Making the most of Sua Atacames
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As cruise ships cannot dock here, you will be tendered ashore.
Set in a beautiful bay just 10 minutes south-west of Atacames, Súa is a nice, small, quiet beach resort and important fishing village, with several seabirds flying after fishing boats.
Getting around
Cabs are a very popular way to get around big cities. Generally, service is good, cars are new and drivers are happy to help tourists. Fares depend on the taximeter, but an average ride costs between USD 1.50 to USD 2. At night, it is hard to find a driver using the taximeter, even though that is illegal, though they will not charge more than USD 2 to USD 3. Airport trips cost extra money, between USD 3 to USD 5.
Nearby places
Atacames is a party town where you can let your hair down. During busy periods, especially rainy-season holidays, it heaves with revelers partying into the early hours.
Money
For higher values, American bills are used because Ecuador prints none itself. Its own coins are accepted alongside American coins, with exactly the same size and weight. U.S. dollar coins are common and preferred to $1 bills.
Staying connected
Spanish is spoken.
Commercial and touristic areas have hundreds of "coffee-nets" offering net2phone, email and internet at very reasonable prices.
Opening Hours and
Monday to Saturday are the usual 9am to 6pm shop hours. Outside the biggest cities, many shops occupy the family home and operate every day whenever someone is available to staff them.