Wandering along the endless white sand beach and between colourful cocktail stalls, the average visitor to Montanita will fall in love with the place immediately.

Even without its much-lauded surfing opportunities, Montanita has more than its fair share to offer holidaymakers and travellers, with its vast array of coastal view bars and cheap hostels, set within naturally beautiful surroundings.

There is a strong Rastaferian vibe in addition to the surfer culture and during just a short walk down the town's main street tourists will be handed several flyers promising them 2 for 1 cocktail offers at buzzy venues playing upbeat reggae music or slow South American ballads.

Thirsty visitors will find that there is no shortage of scrumptious fresh fruit juices, batidos (smoothies) and cocktails and the street leading down to the beach is lined with wooden huts and high stools at which customers can sip their drinks and soak up the atmosphere.