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<span style="font-size:3em; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:2px;">ECUAWIKI</span><br/>
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-style:italic; opacity:0.92;">The Living Guide to the Peninsula and Ruta del Spondylus</span><br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-size:0.95em; opacity:0.80;">🌊 &nbsp; Salinas &nbsp;·&nbsp; La Libertad &nbsp;·&nbsp; Santa Elena &nbsp;·&nbsp; Ballenita &nbsp;·&nbsp; Ancón &nbsp;·&nbsp; Anconcito &nbsp;·&nbsp; Punta Blanca &nbsp;·&nbsp; Ayangue &nbsp;·&nbsp; Manglaralto &nbsp;·&nbsp; Dos Mangas &nbsp;·&nbsp; Montañita &nbsp;·&nbsp; Olon &nbsp;·&nbsp; San Jose &nbsp;·&nbsp; Las Nuñez &nbsp;·&nbsp; La Entrada &nbsp;·&nbsp; La Rinconada &nbsp;·&nbsp; Ayampe &nbsp;·&nbsp; Las Tunas &nbsp; 🌊</span>
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== About EcuaWiki ==
'''EcuaWiki''' is a collaborative, community-run documentation project covering the '''Santa Elena Peninsula''' and the '''Ruta del Spondylus''' coast of Ecuador. It exists to provide honest, practical, up-to-date information for residents, newcomers, expats, and visitors — in one place, maintained by the people who actually live here.


Founded and maintained by [[User:Stephan Kleeblatt|Stephan Kleeblatt]], the wiki covers everything from bus fares to bureaucracy, from the best cevichería in La Libertad to how to get your cédula. It is a work in progress, and '''your contributions make it better'''.
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* '''Status:''' Active — articles being added regularly. [[Special:RecentChanges|See recent changes]].
<div style="font-size:2.8em; font-weight:bold; line-height:1.05; margin-bottom:10px; letter-spacing:-0.5px;">ECUA<span style="color:#7dd3f0;">WIKI</span></div>
* '''Help:''' [[Help:Formatting|How to edit]] · [[Wiki Guidelines|Contribution guidelines]] · [[How to Donate|Support the project]]


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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:1em; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.72); max-width:640px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.7;">You just arrived. Or you're thinking about it. Or you've been here three years and still can't figure out how the bus system works. <strong style="color:#ffffff;">This wiki is for all of you.</strong></div>


=== [[Portal:Peninsula|🌊 The Peninsula]] ===
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.9em; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.55); max-width:600px; margin-bottom:26px; line-height:1.65;">EcuaWiki covers the <strong style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.8);">Santa Elena Peninsula</strong> and the <strong style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.8);">Ruta del Spondylus</strong> coast — written by residents, for residents. No ads. No algorithms. Just people who live here sharing what they know.</div>
The Santa Elena Peninsula is the westernmost point of mainland Ecuador — a compact strip of Pacific coast with eight thousand years of human history, three cities, dozens of fishing communities, the country's first oil well, and some of the most diverse beach conditions in South America: from the resort surf of Salinas to the wild cliffs of Ancón to the flamingo lagoons of the salt flats.


