Atacames has a well-deserved reputation as a party town. The beachfront Malecón is lined with an almost uninterrupted string of open-air thatch-roof bars that have loud reggae and Latin music and cheap drink specials. This is the perfect strip for a leisurely pub crawl, stopping in at whichever spot seems the most happening or appealing. Many of these shacks have celebrity-sounding knock-off names such as Friend's Bar, Cheer's, Hard Rock Café, and Planet Atacames. In addition, I like Madera Fina, which may be related to the popular bar of the same name in Manta. Two of the more established dance clubs include the Scala Disco (tel. 06/2720-404) and Ludos (tel. 06/2731-225), both on the Malecón.
There's much, much less nightlife to be had at the beaches west of Atacames; in fact, they are rather dead after dark. Though that can be a good thing to some travelers.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
