Ayampe is a magical village on the coast of Ecuador, in Manabí province. People often come for a relaxing few days, then end up staying for months or even years (like me!) It is not only a popular surf spot but draws in a colorful community of people who fall in love with this place.
I spent two years living in Ayampe (more on that story here), which has become a home-from-home. I first heard whisperings of a sleepy surf town full of flowers and miles of secluded beach in Huanchaco, Peru, a popular backpacker spot on the Peruvian coastline.
Now, it is more popular than ever with all ages moving and visiting Ayampe, but it still is worth a visit or a more extended stay. Some people compare it to Tulum, Mexico, before it was ‘discovered,’ but it is a unique location in its own right. Saying that there is not still that much information out there about Ayampe, so I wanted to write an ultimate guide to Ayampe to do it justice.
Just keep it the best-kept secret of Ecuador’s coast. Deal?
Skip to a specific section:
Things to do in Ayampe
Surf in ayampe
Accommodation In Ayampe
Food & Drink in Ayampe
Shops & facilities in ayampe
other things to Know
Getting Around
Where next?
Things to do in ayampe
Ayampe will teach you the beauty of a slow pace of life. Things are spontaneous, and plans often go out the window. These are the top things to do:
Ayampe beach
The beach stretches all the way to Rio Chico and beyond. Enjoy the free hammocks on the beach (a signature accessory on the coast here), take a beer or coco helado (coconut water) to watch the sunset during the high season, look out for whales in the low season, or watch the surfers year-round.
You can walk all the way to the right of the beach (looking towards the ocean). This goes past the Ayampe river mouth, Las Tunas, and Rio Chico.
The beach is always quiet between Ayampe and Las Tunas, and there are some shady spots if you want time out. During high season, there are also marquees, deck chairs, and a few other services, along with an active lifeguard stand. Be careful when swimming in the water here, as the current can quickly pick up.
Kayak to the island
The rock island, which frames sunsets in January, can be reached by kayak from Ayampe beach, and you can climb up the rocks if you fancy!
You can rent kayaks from hostels along the beachfront such as Aloha Ayampe. You have to go on a day with low waves (trust me), and ideally, start early and wear sun protection. It takes about 45 minutes- to one hour, depending on your paddle strength.
Take snorkel gear to snorkel near the island! You can spot manta rays, turtles, and so many different types of fish.
Take a snorkel trip
You can ask at the tourist office (near the pharmacy) or your Ayampe accommodation to arrange a snorkel trip and skip the kayaking! You cannot really snorkel from the beach, as it is a beach break.
Go hiking
There are a few hikes you can do around Ayampe, thanks to the beautiful location.
Hike to the secret beach
At low tide, either walk left along the rocks to the secret beach (and admire the beautiful shells along the way) or do the entire hike, which takes roughly 45 minutes, depending on your hiking speed. From the beach, you will see the steep track going up the hill to the top. You walk past Otra Ola and continue straight, or walk along the beach and then up one of the footpaths to access it.
This hike involves a steep ascent, but the views make it worth it! Once you reach the top, keep walking towards the house. Just before the house, you will notice a path leading down to the right; take it.
Once you reach the next house, do not walk behind it; go straight down in front of it; usually, the way is clear, and there was a sign the last time I did it. Follow the path until you reach the beach.
You can enjoy the natural pools at low tide, check the cave out, and explore the area. To walk back, walk to the right over the rocks and back to Ayampe beach.
Hike to the salango viewpoint
Walk to the other end of the beach. All the way to the end. You will notice a small trail leading inland, then left, towards the cliff.
Follow this, and then you will climb up to the viewpoint of the island of Salango and even walk down to the deserted beach if you fancy. The hike up the cliff is steep- ideally, do it with someone and barefoot for more grip. There are ropes to assist you.
At the top, go straight to head down to the beach, left to go to the viewpoint, or right to explore more. Take care – I recommend taking shoes with you at the top because of the risk of snakes, twigs, etc. Also, you need to take care as it is steep.
This hike takes time from Ayampe, roughly 8 miles or so. Shorten it by taking the bus to Las Tunas or Rio Chico first, then start from there.
Hike the Rio Colibrí route
Colibrí means hummingbird in Spanish. This route is signposted initially, starting opposite the second main entrance of Ayampe with the small Ayampe sign. It is a beautiful route that eventually reaches the river.
If you want, you can keep going once you reach the river, following the river for hours! There are monkeys (apparently aggressive ones, but we never saw them, just heard them!) and other animals to spot, including Tucans.
Some friends who know people who live in the community by the trail stayed overnight. There are also places along the way to stop, such as El Rio Ayampe, for tea and cake.
Explore the forest
There are so many routes around Ayampe to check out; for example, if you head towards Wild Child Ayampe but take a left and walk past the Cálamo Uno community, then right, you can start heading into the jungle.