[[Portal:Peninsula| The Peninsula's]] three cantons — '''[[Salinas]]''', '''[[La Libertad]]''', and '''[[Santa Elena (City)|Santa Elena]]''' — form a continuous urban conurbation of over 200,000 people. Around them, a ring of smaller parishes and coastal settlements offer quieter, more authentic encounters with the coast.
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'''[[La Libertad]]'''<br/><small>The commercial heart. Markets, oil, fishing port, and the pulse of daily peninsula life.</small>
<div style="font-size:1.45em; font-weight:bold; color:#7dd3f0; line-height:1;">🌊</div>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:3px;">Salinas · La Libertad · Santa Elena</div>
'''[[Santa Elena (City)|Santa Elena]]'''<br/><small>The provincial capital. Home to UPSE, the Amantes de Sumpa, and 8,000 years of archaeology.</small>
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<div style="font-size:1.45em; font-weight:bold; color:#7dd3f0; line-height:1;">🏄</div>
'''[[Salinas]]'''<br/><small>The tourism capital. Beaches, whale watching, nightlife, and the westernmost point of Ecuador.</small>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:3px;">Montañita · Olón · Manglaralto</div>
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<div style="font-size:1.45em; font-weight:bold; color:#7dd3f0; line-height:1;">📋</div>
'''[[Ballenita]]'''<br/><small>Fishing village, whale viewpoints, surf at Chulluype, and the extraordinary Farallón Dillon.</small>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:3px;">Visas · Cédulas · Banking · Residency</div>
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'''[[Ancón]]'''<br/><small>Ecuador's first oil well (1911). British company-town architecture. Dramatic cliffs. Heritage geosite.</small>
<div style="font-size:1.45em; font-weight:bold; color:#7dd3f0; line-height:1;">🐋</div>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-top:3px;">Whale season: June – September</div>
'''[[Anconcito]]'''<br/><small>The fishing capital of the peninsula. Fresh langosta, active artisanal port, and bitumen-seep cliffs.</small>
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'''[[Punta Blanca]]'''<br/><small>3.7 km of white-cliff beach, surf at the Espigón break, and the most family-focused coast on the peninsula.</small>
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'''[[Baños de San Vicente]]'''<br/><small>Hot springs and a mud volcano in the interior. The peninsula's most unusual natural attraction.</small>
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'''[[Punta Blanca]]'''<br/><small>The "Vip Escape": Known for its upscale beach houses and a more private, refined atmosphere compared to nearby Salinas.</small>
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=== 🗺️ The Ruta del Spondylus ===
North of the peninsula, the Ruta del Spondylus (E-15) follows the coast through a succession of fishing villages, surf beaches, and nature reserves toward Manabí Province. See '''[[portal:Ruta del Spondylus]]''' for the complete guide.


 
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🤿 '''[[Ayangue]]'''




<small>Turquoise bay · Snorkeling · Hidden cove</small>
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🌳 '''[[Manglaralto]]'''


<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:4px;">New to the Peninsula?</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.87em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.6; margin-bottom:14px;">Here are the five things most newcomers need to sort out first. The wiki has a page for each one.</div>


<small>Old-growth mangroves · Serene · Local soul</small>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:6px;"
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🏄 '''[[Montañita]]'''
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<div style="font-size:20px; margin-bottom:4px;">🪪</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.82em; color:#003d5c;">[[Cédulas|Get your cédula]]</div>
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<div style="font-size:20px; margin-bottom:4px;">🏦</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.82em; color:#003d5c;">[[ATM & Banking|Open a bank account]]</div>
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<div style="font-size:20px; margin-bottom:4px;">🌐</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.82em; color:#003d5c;">[[Internet Service Providers|Get internet]]</div>
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<div style="font-size:20px; margin-bottom:4px;">🏥</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.82em; color:#003d5c;">[[Medical Services|Find a doctor]]</div>
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<div style="font-size:20px; margin-bottom:4px;">🚍</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.82em; color:#003d5c;">[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Learn the buses]]</div>
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</div>


<small>Epic surf · Nightlife energy · Global hub</small>
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🌊 '''[[Olón]]'''


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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Explore the Coast</span>
<span style="flex:1; height:1px; background:#d0dce8; display:block;"></span>
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<small>Infinite horizon · Sanctuary · Family retreat</small>
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:12px;"
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🏠 '''[[Curia]]'''
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; background:#ffffff;">
 
