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Ecuador🇪🇨 | townsJipijapaPlantain dumpling soup, toquilla straw hats, coffee and cacao stalls | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Jipijapa
👀 For curious travelerstown ranked #15
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Jipijapa once moved the world’s straw hats and coffee, and the trucks still rumble through, but travelers now come for the coast beyond it. This town sits in Manabí province in Ecuador, inland from the Pacific. I paid about US$2.50 for a bowl of caldo de bolas de verde, and that is the move here: eat the plantain dumplings, skip the lackluster plaza, and keep walking. Hostels are few, nights are quiet, and meeting backpackers means heading to Puerto López or Montañita. Use Jipijapa as a quick transit stop, and finish at the morning market where fruit trucks unload at dawn.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #15 town in EcuadorWhy Jipijapa should be on your travel list

Jipijapa earns a stop because it is the junction of the southern Manabí coast, so buses fan out from here toward Puerto López, Montecristi and Guayaquil. Most backpackers stay one night, or just a long lunch, and that suits the place. It is a working town, not a resort, so you eat among locals at the Mercado Central and see the paja toquilla (toquilla straw) weaving heritage up close. Evenings are calm, with few other travelers around. Solo travelers on a slow overland route and anyone curious about everyday coastal life will enjoy it. If you want hostels, nightlife or beach time, push on to the sea. Nearby Parque Nacional Machalilla is the real draw.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Mercado Central: the town’s true center, packed with fruit, fresh fish, coffee and plates of seco and caldo de bolas de verde. Go early, 6:30 to 9:00 AM, when stalls are fullest. Entry is free, a meal costs US$2 to 4, and an hour is plenty.
  2. Parque Central and Catedral: a plain but lively plaza where locals sit in the shade beside the cathedral. Late afternoon is best. It is free and takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  3. Museo Arqueológico de Jipijapa: a small collection of pottery and figurines from the Manteño and earlier coastal cultures. Visit in the morning. Expect free or around US$1 entry and about 45 minutes, though hours can vary.
  4. Straw hat and craft workshops: artisans in and around town work toquilla straw, and you can watch them weave and buy directly. Weekday mornings are best. Hats run roughly
… read more 👉
  1. Mercado Central: the town’s true center, packed with fruit, fresh fish, coffee and plates of seco and caldo de bolas de verde. Go early, 6:30 to 9:00 AM, when stalls are fullest. Entry is free, a meal costs US$2 to 4, and an hour is plenty.
  2. Parque Central and Catedral: a plain but lively plaza where locals sit in the shade beside the cathedral. Late afternoon is best. It is free and takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  3. Museo Arqueológico de Jipijapa: a small collection of pottery and figurines from the Manteño and earlier coastal cultures. Visit in the morning. Expect free or around US$1 entry and about 45 minutes, though hours can vary.
  4. Straw hat and craft workshops: artisans in and around town work toquilla straw, and you can watch them weave and buy directly. Weekday mornings are best. Hats run roughly US$10 to 40, and a visit takes about an hour.
  5. Coffee and cacao stalls: the surrounding hills grow coffee, and local vendors sell roasted beans and chocolate. Mornings are best. Expect US$3 to 8 per bag and 30 minutes.
Beyond town, Puerto López, Parque Nacional Machalilla, Isla de la Plata and Montecristi make good day trips. Start with Mercado Central, since breakfast there sets the rhythm of the whole town and the stalls thin out by late morning.
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Things to do near Jipijapa

Ecuador Paragliding Montañita

Ecuador Paragliding Montañita

4.8(24) 1h
From €59
per personViator
Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

Isla de la Plata: Wildlife Trails & Snorkeling at Machalilla Park

4.9(20)
From €54
per personViator
Bird Watching Tours with Sandra Plúa - Manabi, Ecuador

Bird Watching Tours with Sandra Plúa - Manabi, Ecuador

4.6(10) 5h
From €56
per personViator
Isla de la Plata Snorkeling Tour – Machalilla National Park

Isla de la Plata Snorkeling Tour – Machalilla National Park

4.6(9) 8h
From €90
per personViator
Whales Sea Lions and Snorkeling Experience from Puerto López

