org for more information. Bookings can be made through our website once Montanita school has been contacted and the placement has been confirmed If interested in Surfing and Spanish lessons, please fill out the Application form and send to mail@swaptravel.org
Booking
A deposit (20% of total price) can be made to SWAP to reserve your place on the program.
Montañita Spanish School: Important General Info for Students
We hope that you enjoy your stay with us. Following is some general info for you:
Spanish School hours: Normally 8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. It may be open at other hours as well! We normally lock the door before 6pm.
First Day: On your first Monday please make sure you arrive at the school at 7.40 am for orientation, assessment test (if not done prior) etc. An orientation of town is normally held later.
Timetable: This is normally put on the notice board on each Friday morning (or before) for the next week. If you have any requests or any changes, please contact the school manager on Wednesday morning. Occasionally there may be changes to the timetable, so please check regularly. If you are on the timetable for the next week and don't inform the school manager a week before of non attendance, you are still expected to pay for your classes.
Text Books: We have Grammar ($10 deposit), Exercise ($10 deposit) and Vocabulary ($4 deposit) and Montañita Activity books ($4 deposit). Pay the deposit and they are yours for the duration. If you return them, you receive your deposit back, or you can keep them. This is not compulsory but is recommended.
Activities: There is a list up on the notice board. Please look and write down your name for any activities you wish to do. We do not make any money on activities; the price is the actual price.
Make the most of you time here and do lots of things! Activities include wildlife tours to Isla de la Plata, horse riding, cooking classes, surf tours, dancing, etc.
Snacks: For students starting class at 8am we normally provide a light snack to tide you over!
Feedback: There is a feedback form available. Please fill this out on Fridays and place in feedback box. We appreciate your feedback.
Use of Kitchen: You can use the kitchen at breaks and lunch time. But please clean up completely when you have finished.
General Maintenance: If something is not working please tell David! If you run out of toilet paper tell David or our cleaner Anna (both only speak Spanish so are excellent to practice with!).
Surfing/Dancing lessons: Isidro organises all our surfing lessons. He also runs many of our activities. He is very multi-talented! In fact he has competed at the World Surfing Championships representing Ecuador (17th in the world!), and is also an excellent Salsa teacher.
Surfboard Rentals: These can be rented from Julie in our office. The rules are simple; you break it you fix it! Please check carefully before you take it out, and if it is damaged (and not recorded in the book) do not use it or you will be responsible to pay to it. We rent only to our students, and at amuch better rate than anyone else in town.
Our board rental is: $50 per week, $80 for 2 weeks, $100 for three weeks and $120 for up to a month.
Buying surfboards. For longer stay students, we often recommend you buy a board, use it, and aweek before you depart, sell it again. This can work out to a very cheap 'rental'.
How to arrive:
Getting to Montañita:
There are TWO main ways:
1. Fly to Guayaquil and catch a 2.5 hour luxury bus or private transfer to Montañita
2. Fly to Quito and then fly domestic to Guayaquil (30 min and $50), then catch a 2.5 hour
luxury bus or private transfer to Montañita
MORE DETAILS on each option:
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') by taxi which should cost about $3. 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). CLP will tell you where the bus is departing - but
13
normally its on the second (ie top) 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.
OR get our personalised transfer from the airport direct to your accommodation in Montañita (see
below)
What happens if I am arriving late into Guayaquil?
There are 3 options
1. After 2 pm - we can offer you an 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 $80
For both 1 and 2, You must email the contact below to organise the Hotel or the Transport.
Nelly Pincay
Sales & Reservation Manager
Hotel Las Peñas
Escobedo 1215 entre 9 de Octubre y Vélez
Tel. (593) 2 323355
reservas@hlpgye.ec
For last minute changes (ie not during normal office hours) for airport pick up (ie plane missed etc)
please inform the Driver direct:
Drivers Name is Andres (only speaks Spanish!)
phone number if IN Ecuador 09 4392787
Phone number if calling from another country
Ecuador (00593) 9 4392787
3. Some people if arriving on the 1am flights, stay at the airport for 3 hours and then catch a taxi to
the Bus terminal (see above)
Arriving to Quito?
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. We do not recommend this option.
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 etc.
Once you are in Montañita
There are no street addresses (or in fact a postal service) in Montañita - so you will have to follow
some directions and the map!
The Spanish School (see map)
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 Montañita
Walk to the end (100 metres/yards) to the only 'T' intersection. Western Union is on your left. Turnleft 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 directions to your accommodation
Cabanas (see map - labelled accommodation)
From the bus stop, keep walking along the 'main' road (i.e. hill on your right) for approx 150 metres.
Cross the only road bridge and immediately on your right is a road and a sign (Montañita Cabanas
50 metres - this is us!). Walk the 50 metres and we are on your right. David the cabanas manager is
normally there and our other students. In the main communal area beside the big screen TV is also a
room list with names. David's cell is 094020106. He only speaks Spanish.
Home Stays
We have six home stays in town. Below are maps to two we use regularly for agents. If we book
your client into another, please email us for a map.
MAPS
Visa Requirements
Ecuador is a country with one of the most 'open door' policies in the world! There was a change in
laws in October 2008, and now every country in the world does not require a pre Visa. There is an
15
auto Visa as you present your passport at the airport for 90 days. For stays over 90 days a Student
Visa for up to 1 year needs to be organised. We can provide the documentation for this. A Student
Visa needs to be organised before the trip from the students home country.
What to Bring
- Bring plenty of sun cream!!!!
- sun hat for midday rays
- insect repellent (there is very few, and we have mozie nets over your bed- but just in case its
always good to bring some!)
- shorts
- swimming togs/swimsuit x 2
- lots of t-shirts/singlets
- toiletries
- towels x 2 (one small one beach)
- torch
- one warm top (unlikely you will use it!)
- long sleeve tops x 2
- jandals/tevas
- one pair long pants
- rain jacket or small umbrella (please note that is hardly ever rains in Montañita! 320+dry days
every year!)
- camera
- sunglasses
- travel adaptors - US style 2 flat pins
- small first aid kit
- A book for writing your Spanish in, and a notebook (however these can be bought in Montañita)
- Surf board if you have one!
- BIG Latino-style smile!