People refer to the area as a jungle due to the animals and vegetation, but obviously, it is not what comes to people’s minds when they imagine the jungle, which you will find in the Amazon instead!
There are also waterfalls deeper in this coastal jungle and better accessed by car. Ask at your hostel re. this. Ayampe guest houses like Mango House and Vistamar offer waterfall tours.
Follow the military track
A track runs all along the coast for the government to use. You can walk on it, but not the whole way because sections are super steep, etc.
From Ayampe, head towards Wild Child, but turn left past Cálamo Uno and keep walking straight for as long as you like! Once you can see Las Tunas in the distance, I usually turn around because the path becomes steep.
Take a Fitness or yoga class in Ayampe
There are a few teachers around Ayampe, and some visiting teachers also come. Otra Ola has classes daily year-round, with yoga packages to make it more affordable. Vistamar, El Refugio, and Rio Ayampe also offer yoga classes. El Refugio also has other classes, such as HIIT, depending on the teachers available when you arrive.
You can attend these yoga and fitness classes in Ayampe whether you are a guest at the accommodation or staying elsewhere.
Practice Spanish
Have Spanish classes at Otra Ola or visit one of the shops to practice your Spanish with locals. The Ayampe community is full of people from other parts of South America too, so there is an opportunity to connect and practice. However, there are also a lot of English speakers, so you have to be more active if you want to practice Spanish compared to other places in Ecuador.
Go on a retreat
There are fitness retreats, medicine retreats, surf retreats, and more that are hosted in Ayampe. There are surf retreats, often during the high season (around November-April). If you are looking for plant medicine retreats in Ayampe, check out Ayllu Medicina.
Their beautiful retreat center is roughly 30 minutes from Ayampe. AIme and Hwaneetah are reputable guides and honor the traditions they are sharing, which is essential when it comes to plant medicine retreats.
Join a ceremony
Many events are happening in Ayampe, such as at Wild Child Village, which is on the hill behind Ayampe or Bhakti House, or the Hare Krishna temple (Cabaña Jagannatha) for Kirtan. Otra Ola is also a place with different events, such as cacao ceremonies and ecstatic dance. Ayllu Medicina also runs regular sweat lodges (temazcales) and has public plant medicine ceremonies, with information on their social channels.
Watch live music
Places like the Spot have live music events. There are some open mic nights and incredible bands who play locally. This includes FLACOMAN. Check them out on Spotify.
whale-watching (seasonal)
From June- September, you can spot whales from the beach in Ayampe. I recommend taking a trip from Ayampe for around $10-15 to get closer to the whales in the water. This is the most affordable option, and it supports the locals in Ayampe.
The trip is around 2 hours, and you have the option to snorkel; enquire at the tourist office in Ayampe. The fisherman I used required a minimum of 6 people in June 2020. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Puerto Lopez for more whale-watching options.
What to do around ayampe
There is a wealth of things to do around Ayampe if you can drag yourself away from the relaxed vibes for long enough. If you are searching for the sun or want a change of scene, you can quickly get it by heading around an hour north or south. Often it is sunny in Los Frailes even when it is raining in Ayampe.
Visit Salango or isla de la plata
You can take snorkeling trips to Salango, which is just beyond Rio Chico. It is the perfect place to spot turtles and whales during the season.
Isla De La Plata is often called the ‘poor man’s Galapagos.’ The tour takes around half a day, and it includes snorkeling and a hike on the island. You can spot a variety of animals, including blue-footed boobies and seals.
Most trips run from Puerto Lopez and are between $40-50. You can go to the tourist offices in Puerto Lopez to find out more and negotiate the price.
Visit a national park
You can visit Machalilla National Park and the beautiful Los Frailes beach, which can be sunny even when Ayampe is cloudy. There is a short hike you can do if it is open.
It is around one hour from Ayampe, and it is best to get a taxi to the car park for $15 or hitchhike from the main road into the park if you feel comfortable, as the bus only drops you at the main park entrance. They do not let you take food in with you.
Go To Agua Blanca
If you have time, visit Agua Blanca to learn more about the area’s early history. There were early civilizations on the coast of Ecuador, such as the Valdivians (you can also visit Valdivia), which date back over 5000 years!
At Agua Blanca, you can visit the small museum and take a mud bath. There are also hikes to do and some stalls for souvenirs. A guide will show you around.
It is around $15 in a taxi, or you can take the bus to the entrance and walk or wait for a passing car. There are several food stands, or you can eat in Puerto Lopez on the way back. For a full-day trip, start here and end your day at Los Frailes beach.
Visit the waterfalls
There are some beautiful hidden waterfalls in the jungle, such as the Cascades de Alex, which you access via Olon (taxi $5 from Olon to the entrance, then a 20-minute walk to the waterfalls).
