Portal:The Peninsula

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The Peninsula La Península

The westernmost point of mainland Ecuador — three cities, dozens of fishing villages, eight thousand years of human history, and the most diverse stretch of Pacific coast in the country.

200K+ Urban population

3 Cantons

15 km Coastline (Salinas)

8,000 yrs Human history

The Three Cantons

The Santa Elena Peninsula is administered as three cantons (municipalities) within Santa Elena Province. They form a continuous urban conglomeration known locally as "La Península."

Salinas Canton Ecuador's most famous beach resort. The westernmost canton, combining tourism, fishing, salt production, and the Naval Base at La Chocolatera. Population: 86,801 (2022) Key places: La Chocolatera, Chipipe, Anconcito Cantonized: 1937

La Libertad Canton The commercial and industrial heart of the peninsula. The largest city, busiest fishing port, and transport hub connecting the coast to Guayaquil. Population: ~100,000 (est.) Key places: Terminal Terrestre, El Paseo Mall Cantonized: 1993

Santa Elena Canton The provincial capital and largest canton by area. Home to the Las Vegas culture archaeological site and the famous Amantes de Sumpa museum. Population: ~150,000 (est.) Key places: Amantes de Sumpa, Ancón, Chanduy Cantonized: 1839

Towns & Villages

Beyond the three main cities, the peninsula includes a ring of smaller towns and fishing villages:

Salinas Canton Anconcito — major artisanal fishing port south of Salinas Ancón — historic oil town; Ecuador's first commercial well (1911) Ballenita — coastal town with clifftop whale watching Baños de San Vicente — thermal baths and mud pools inland La Libertad Canton La Libertad — commercial capital, transport hub

Santa Elena Canton Santa Elena — provincial capital Chanduy — fishing village and Chanduy salt flats Punta Blanca — remote beach and surf break Baños de San Vicente — geothermal springs near Santa Elena

Explore by Topic

Outdoor Activities

The peninsula offers a wide range of water sports, nature activities, and land-based outdoor pursuits. See: Outdoor Activities (La Peninsula)

• Surfing · Whale Watching · Birdwatching
• Snorkeling · Scuba Diving · Kayaking
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding · Swimming
• Fishing · Deep Sea Fishing

Living & Practical

Guides for residents, long-term visitors, and expats. See: Living & Practical (La Peninsula)

• ATM & Banking · Medical Services · Internet Service Providers
• Supermarkets · Taxis and Taxi Apps · Emergency Contacts
• Police & Security

Places of Interest

• La Chocolatera — Ecuador's westernmost point; two ocean currents meet
• Amantes de Sumpa — 8,000-year-old burial site; Las Vegas culture
• Whale Watching Season — humpbacks June–September offshore