Súa

By Katie Tibbetts

Set in a pleasant cove behind the picturesque green hills, cradling Atacames and separating it from nearby Same, Súa is a slightly — albeit not much — quieter version of its bar-infested big brother to the north. Talk to travelers and you're bound to get mixed reviews about this place: either it’s a chilled-out place to throw back a few beers, enjoy the beach and rest your head, or it's a lackluster, lonelier version of Atacames. Contrary to some guidebooks, Atacames locals say Súa is more dangerous, as there are fewer people and beach-prowlers tend to be more aggressive — but this could just be a ploy to lure back tourists attempting to avoid their notoriously crowded beach. The town is a bit scruffy, with the same unruly Reggaeton blasting from generic bamboo beachside bars; and you’d think the street vendors had just pushed their cart over the hill. To give credit where credit's due, the beach is less crowded and surprisingly picturesque, considering the shabby shops and hotels fronting its shores: expanses of fine gray sand stretch towards the sea, curling into a quiet cove at the far end.

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