population: 0.26 million

extension: 3,763.1 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Santa Elena, Ecuador and want to visit museums, you could visit the Museo Amantes de Sumpa, which is known for its exhibits on the history and culture of the region. Additionally, you may want to check out the Museo Salango, which houses various artifacts from the pre-Columbian era.

If you're interested in similar types of museums nearby, you might consider visiting the Museo Presley Norton in Salinas or the Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo in Guayaquil.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try in Santa Elena, Ecuador according to local people are:

1. Ceviche: A seafood dish prepared with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and other seasonings.

2. Arroz con Menestra y Carne Asada: A dish consisting of rice, beans, and grilled steak, often served with a side of salad.

3. Encebollado: A soup made with fish, onions, yuca, and spices, often served with popcorn or chifles (plantain chips).

4. Churrasco: A grilled beef steak, typically served with rice, fries, and a salad.

5. Empanadas de verde: Fried or baked green plantain turnovers filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

6. Bolón de verde: A ball-shaped fritter made with mashed green plantains and stuffed with cheese, pork, or chorizo.

7. Seco de Chivo: A rich stew made with goat meat, vegetables, and spices, often served with rice and fried plantains.

8. Chifles and patacones: Thinly sliced fried plantain chips or flattened and twice-fried plantain slices, often served as a side dish or snack.

Note that these are just a few examples, and there are many more delicious traditional dishes to try in Santa Elena and throughout Ecuador!

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Santa Elena, Ecuador include:

1. Visiting the beach: Santa Elena has beautiful beaches such as Salinas, Olón, and Montañita where locals like to relax, swim, and surf.

2. Trying seafood: Santa Elena is known for its delicious seafood, so locals often visit the numerous restaurants and street vendors to try dishes like ceviche, churrasco, and arroz con menestra y mariscos.

3. Exploring Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve: This reserve offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and kayaking through mangrove forests.

4. Joining a whale-watching tour: From June to September, humpback whales migrate along the coast of Santa Elena, and locals often take boat tours to see them up close.

5. Attending cultural events: Santa Elena hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as Carnival, Dia de los Difuntos, and La Ruta del Sol, which showcase the region's art, music, and traditions.