Punta Carnero – Hotel

View of the swimming area below Hotel Punta Carnero

Punta Carnero – Salinas Peninsula

View of the Salinas peninsula from Punta Carnero

Punta Carnero – Tents

During high season there are vendors renting tents on the beach © Andrés Córdova

Punta Carnero – Sunsets

When the skys are clear Punta Carnero has fabulous sunsets © Andrés Córdova

Punta Carnero – Flamingos

Flamingos at the salt ponds in Punta Carnero
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Punta Carnero Beach

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Close to all the amenities of Salinas, but far enough away to remain quite and tranquil, Punta Carnero is a popular beach with locals, for swimming, surfing and body boarding. It has even hosted junior surf championships. From Punta Carnero beach, you can see fabulous sunsets with the sun on the ocean horizon.

The area around Punta Carnero is the subject of reforestation and redevelopment initiatives, and has recently benefited from new housing projects. One proposal under consideration to reroute the main road, behind the houses and condos, and to convert the beachfront road to a speed-controlled Malecón.

Apart from a number of shrimp lava nurseries and shrimp farms, the area is mostly residential with one and two storey houses on large lots, and several condominium / apartment buildings. There is great potential for a lot more development here, since the beach is long and mostly empty.

There are a handful of Hosterías along the main road, and on the headland close to the controversial Punta Carnero Hotel which has been seized from its owners for non-payment of the taxes.  The hotel has a commanding view of the beach from its location on the point. But when it will re-open is unknown. For visitors to the Santa Elena peninsula, this is a great spot for a relaxing stay, away from the noise and crowds of Salinas, yet close enough to partake the action when you want it.

Exotic bird life is abundant. Close to the headland is a small lagoon where you can see a variety of birds including the pink spoonbill. flamingos and white herons. While in the ocean, you can sometimes see dolphins close to the shore.

To get a feel for the beach at different times of year check out the Live Punta Carnero Webcam

Beach activities include:
 Type of beach  White and grey sand
 Length of beach  1.6 mi / 2.6 km
 Wind Direction  On-shore
 Restaurants and Cafes  None
 Distance to Salinas  8 mi / 13 km
 Distance to Guayaquil  88 mi / 141 km
 Distance to Manta  135 mi / 218 km
 Distance to Quito  333 mi / 536 km
Surfing: There are 3 main surf breaks along Punta Carnero beach. One near the pier one in the middle of the beach, and the third at the point, below Hotel Punta Carnero on the cliff.

Surf and weather by surf-forcast.com

Hotels and Hostals around Punta Carnero Beach

5
NameServicePrices
Hotel Punta Sal Hotel $15-25
Hostería Del Mar Hostal $25-50
Hotel Punta Carnero Hotel $25-50
Pelican Hostal $25-50
Las Palmas Del Mar Bed and Breakfast Hosteria $50-100