<div style="height:5px; background:#003d5c;"></div>
<div style="padding:18px 20px;">
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#0093c4; margin-bottom:4px;">Portal</div>
<div style="font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:8px;">[[Portal:Peninsula|🌊 The Peninsula]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.6; margin-bottom:12px;">Three cantons, dozens of fishing villages, 8,000 years of history, and the most diverse stretch of Pacific coast in Ecuador.</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.81em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.9;">→ [[Salinas]] · [[La Libertad]] · [[Santa Elena (City)|Santa Elena]]<br/>→ [[Ballenita]] · [[Ancón]] · [[Anconcito]] · [[Punta Blanca]]<br/>→ [[Amantes de Sumpa]] · [[La Chocolatera]]</div>
<div style="margin-top:13px;"><span style="background:#003d5c; color:#ffffff; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.81em; font-weight:bold; padding:6px 14px; border-radius:3px;">[[Portal:Peninsula|Open portal →]]</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:6px; overflow:hidden; background:#ffffff;">
<div style="height:5px; background:#0093c4;"></div>
<div style="padding:18px 20px;">
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold; color:#0093c4; margin-bottom:4px;">Portal</div>
<div style="font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:8px;">[[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|🏄 Ruta del Spondylus]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.84em; color:#6a6a6a; line-height:1.6; margin-bottom:12px;">The coastal highway north — surf towns, fishing coves, cloud-forest headlands, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador.</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.81em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.9;">→ [[Ayangue]] · [[Manglaralto]] · [[Montañita]] · [[Olón]]<br/>→ [[Curia]] · [[San José]] · [[Las Nuñez]] · [[Ayampe]]<br/>→ [[La Entrada]] · [[La Rinconada]] · [[Las Tunas]]</div>
<div style="margin-top:13px;"><span style="background:#0093c4; color:#ffffff; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.81em; font-weight:bold; padding:6px 14px; border-radius:3px;">[[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Open portal →]]</span></div>
</div>
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<small>Clifftop vistas · Quiet luxury · Coastal peace</small>
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🐎 '''[[San José]]'''


<!-- ── PRACTICAL LIVING (DOMINANT) ── -->
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<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Living on the Peninsula</span>
<span style="flex:1; height:1px; background:#d0dce8; display:block;"></span>
</div>


<small>Wild shores · Horseback riding · Untouched</small>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.85em; color:#7a7a7a; margin-bottom:14px; line-height:1.55;">The paperwork, the systems, and the things nobody explains to you when you arrive. These are the most-used practical pages on the wiki.</div>
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🎨 '''[[Las Nuñez]]'''


 
<!-- Paperwork / Finance / Legal trio -->
<small>Artistic spirit · Fishermen’s cove · Slow living</small>
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🌅 '''[[La Entrada]]'''
 
 
<small>Painted murals · Golden hour · Manabí gateway</small>
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🦜 '''[[La Rinconada]]'''
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:9px;">📋 Paperwork</div>
 
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.83em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">[[Visas]]<br/>[[Cédulas]]<br/>[[Drivers Licenses]]<br/>[[Residency]]</div>
 
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<small>Dramatic cliffs · Birdwatching · High views</small>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:9px;">💰 Finance</div>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.83em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">[[ATM & Banking|Banking &amp; ATMs]]<br/>[[Taxes]]<br/>[[Paying Utilities]]<br/>[[Shipping & Couriers]]</div>
🌿 '''[[Ayampe]]'''
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<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.92em; color:#003d5c; margin-bottom:9px;">⚖️ Legal &amp; Property</div>
 
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.83em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:2;">[[Property Laws]]<br/>[[Customs/Aduana]]<br/>[[Government Entities]]<br/>[[Legal Services]]</div>
<small>Yoga haven · Cloud forest · Surf & soul</small>
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🐋 '''[[Las Tunas]]'''
 
 
<small>Whale passage · Hanging bridges · Seafood</small>
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''[[Spondylus Route|Explore more →]]''
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=== 🛠️ Living on the Peninsula ===
<!-- Services grid -->
EcuaWiki covers the practical side of life in Santa Elena Province — the paperwork, the systems, and the things nobody explains to you when you arrive.
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<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🏥</span>'''[[Medical Services]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies</div>
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<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🚍</span>'''[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Public Transport]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Routes, fares, Terminal Sumpa</div>
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<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🌐</span>'''[[Internet Service Providers|Internet &amp; WiFi]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">ISPs, hotspots, mobile data</div>
|-
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<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🚕</span>'''[[Taxis and Taxi Apps|Taxis &amp; Apps]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Fair prices, which apps work</div>
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<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🐾</span>'''[[Veterinary Services]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Vets across the peninsula</div>
| style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; padding:10px 12px; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff;" |
<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">📦</span>'''[[Shipping & Couriers]]'''
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Send &amp; receive packages</div>
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📋 '''Paperwork'''<br/>
<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🏠</span>'''[[Rental Housing Guide]]'''
[[Visas]] · [[Cédulas]] · [[Drivers Licenses]] · [[Residency]]
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Apartments, real estate, tips</div>
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💰 '''Finance'''<br/>
<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">⛪</span>'''[[Religious and Spiritual Organizations]]'''
[[Banking]] · [[Taxes]] · [[Paying Utilities]] · [[ATM & Banking]]
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Churches, congregations</div>
| style="background:#fff8e1; border:1px solid #ffe082; padding:10px 14px; border-radius:6px; vertical-align:top; width:33%;" |
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⚖️ '''Legal'''<br/>
<span style="font-size:16px; margin-right:7px;">🛒</span>'''[[Supermarkets]]'''
[[Property Laws]] · [[Customs/Aduana]] · [[Government Entities]]
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.75em; color:#8a8a8a; margin-top:1px; margin-left:23px;">Where to find imports</div>
|}
|}