Hostels such as Vistamar also run trips to some waterfalls, so you can ask about this. There is so much to explore!
Go horse riding
There are options to go horse riding around Ayampe or a little bit further on. Guides will take you through the forest as they know the many complicated paths. Some trips end in a viewpoint over the jungle.
Turtle watch in Rio chico
You can spot turtles hatching at certain times of the year along Ayampe beach; however, usually, there are more towards Rio Chico. Always keep a respectful distance!
If you want to learn more, you can also visit the sea turtle rehabilitation center near Salango, which also offers other animal treatments. Usually, if you want to visit the center, you should make a donation or purchase beforehand. Contact the center in advance to avoid disappointment.
Party in Montañita or eat food in Olon
Montañita is only an hour away- a $1.50 bus ride (green Manglaralto buses come roughly every 30 minutes, flag from the main road). Or take a taxi for $15, which is a quicker option. Montañita is undoubtedly livelier, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Olon is 5 minutes before Montañita. Whilst it is smaller than Montañita, it has an entirely different vibe, with different facilities and more food options. Some of my favorites in Olon include Cafe Eva, South Indian Restaurant, Noah, and La Churreria.
Explore Puerto Lopez
Personally, Puerto Lopez was mainly just my food shopping spot, as it has a market and a couple of supermarkets. It is the closest place to Ayampe for cash machines.
There are several restaurants, but I mainly just go to one of the beach spots called Chucky’s. It is close to one of the Palo Santo stores and is listed on Google maps. It offers delicious ceviche (with a vegetarian option- yay), delicious juices, and the best patacones I have ever eaten.
However, if you want some souvenirs and can’t find what you want in Ayampe, then check out the Palo Santo stores on the Malecon, or visit the factory in Puerto Lopez. It is the most affordable place for palo santo that I have found.
Ayampe Surf
One of the main draws of Ayampe is the surf. It is a quieter option than surfing in Montañita, with fewer crowds and usually a friendly atmosphere if you stick to etiquette. Ayampe has a beach break, and the waves can get big, which appeals to people who regularly surf but can be a little daunting for beginners.
The good news is that you can take a surf class, which will start in the white water and then if you continue, take you to the green waves. Beginners usually like the spot just outside Otra Ola or further to the left, as the wave is a little slower; however, you need to be careful of the rocks if there is a current. Everyone else goes where the best wave breaks, which can vary depending on the day and swell.
Check out Surfline for the Ayampe surf forecast. You can surf year-round, but as always, swells, weather, the moon, and other factors determine how the waves are.
People enjoy mid-tide to high-tide, but mornings remain pretty quiet unless it’s high season. When it gets busy, head towards the river mouth to the right or Las Tunas for more space. Be warned for those who brave the huge waves; it is not uncommon to break your board in Ayampe; usually, a good sign it will happen is when no one else is in the water, so be warned!
There are several places you can mend your board in Montañita. You can also check with your hostel in Ayampe.
You can find surf classes at most accommodations. I recommend Vistamar or Otra Ola. Otra Ola offers surf packages, or you can get a combined surf and yoga package. If you want smaller waves, go to La Entrada or Olon beach.
Places to stay ayampe
Are you looking for Ayampe hostels or other places to stay? Here are some of my top recommendations. If you plan to stay for longer, I definitely recommend asking in town about longer-term rentals in Ayampe or contacting the Ayampe Airbnb hosts directly to negotiate prices if there is no published long-term fee. During the low season, prices are more negotiable.
A note about ayampe hostels
Most accommodation in Ayampe is private rooms, even if they call themselves a hostel. Not all options have air conditioning; check if they at least offer a fan if you plan to come in high season. For more affordable accommodation guesthouse options, check out:
- Cabanas La Laguna for one of the cheapest options in town
- Palma Coco for simple cabins and beachfront views (in the same place as Otra Ola)
- El Refugio for ocean views and the yoga deck
- Vistamar and Mango House for quality rooms, service, longer-term stays, tours, and community dinners
Other popular options include Sponydolous Lodge, La Iguana Hostel, and La Casa. Check them out and see what stands out for you. Some popular longer-term stays also include Itchimbia Garden Ayampe, which has several options listed on Airbnb too.
In all honesty, prices in Ayampe have increased a lot in recent years. Ayampe real estate is also increasing quickly in price, so now is the time to look for land.
It is harder to find affordable options as a backpacker, so it is often best to book somewhere for several nights and then ask in person once you arrive, as places are being built all the time! You can also check out Las Tunas, with places such as Onda Hostel being popular with remote workers and backpackers.
