We spent few days in Montecristi with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law last year, it was the first time any of us had been up there. The city of Montecristi was quaint and was nice for a day, probably wouldn't go back, but glad we went. We stayed in a nice hotel near the water, 2 bedroom apartment, I think it was $100/US, I forget the name, but you wouldn't believe the road along the water we took to get there.
Punta Rucia [beach] was wonderful. Beautiful and unspoiled. Estero Hondo, nearby, has a manatee sanctuary. Hotel is open there now I heard. Near Punta Rucia were a couple of small, quiet hotels, rather rustic, no hot water, but nice. In the $35-$40/US range. If you go, eat at Elsa's on the beach. Yum.
Some photos:
WATERFRONT OF MONTECRISTI:
PUNTA RUCIA:
ELSA'S:
My husband holding a couple of lobsters Elsa offered to grill up for us. The giant one was 1000 pesos.
AE