Whales Sea Lions and Snorkeling Experience from Puerto López

5.0(4) 3h
From €34
per personViator
Los Frailes and Agua Blanca Bike Tour

Los Frailes and Agua Blanca Bike Tour

3.9(7) 7h 30m
From €91
per personViator
Snorkeling tour and whales watching - Machalilla National Park

Snorkeling tour and whales watching - Machalilla National Park

5.0(3) 8h
From €90
per personViator
Magnificent Machalilla: Snorkel, Kayak & Wildlife Experience

Magnificent Machalilla: Snorkel, Kayak & Wildlife Experience

4.7(3) 6h
From €57
per personViator
Private Shuttle Guayaquil to Montañita or Montañita to Guayaquil- ( One Way)

Private Shuttle Guayaquil to Montañita or Montañita to Guayaquil- ( One Way)

4.3(3)
From €263
per personViator
Adventure in the Humid Forest of Machalilla National Park

Adventure in the Humid Forest of Machalilla National Park

5.0(1) 7h
From €82
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsHow different areas shape the experience

Jipijapa is compact, so you can cover every area on foot in an afternoon, and the sights are modest. Pick your spots and move.
  • Parque Central and the cathedral area: Start here. The main square, the Iglesia Matriz and surrounding streets hold the banks, ATMs and the best lunch counters. Order a bowl of the local corviche or a plate of seco. Shaded benches fill up by late afternoon, and it is flat and easy to walk.
  • Mercado Municipal area: Dive in early. Stalls sell coffee, bananas, cacao and the straw hats and crafts the region is known for. It is loud, crowded and the most authentic stretch in town. Skip it after lunch when things wind down.
  • Terminal terrestre district: Functional only. Buses come and go, and the fast-food stands are fine for a quick snack, but nothing here is worth lingering
… read more 👉
Jipijapa is compact, so you can cover every area on foot in an afternoon, and the sights are modest. Pick your spots and move.
  • Parque Central and the cathedral area: Start here. The main square, the Iglesia Matriz and surrounding streets hold the banks, ATMs and the best lunch counters. Order a bowl of the local corviche or a plate of seco. Shaded benches fill up by late afternoon, and it is flat and easy to walk.
  • Mercado Municipal area: Dive in early. Stalls sell coffee, bananas, cacao and the straw hats and crafts the region is known for. It is loud, crowded and the most authentic stretch in town. Skip it after lunch when things wind down.
  • Terminal terrestre district: Functional only. Buses come and go, and the fast-food stands are fine for a quick snack, but nothing here is worth lingering for.
  • Outer residential barrios: Quiet, hilly and mostly homes. Skip them unless a local invites you.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Jipijapa

7:00 AM, Mercado Central: Start with breakfast among the stalls. Order coffee, a fresh juice and a plate of bolón or caldo, then wander the fruit and fish aisles while sellers are at their liveliest. Walk five minutes to the plaza.
9:00 AM, Parque Central and Catedral: Sit under the trees and watch town routines unfold. Step into the cathedral for a quiet look, then head on foot to the archaeological museum.
10:30 AM, Museo Arqueológico: See the pottery and figurines that connect the area to the Manteño past. It is small, so you will not rush.
12:30 PM, Local lunch: Find a family comedor near the center for seco de pollo or ceviche. Rest through the hot early afternoon.
2:30 PM, Weaving and coffee workshops: Off the usual route, ask around the outskirts for artisans working toquilla straw or roasting … read more 👉
7:00 AM, Mercado Central: Start with breakfast among the stalls. Order coffee, a fresh juice and a plate of bolón or caldo, then wander the fruit and fish aisles while sellers are at their liveliest. Walk five minutes to the plaza.
9:00 AM, Parque Central and Catedral: Sit under the trees and watch town routines unfold. Step into the cathedral for a quiet look, then head on foot to the archaeological museum.
10:30 AM, Museo Arqueológico: See the pottery and figurines that connect the area to the Manteño past. It is small, so you will not rush.
12:30 PM, Local lunch: Find a family comedor near the center for seco de pollo or ceviche. Rest through the hot early afternoon.
2:30 PM, Weaving and coffee workshops: Off the usual route, ask around the outskirts for artisans working toquilla straw or roasting beans. Buy directly and chat with the makers.
5:30 PM, Plaza at dusk: Return to the park for juice and people-watching as families fill the benches.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

