Buses run almost every 20 minutes from Mompiche north to Atacames (1 hour, $1.50) before heading on to Esmeraldas (3 hours, $4). Getting to Mompiche from other destinations in Ecuador involves changing buses in one of these two towns. From Quito buses run about every half hour to Esmeraldas (6 hours, $6), and around hourly throughout the day to Atacames (6.5 hours, $7-8).

The nearest airport to Mompiche is the Aeropuerto General Rivadeneira (ESM) in Esmeraldas. Tame (www.tame.com.ec) makes the 30 minute flight daily between Quito and Mompiche (around $60 each way).

NOTE: Over half of the Atacames/ Esmeraldas buses don’t go into Mompiche town. These buses stop on the main road, around 5km from the town. Unless you fancy a long muddy walk confirm that the bus you are taking actually runs all the way into Mompiche town.