----


=== 🚍 Getting Around ===
<!-- ── EVENTS TABLE ── -->
* '''[[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula]]''' — Bus routes, lines, fares, and the Terminal Sumpa explained.
<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:32px 0 14px;">
* '''[[Taxis and Taxi Apps]]''' — What to pay, which apps work, and how to stay safe.
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Events &amp; Seasonal Guide</span>
* '''[[portal:Ruta del Spondylus]]''' — The complete guide to the northern coastal highway toward Montañita, Olón, and Manabí.
<span style="flex:1; height:1px; background:#d0dce8; display:block;"></span>
</div>


=== 🍴 Eat, Drink & Shop ===
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.88em; border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px;"
* '''[[Local Gastronomy]]''' — From encebollado to ceviche de canchalagua: the food of the peninsula.
! style="background:#003d5c; color:#ffffff; padding:8px 14px; text-align:left; font-weight:bold;" | Month
* '''[[Restaurant Directory La Peninsula]]''' — Community-reviewed listings across all towns.
! style="background:#003d5c; color:#ffffff; padding:8px 14px; text-align:left; font-weight:bold;" | What's Happening
* '''[[Supermarkets]]''' — Where to buy what, and where to find imports.
* '''[[Beaches]]''' — Which beach to go to, and for what.
 
=== 📅 Events & Seasonal Guide ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Month !! What's Happening
|-
|-
| December – May || High beach season. Salinas at full capacity. Best weather for swimming and water sports.
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#005f8a; font-weight:bold; white-space:nowrap;" | Dec – May
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#4a4a4a;" | High beach season. Salinas at full capacity. Best weather for swimming and water sports.
|-
|-
| February || [[Carnival en Salinas]] — the peninsula's biggest street celebration.
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#005f8a; font-weight:bold; white-space:nowrap;" | February
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#4a4a4a;" | [[Carnival en Salinas]] — the peninsula's biggest street celebration.
|-
|-
| June – September || [[Whale Watching Season]] — Humpback whales offshore. Best from Salinas, Ballenita, and Anconcito cliffs.
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#005f8a; font-weight:bold; white-space:nowrap;" | Jun – Sep
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#4a4a4a;" | [[Whale Watching Season]] — Humpback whales offshore. Best from Salinas, Ballenita, and Anconcito.
|-
|-
| October 7 || [[Santa Elena Provincialization Day]] — The province's most important civic holiday.
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#005f8a; font-weight:bold; white-space:nowrap;" | October 7
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#4a4a4a;" | [[Santa Elena Provincialization Day]] — the province's most important civic holiday.
|-
|-
| December 22 || [[Cantonización de Salinas]] — Week-long festivities and aquatic competitions.
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#005f8a; font-weight:bold; white-space:nowrap;" | December 22
| style="padding:8px 14px; border-top:1px solid #e8eef5; color:#4a4a4a;" | [[Cantonización de Salinas]] — week-long festivities and aquatic competitions.
|}
|}


|style="width:33%; vertical-align:top;"|


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9; margin-bottom:12px;"
| style="width:34%; vertical-align:top; padding-left:0;" |
| style="background:#005f8a; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 🚑 Emergency Contacts
 