Jipijapa is warmest and wettest from January to May, and driest and cooler from June to December.
  • Rainy season (Jan to May): Highs reach 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), with humid afternoon downpours that can muddy rural roads.
  • Dry season (Jun to Dec): Highs of 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F), with grayish garúa cloud common in the hills. Coast roads are easier to travel.
  • Holidays: Carnival in February and coastal school holidays push beach-bound buses to capacity, though Jipijapa itself stays quiet and prices barely change.
Book onward buses to the beaches a day ahead around Carnival.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The streets around Parque Central are the best bet for a budget bed in Jipijapa, with simple guesthouses at roughly US$10 to 20 a night. Dedicated hostels are scarce, so expect private rooms with fans or air conditioning rather than dorms. The center is flat, lit at night and within a short walk of food, ATMs and taxis, though street noise from motorbikes and early market traffic is common. The area near the bus terminal is the second option, useful for early departures and cheaper by a few dollars, but it is noisier and has fewer restaurants. Many backpackers sleep on the coast at Puerto López … read more 👉
The streets around Parque Central are the best bet for a budget bed in Jipijapa, with simple guesthouses at roughly US$10 to 20 a night. Dedicated hostels are scarce, so expect private rooms with fans or air conditioning rather than dorms. The center is flat, lit at night and within a short walk of food, ATMs and taxis, though street noise from motorbikes and early market traffic is common. The area near the bus terminal is the second option, useful for early departures and cheaper by a few dollars, but it is noisier and has fewer restaurants. Many backpackers sleep on the coast at Puerto López or Puerto Cayo instead, where beds are more social, and treat Jipijapa as a quick stop.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

From the terminal terrestre, the center is a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride of US$1 to 2. Jipijapa is small enough to walk, and the real movement happens on the roads out, where buses run frequently and cheaply. Expect warm, noisy streets and drivers who leave when full.
  • Walking: Free and the best way to see the center. Streets are mostly flat, though midday heat is heavy, so move in the morning.
  • Taxi: A ride anywhere in town costs about US$1 to 2. Agree on the fare before you hop in, because meters are rare. Worth it at night or with a backpack.
  • Mototaxi: Three-wheeled and fast through back streets, US$1 to 1.50 for most trips. Fun, bumpy, and fine for short hops to the market.
  • Intercity buses: Frequent services to Portoviejo (about 45 minutes to 1 hour, US$1.25 to 2), Manta (around
… read more 👉
From the terminal terrestre, the center is a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride of US$1 to 2. Jipijapa is small enough to walk, and the real movement happens on the roads out, where buses run frequently and cheaply. Expect warm, noisy streets and drivers who leave when full.
  • Walking: Free and the best way to see the center. Streets are mostly flat, though midday heat is heavy, so move in the morning.
  • Taxi: A ride anywhere in town costs about US$1 to 2. Agree on the fare before you hop in, because meters are rare. Worth it at night or with a backpack.
  • Mototaxi: Three-wheeled and fast through back streets, US$1 to 1.50 for most trips. Fun, bumpy, and fine for short hops to the market.
  • Intercity buses: Frequent services to Portoviejo (about 45 minutes to 1 hour, US$1.25 to 2), Manta (around 1 hour, US$1.50 to 2.50) and Puerto López (roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, US$2 to 3). Most run from early morning until about 7 or 8 p.m. Hop on the next departure rather than waiting for a specific time.
  • Pickup trucks and rancheras: Local shuttles to nearby villages such as Puerto Cayo cost US$1 to 2. They are slow and cramped, but they get you to places buses skip.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker in Jipijapa spends roughly US$21 to 48 a day, and the total daily budget works out to about US$33 at high-season prices.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 18Few dorms exist, so a basic private room with fan is the norm. Assume US$14 in high season.
MealsUS$7 to 12Set almuerzos cost US$2.50 to 4. Add market snacks and a simple dinner. Assume US$9.
Local transportUS$2 to 5Taxis and mototaxis cost US$1 to 2 a ride. Assume US$3.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 8The town is mostly free, with extra costs for nearby beaches or workshops. Assume US$4.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$2 to 5Water, sunscreen and snacks. Assume US$3.
Total Daily BudgetUS$33Sum of the assumed amounts above.
Eat the set almuerzo at lunchtime, because it is the cheapest full meal in town.

