Otra Ola
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Otra Ola is a casual, relaxed school for travellers interested in getting closer to the authentic way of life in Ecuador. We offer the opportunity to learn Spanish, practice Yoga and surf in an idyllic setting that both enjoys and respects the vast ocean and the lush environment here in the southern coastal area of Ecuador. Otra Ola not only offers Spanish, Surf and Yoga classes, we also welcome Yoga retreats, Yoga Teacher trainings and host events in our big woden and bamboo shala. Please feel free to get in touch!
Ayampe, Ecuador

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(14 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
129 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
21
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
5

Don R
Calgary, Canada4 contributions
Feb. 2022
Ellen and I stayed in Ayampe for 5 wonderful weeks, Jan.20 to Mar.7, 2022. Otra Ola is located on the beach in the centre of Ayampe and was the focal point for our activities. Genesis and Margarita were excellent Spanish teachers. Mateo and Camilo are amazing surfers and helped me a lot with my skills (the big waves can be tough as you move from beginner to intermediate). The various yoga instructors we had were engaging and talented. Ryan had great advice for us in finding what we needed in Ayampe, the region, and beyond. They are flexible. Nice cafe. I recommend this place. Don R.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M B
7 contributions
Dec. 2021
Spanish lessons were excellent. Surf instruction was also excellent and the surfing there has lots of variety and seems to be surfable every day. Mateo was a fabulous instructor.
Ayampe is a laid back town with decent restaurants, but not a lot to do other than relax. There is no grocery store in town or bank machine. But is has a great vibe.
Negative was that we were told we would have a beachside room and ended up with a roadside room that would probably get quite hot on hot days. The yoga area was also closed the entire time as there was teacher training going on. This meant the cafe was also closed (lots of alternatives in town).
So great spot, relaxed vibe, but that might result in you getting not everything you were thinking.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jitka
Miami3 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Thank you Otra Ola for wonderful Spanish Classes. My teacher was Dennise young lovely lady that is easy to converse with and has good structure to her lessons. I left with good foundation to built on and encouraged to go on and keep practicing.
Nice welcoming environment and cafe where you can pick delicious beverage or sweet treat.
Easy to schedule classes in your convenience and time frame.

Thank you Dennise for teaching me not only the language but also sharing about culture, Ecuador and giving me some cooking tips.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dulce
Arcata, CA2 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Solo
I was planning a trip to Ecuador and looking for a place I could practice yoga by the beach while working remotely online. Otra Ola in Ayampe popped up as an option on my search and after reading the description of Ayampe it sounded like an interesting place to check out. I didn’t want to commit my whole 5 week trip until after I arrived, so I just booked for 12 days. I think it took me a few days to unwind from traveling, but knew pretty quickly that I had picked an amazing place to spend my time. The location of Otra Ola is perfect and my beach front cabaña looked out to the beach and ocean with a small table on the deck where I set up my home office with the best view. I not only stayed my whole 5 week trip, I extended an additional 2 weeks! I’m surprised I finally left. What made my stay incredible was the people, the yoga, the next door cafe with healing vibes Pacha Manna, and the lively community of Ayampe. I made some lifetime friends, ate amazing food, and practiced yoga almost every day. The yoga is incredible and each teacher has a special style. Lucile’s Mandala flow is strong and I loved the sweat and smiles and always left that class on a cloud. Julie’s class brought wisdom, intention, and spirit to my practice on and off the mat. Vanessa started a pranayama class while I was there and the breath work and philosophy is transformative and healing. I miss them all already while I wait to board my plane home, and the only reason I’m not crying is that I know I will be back soon.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cerisa O
Uppsala, Sweden12 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Friends
Our surfing lesson with otra ola was wonderful- The teacher was very experienced and gave good tips. We practiced on the beach first then spent some time in the water practicing. We had originally booked a lesson at 10 AM, but when we arrived there was some confusion and our instructor was not available until 2:30 PM. Luckily, Ayampe is a quaint town on the beach, so we were able to go for a nice walk and enjoy a complementary coffee while we waited. We would recommend confirming your lesson at least one day in advance in case your schedule is not as flexible.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. I apologize about the confusion of the surf class time but really appreciate your understaning. We have just moved locations and were getting into the flow of the new beach front location. Thanks again. Safe travels.
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
Sep. 2019
We were asked to keep our laughing kids quiet for the people studying. So we just left. The chai was good but the kombucha was too strong. The sweets looked good but we didn’t get to try because we didn’t feel welcome. Felt like Starbucks. Too bad.
Feel bad for the owners (?) kids that aren’t allowed to laugh and play either.
Written September 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you felt this way. We are a spanish school as well a cafe and want to provide the best service we can. In December we will be moving to a new location that is beach front and will have a separate space for the spanish classes and the cafe to provide a more children friendly location. Again I apology that you had this experience and we hope that you visit us at our new space in December. Safe travels.
Written September 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

yycyycyyc
Calgary, AB613 contributions
Aug. 2019
Nothing to do with the yoga that happens in the same space, but the cinnamon buns were fabulous, and the coffee was pretty good too. A very restful interlude. Helpful Edmontonian owner (spot the Oilers magnet on the 'fridge!) and reasonable prices.
Written September 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dqbzrh
13 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Couples
We tried lots of things, all of which were amazing. The coffee, papaya juice, the artesanal icecream, tea and of course the delicious cinammon buns!
The cafe is really cozy by the way...
Written June 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ljc
Bangor, UK68 contributions
Apr. 2019 • Friends
Very disappointed as we tried to go here for coffee as closing time said 7pm on the website but all shut up and in darkness... will just have to come back another time!
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am very sorry that you came when we were closed. We were having a staff party and closed early so everyone could attend. We hope that you guys come back again. Safe travels
Written May 16, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa G
Valdaora, Italy1 contribution
Mar. 2019 • Solo
Otra Ola is a HIDDEN GEM in Ayampe, Ecuador.

Ryan & Vanessa, the owners, provide you with:
--> I tried all of it! If you have any Questions - let me know :)

\\ CAFÉ&CO
.. a cute and very quiet place, sorrounded by green, Flowers, butterflies!
.. loads of homemade and organic F&B (icecream, Snacks & pastry, Chai tea, etc.)!
.. healthy (Kombucha, juices, BlissBalls without sugar - my favorite!! <3) & options for vegans/vegetarians/etc. (homemade soymilk, also for purchase!)

\\ SURF (lessons and rental of boards)
.. excellent coach. Camilo is super patient, customizes the lessons for his clients (level, etc.), knows the spot perfectly (as a local :)), but also speaks good English!
.. different boards, depending on your level. They help you to find the right one!

\\ YOGA (lessons)
.. good equipment - mats, blocks, eye masks, straps, etc.
.. class for all levels! Vanessa is a great teacher - THANKS AGAIN FOR THE WONDERFUL TIME & ALL THE GREAT TIPPS VANESSA!

\\ SPANISH (lessons)
.. takes place in the quiet & lovely atmosphere of the café.
.. different teachers with different methods - to match your prefered type of.
.. single classes or packages, private/group - I took the "intensive" one - 60 hrs in 2 month - a lot, but perfect to learn quickly, get used to speak, improve in a short time (a lot of conversion practice, games, etc.!)

Dear Vanessa, dear Ryan - i love your place and your 2 little ones, I'll definitely come back!! Thanks again for the great experience!
Written March 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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