Getting Here
Ballenita is located at the beginning of the Ruta del Spondylus, the coastal road to Manta. The Santa Elena Bus Terminal, which serves as the bus terminal for the entire province of Santa Elena, is within walking distance of most parts of Ballenita.
From Cuenca
By bus: CLP operates direct buses between the Cuenca Bus Terminal in Cuenca and the Santa Elena Bus Terminal in Santa Elena (about $14, about 6 hours). Alternatively, you can first take a bus to the Guayaquil Bus Terminal and from the Guayaquil Bus Terminal a CLP bus to the Santa Elena Bus Terminal.
By car: it takes about 5 and a half hours to drive from Cuenca to Ballenita. The distance is 326 km (203 mi). Be aware of corrupt traffic officers who prey on traffic offenders in the city of Durán.
From Guayaquil
By bus: CLP operates direct buses between the Guayaquil Bus Terminal near the airport in Guayaquil and the Santa Elena Bus Terminal in Santa Elena. You can buy bus tickets at the CLP office on the third floor of the Guayaquil Bus Terminal.
By car: it takes about 2 hours to drive from Guayaquil to Ballenita. The distance is 131 km (81.3 mi).
From Salinas
By bus:you can take urban buses between Salinas and Ballenita. Some expats avoid these urban buses because there are reports of bus robberies.
By taxi: to take a taxi from Salinas to Ballenita costs about $5. The official yellow taxis are safe to take.