Santa Elena prepares for high tourist influx during holiday weekend

The Santa Elena province in Ecuador is preparing for a high influx of tourists during the holiday weekend commemorating the Independence of Guayaquil, which runs from October 9 to October 11, 2026.

Local tourism officials report high expectations, with hotel reservations in Salinas and Montañita reaching 60% by Friday morning. Preparations for the influx included beach cleaning initiatives, increased security operations, and measures to manage informal vendors in coastal communities such as Ayangue, Olón, and San Pablo.

A diverse schedule of events has been organized to attract visitors, including the Salinas Grill Fest, the Expoferia Manglar, and the Feria del Zapato in Valdivia. Gastronomic activities, such as the Festival del Seco de Chivo and the Sabor Criollo encounter, are also part of the weekend's agenda alongside community events like water exercises hosted by the La Libertad Fire Department.