source: ecuador.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

Jipijapa works well as a base for day trips, since coastal buses leave frequently and most places are within 90 minutes.Puerto Cayo: Roughly 30 to 40 minutes away, this fishing village has a long, calm beach with seafood shacks serving ceviche for US$4 to 7. Return transport thins out in late afternoon, so leave before 5 p.m. Total cost is about US$10 to 15. Go between June and December for sunshine.
Parque Nacional Machalilla: Plan about 1.5 hours each way by bus to Puerto López, then add boat trips to Isla de la Plata (around US$35 to 45 plus park fee) between June and September for humpback whale season. First-timers often leave too late and miss the morning boats, so catch the first bus.
👉 Explore Machalilla National ParkMontecristi: About 45 minutes by bus toward Manta, this town is the … read more 👉
Jipijapa works well as a base for day trips, since coastal buses leave frequently and most places are within 90 minutes.Puerto Cayo: Roughly 30 to 40 minutes away, this fishing village has a long, calm beach with seafood shacks serving ceviche for US$4 to 7. Return transport thins out in late afternoon, so leave before 5 p.m. Total cost is about US$10 to 15. Go between June and December for sunshine.
Parque Nacional Machalilla: Plan about 1.5 hours each way by bus to Puerto López, then add boat trips to Isla de la Plata (around US$35 to 45 plus park fee) between June and September for humpback whale season. First-timers often leave too late and miss the morning boats, so catch the first bus.
👉 Explore Machalilla National ParkMontecristi: About 45 minutes by bus toward Manta, this town is the home of authentic Panama hats. Workshops sell them from US$20 to 100 depending on weave, and you can see weavers working. Go in the morning, and budget US$5 to 8 for transport and lunch.
Manta: A bigger coastal city about an hour away, with a busy beach, fish market and a lively waterfront. Expect US$8 to 15 for the day. Weekdays are calmer.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Jipijapa

Jipijapa is generally safe for travelers during the day, and ordinary city sense is enough. Keep your phone and daypack close in the crowded market and at the bus terminal, where petty theft is the main issue. After dark, stick to lit streets around the central square and take a taxi instead of walking to the edges of town. Solo travelers, including women, usually find locals friendly, though some attention is normal. Agree on taxi and mototaxi fares before you board. Carry only the cash you need for the day.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Jipijapa is mostly a stopover, and a good one. The market, central square and local corviche stalls fill a half day, while Puerto Cayo beach is 30 to 40 minutes away and Montecristi's hat workshops about 45 minutes. If you want beaches and nightlife, Puerto López or Manta suit you better.
One day is enough for Jipijapa itself, and two days lets you add Puerto Cayo and Montecristi. The center takes about 3 hours on foot including the market. Staying a third night makes sense only if you want to reach Machalilla National Park, roughly 1.5 hours away by bus.
Yes, Jipijapa can be done as a day trip from Manta or Portoviejo, with buses taking about 1 hour from Manta and 45 minutes to 1 hour from Portoviejo for US$1.25 to 2.50. The last buses back leave in the early evening, so start by mid-morning. A visit to the market and square takes 3 to 4 hours, leaving time for a nearby beach.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ecuadorian towns near Jipijapa

Explore more nearby:

  • Puerto López—Humpback season, fishing boats, Salango museum, malecón grills| 33 km away
  • Alausí—Devil’s Nose switchbacks, gorge-side station, San Pedro lookout| 215 km away
  • Baños—Thermal pools, bridge swings, Tungurahua views, waterfall road| 240 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Jipijapa is best on a weekday morning, when the market is at full volume and the plaza is still cool. I would arrive the evening before, sleep cheaply, and eat breakfast at the stalls before catching a bus toward the coast. Skip it on Sundays, when things go quiet.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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