During the Carnival holiday, thousands of tourists have descended upon the popular beach destinations of Ayangue, Montañita, and Olón in Ecuador, with hotel occupancy reaching 100% according to Luis Tenempaguay, the vice president of the Santa Elena Tourism Chamber. Tourists from the coastal region and other provinces in the Sierra have flocked to these beaches, adding to the lively atmosphere of the holiday season.

Local business owners have initially reported significant boosts in sales due to the influx of visitors. Elena Matute, a beach vendor, noted that sales were thriving thanks to the large number of beachgoers arriving early in the day to enjoy the sun and local cuisine, which in turn indicates a vibrant local economy supported by tourism. Fabiola Albarracín, a tourist from Cuenca, commented on the pleasant environment, highlighting that her visit was geared towards making the most of the Carnival holiday.

The Route del Spondylus has also seen significant traffic, with many vehicles lining up at the San Pablo bridge as travelers make their way to these attractive destinations. This surge in tourism not only emphasizes the importance of the Carnival holiday for the local economy but also reflects broader trends in domestic travel within Ecuador, as citizens seek leisure opportunities amid ongoing recovery from recent challenges.