|-
 
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: EMERGENCY ── -->
* '''General Emergency: 911'''
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
* [[Hospitals & Clinics]]
<div style="background:#7a0000; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🚑 Emergency Contacts</div>
* [[Police & Security]]
<div style="padding:12px 14px;">
* [[Pharmacies on Duty]] (Farmacias de Turno)
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:1.1em; font-weight:bold; color:#7a0000; margin-bottom:10px;">General Emergency: 911</div>
* [[Emergency Contacts]] — Full directory
* [[Hospitals & Clinics|Hospitals &amp; Clinics]]
|}
* [[Police & Security|Police &amp; Security]]
* [[Pharmacies on Duty|Farmacias de Turno]]
* [[Emergency Contacts|Full directory →]]
</div>
</div>
 
 
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: NEWCOMER CHECKLIST ── -->
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">✅ Newcomer Checklist</div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.7;">
A rough order for getting settled:


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9; margin-bottom:12px;"
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">1. [[Visas|Sort your visa status]]</div>
| style="background:#005f8a; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 📱 Community & Social
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">2. [[Cédulas|Get your cédula]]</div>
|-
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">3. [[Rental Housing Guide|Find housing]]</div>
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">4. [[ATM & Banking|Open a bank account]]</div>
Stay connected and get updates:
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">5. [[Internet Service Providers|Get internet set up]]</div>
* 🎥 [https://youtube.com/@YourChannel '''YouTube Channel''']
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">6. [[Medical Services|Register with a clinic]]</div>
* 👥 [https://facebook.com/YourPage '''Facebook Page''']
<div style="padding:5px 0; border-bottom:1px solid #e8eef5;">7. [[Paying Utilities|Sort water &amp; electricity]]</div>
* 💬 [https://whatsapp.com/channel/YourLink '''WhatsApp Channel''']
<div style="padding:5px 0;">8. [[Understanding Public Transportation in La Peninsula|Learn the bus routes]]</div>
</div>
</div>


'''[[Community Hub]]''' — Discussions, requests, and collaboration.
|}


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9; margin-bottom:12px;"
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: QUICK LINKS ── -->
| style="background:#005f8a; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 🔍 Quick Search
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
|-
<div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🔍 Quick Links</div>
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.88em;">
Jump straight to what you need:
* [[WiFi Hotspots]]
* [[WiFi Hotspots]]
* [[ATM & Banking]]
* [[ATM & Banking|ATM &amp; Banking]]
* [[Medical Services]]
* [[Internet Service Providers]]
* [[Shipping & Couriers]]
* [[Shipping & Couriers]]
* [[Veterinary Services]]
* [[Veterinary Services]]
* [[Religious and Spiritual Organizations]]
* [[Sightseeing in La Peninsula]]
* [[Sightseeing in La Peninsula]]
* [[Portal:Sports in La Peninsula]]
* [[Beaches]]
|}
* [[Local Gastronomy]]
* [[Portal:Sports in La Peninsula|Sports]]
</div>
</div>
 
 
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: COMMUNITY ── -->
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px;">
<div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">📱 Community &amp; Social</div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.88em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.75;">
Stay connected:
* [https://youtube.com/@YourChannel 🎥 YouTube Channel]
* [https://facebook.com/YourPage 👥 Facebook Page]
* [https://whatsapp.com/channel/YourLink 💬 WhatsApp Channel]
 
[[Community Hub|Community Hub →]]
</div>
</div>


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9; margin-bottom:12px;"
| style="background:#2e7d32; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 🏗️ Help Build the Wiki
|-
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
New here? Here's where to start:


* [[Wiki Guidelines]] — How to contribute
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: BUILD THE WIKI ── -->
* [[Special:CreatePage|Create a New Page]]
<div style="border:1px solid #0093c4; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden; margin-bottom:16px; background:#eaf5ee;">
* [[Help:Formatting|Wiki Syntax Guide]]
<div style="background:#1d6b40; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">🏗️ Help Build the Wiki</div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65;">
Know something the wiki doesn't? Add it.
* [[Wiki Guidelines|How to contribute]]
* [[Special:CreatePage|Create a new page]]
* [[Special:Upload|Upload a photo]]


'''Articles most needed right now:'''
'''Most needed right now:'''
* [[Internet Service Providers]]
* [[Internet Service Providers]]
* [[Shipping & Couriers]]
* [[Shipping & Couriers]]
* [[Veterinary Services]]
* [[Veterinary Services]]
* [[Baños de San Vicente]]
* [[Baños de San Vicente]]
* [[Ayangue]]
* [[Ayangue]] · [[Montañita]]
* [[Montañita]]
 
[[Special:WantedPages|All requested articles →]]
</div>
</div>
 


[[Special:WantedPages|See all requested articles →]]
<!-- ── SIDEBAR: SUPPORT ── -->
|}
<div style="border:1px solid #d0dce8; border-radius:5px; overflow:hidden;">
<div style="background:#005f8a; color:#ffffff; padding:9px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:10px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:bold;">💙 Support EcuaWiki</div>
<div style="padding:12px 14px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.86em; color:#4a4a4a; line-height:1.65;">
Free, ad-free, community-maintained. If this wiki helped you find a doctor, survive a visa process, or just figure out where to buy decent cheese — please consider keeping it running.
 
'''[[How to Donate|→ Support the project]]'''
</div>
</div>


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9; margin-bottom:12px;"
| style="background:#4e342e; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 📸 Photos Needed
|-
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
These pages need recent photos:
* '''Anconcito''' — Puerto Pesquero at dawn
* '''Ancón''' — British-era architecture & cliffs
* '''Ballenita''' — Mirador Caracol & Iglesia de las Conchas
* '''Punta Blanca''' — White cliffs & surf
* '''Santa Elena''' — Provincialization Day parade
* '''La Libertad''' — Mercado Central & Terminal Pesquero


[[Special:Upload|Upload a photo →]]
|}
|}
<!-- end two-column layout -->


{| style="width:100%; border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden; background:#f9f9f9;"
| style="background:#005f8a; color:white; padding:10px 14px; font-weight:bold; font-size:1.05em;" | 💙 Support EcuaWiki
|-
| style="padding:10px 12px;" |
EcuaWiki is free, ad-free, and community-maintained. Keeping it online has real costs.


If this wiki has been useful to you — before a move, during a visa process, finding a doctor, planning a trip — please consider helping keep it running.
<!-- ══════════════════════════════════════
    PLACES STRIP (FULL WIDTH)
══════════════════════════════════════ -->
<div style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:12px; margin:36px 0 16px;">
<span style="font-size:1.25em; font-weight:bold; color:#003d5c; white-space:nowrap;">Towns &amp; Villages</span>
<span style="flex:1; height:1px; background:#d0dce8; display:block;"></span>
</div>


'''[[How to Donate|→ Support the project]]'''
{| style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:7px;"
|-
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🌊</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[Salinas]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Resort · Nightlife · Whales</div>
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🐟</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[La Libertad]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Markets · Port · Commerce</div>
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🏛️</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[Santa Elena (City)|Santa Elena]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Archaeology · University</div>
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🤿</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[Ayangue]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Turquoise bay · Snorkeling</div>
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🏄</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[Montañita]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Surf · Nightlife · Global hub</div>
| style="width:16%; border:1px solid #98c1d9; border-radius:6px; padding:11px 8px; vertical-align:top; background:#f0f7f9; text-align:center;" |
<div style="font-size:17px; margin-bottom:3px;">🌊</div>
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:0.85em; color:#003d5c;">[[Olón]]</div>
<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.7em; color:#6a6a6a; margin-top:2px;">Peaceful · Family retreat</div>
|}
|}


|}
<div style="text-align:right; margin-top:6px; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.83em;">
[[Portal:Peninsula|All peninsula towns →]] &nbsp;·&nbsp; [[Portal:Ruta del Spondylus|Full Ruta del Spondylus →]]
</div>


----


=== 📸 Gallery of the Peninsula ===
<!-- ══════════════════════════════════════
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
    FOOTER
File:Salinas_Malecon.jpg|Sunset at the Salinas Malecón
══════════════════════════════════════ -->
File:La_Libertad_Fish_Market.jpg|Dawn at the Terminal Pesquero, La Libertad
<div style="margin-top:40px; padding-top:18px; border-top:1px solid #d0dce8; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.81em; color:#8a8a8a; line-height:1.7;">
File:Amantes_de_Sumpa_Museum.jpg|Museo Amantes de Sumpa, Santa Elena
'''EcuaWiki''' is maintained by [[User:Stephan Kleeblatt|Stephan Kleeblatt]] and the community. Free · Ad-free · [[Special:RecentChanges|Active]] · [[Help:Formatting|How to edit]] · [[Wiki Guidelines|Guidelines]] · [[How to Donate|Donate]]
File:Ancon_Oil_Well_1911.jpg|Ancón 1 — Ecuador's first oil well (1911)
</div>
File:Ballenita_Farallon_Dillon.jpg|Farallón Dillon, Ballenita
File:Anconcito_Puerto_Pesquero.jpg|Puerto Pesquero Artesanal, Anconcito
File:Punta_Blanca_White_Cliffs.jpg|The white cliffs of Punta Blanca
File:Whale_Watching_Salinas.jpg|Humpback whale off Salinas (July)
</gallery>


[[Category:Main Page]]
[[Category:Main Page]]

Revision as of 00:58, 26 March 2026


ECUAWIKI
You just arrived. Or you're thinking about it. Or you've been here three years and still can't figure out how the bus system works. This wiki is for all of you.
EcuaWiki covers the Santa Elena Peninsula and the Ruta del Spondylus coast — written by residents, for residents. No ads. No algorithms. Just people who live here sharing what they know.
🌊
Salinas · La Libertad · Santa Elena
🏄
Montañita · Olón · Manglaralto
📋
Visas · Cédulas · Banking · Residency
🐋
Whale season: June – September



New to the Peninsula?
Here are the five things most newcomers need to sort out first. The wiki has a page for each one.
🪪
🏦
🌐
🏥
🚍


Explore the Coast

Portal
Three cantons, dozens of fishing villages, 8,000 years of history, and the most diverse stretch of Pacific coast in Ecuador.
Portal
The coastal highway north — surf towns, fishing coves, cloud-forest headlands, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador.


Living on the Peninsula

The paperwork, the systems, and the things nobody explains to you when you arrive. These are the most-used practical pages on the wiki.
📋 Paperwork
💰 Finance
⚖️ Legal & Property

🏥Medical Services

Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies

🚍Public Transport

Routes, fares, Terminal Sumpa

🌐Internet & WiFi

ISPs, hotspots, mobile data

🚕Taxis & Apps

Fair prices, which apps work

🐾Veterinary Services

Vets across the peninsula

📦Shipping & Couriers

Send & receive packages

🏠Rental Housing Guide

Apartments, real estate, tips

⛪Religious and Spiritual Organizations

Churches, congregations

🛒Supermarkets

Where to find imports


Events & Seasonal Guide

Month What's Happening
Dec – May High beach season. Salinas at full capacity. Best weather for swimming and water sports.
February Carnival en Salinas — the peninsula's biggest street celebration.
Jun – Sep Whale Watching Season — Humpback whales offshore. Best from Salinas, Ballenita, and Anconcito.
October 7 Santa Elena Provincialization Day — the province's most important civic holiday.
December 22 Cantonización de Salinas — week-long festivities and aquatic competitions.



🚑 Emergency Contacts






💙 Support EcuaWiki

Free, ad-free, community-maintained. If this wiki helped you find a doctor, survive a visa process, or just figure out where to buy decent cheese — please consider keeping it running.

→ Support the project



Towns & Villages

🌊
Resort · Nightlife · Whales
🐟
Markets · Port · Commerce
🏛️
Archaeology · University
🤿
Turquoise bay · Snorkeling
🏄
Surf · Nightlife · Global hub
🌊
Peaceful · Family retreat


EcuaWiki is maintained by Stephan Kleeblatt and the community. Free · Ad-free · Active · How to edit · Guidelines · Donate

Retrieved from "http://ecuawiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=121"