Food and drink in ayampe
Ayampe is an interesting pocket on Ecuador’s coastline. Despite its small size, it is packed full of places to eat, but some restaurants close on Wednesdays and during the low season. Here are some of the highlights.
- Coffee: Distinto, by far! This is in Madre Tierra, which is full of food options. It is possibly the best coffee I have had in South America, and there are different kinds of milk available
- Falafel and tacos: in Madre Tierra square, which is also a nice place to work in Ayampe
- Delicious tamales, veggie burgers, and alternative lunch options: Bhakti House
- Menu options, sandwiches, and affordable breakfasts: Challwa House, El Pacay
- Delicious arepas and other plates: ArteSano
- Traditional food with a twist: Siwiche
- Fish and good views: The Fish House
- Vegan food: Soak Deli
- Cake and Acai bowls: The Barn
- Sushi: Selvamar (mixed reviews)
- Traditional food: El Paso
- A fancy dinner and delicious patacones/ cheesecake: Mulata
- Pizza: Las Orishas (the vegan version is without cheese, but you can take your own to add)
- Ice cream: Soak Deli for vegan options and the ice cream shop by the pharmacy
You can also find some classic Ecuadorian dishes and empanadas around. The best option to cook your own food is to wait for one of the veggie trucks to pass by, which have varying prices. Be sure to keep track so you are not overcharged, or alternatively, you can go to Puerto Lopez to shop.
If you want a vegan cheese pizza or thick-crust pizza, order a takeaway from Cambalache Pizza in Puerto Lopez. Also, many places in Olon and Montañita offer takeaway for a fee.
There are parties in Ayampe, but they are often tucked away in the jungle or at a specific event, such as at Wild Child Village. El Spot and Madre Tierra often draw a crowd during high season; however, the village of Ayampe has long tried to protect its peaceful feel, so loud music tends to end by 12am. If you want a later night, head to Olon or Monañita.
shops and Facilities in Ayampe
Ayampe is a sleepy town for a reason, but it means there are not so many facilities. The main facilities are in the nearby towns, and the best healthcare is in the cities, such as Cuenca or Guayaquil. If you need a dentist, I recommend Top Dental in Manta, which is a three-hour bus ride for around $3.50.
Cash machines in ayampe (atm)
There are no cash machines in Ayampe. The nearest cash machines are in Puerto Lopez, including Banco Pinchicha and Banco de Guayguail in the Tia supermarket (lower withdrawal fees of $1,50 for me).
Olon has a cash machine, but it doesn’t always work with international cards. Montañita also has several machines, including Banco de Guayguail, at its Tia supermarket.
Shopping in ayampe
There are several shops to check out in Ayampe, including Gyro Art for beautiful jewelry and gifts, Bhakti House for clothes from India, incense, and other items, and Challwa House’s surf shop. You can also check out the stands by ArteSano or go to Olon, Puerto Lopez, or Montañita for more shopping.
There are several places for ice-cold cocos and basic vegetables. Maria’s tienda is the largest in town, which is by the pharmacy. The pharmacy has most items, and there is a larger pharmacy in Las Tunas, where you can also make Banco Pinchica bank deposits or transfers.
Healthcare in ayampe
There is a basic healthcare clinic in Ayampe, which I have never visited, but several friends who had dengue and other issues went. There is a doctor who does home visits in Ayampe too. You can visit Manglaralto for the public hospital, which is free asides from some medications, or Olon, which has several surgeries and a gynecologist.
For basic and common issues, healthcare can be addressed here. For more complicated health problems, I advise going to a city such as Guayguail for fully-trained doctors who have access to all the resources.
There are several amazing healers around Ayampe for other types of healing. This includes:
- Acupuncture with Dr. Drew when he is in town
- Dr. Phillip (osteopath)
- Ely (energetic massage and hot stones): +593 989547958
- Massage and reiki at Mauli Spa
- Simone in Manglaralto (Structural integration therapy, which changed my life!)
Hairdresser
For the best hairdresser in the world, go to see Jill at her salon in Ayampe, called Reyna Hair Salon! She is amazing, offering all types of hair treatments. She also sells quality shampoos and other items to keep your hair in the best condition.
Other things to know about ayampe
Ayampe may be small, but there is a lot to discover in this tiny town. Although streetlights and concrete roads are slowly being built, it retains some interesting characteristics to know. Read on for some more information about Ayampe, Ecuador.
Ayampe weather
The high season in Ayampe (roughly November to April, but it can vary depending on the year) brings sunny and dry days, with beautiful sunsets and sometimes heavy rain at night. Sometimes the mornings are cloudy, but have faith!
However, it is a time when water can run low, and the river can run dry, so be mindful of your usage. Usually, Ayampe accommodations have their own water source when the water runs out.
During the low season, there is an almost permanent cloud cover and a light spitting of rain, which means mold can be a problem. It is beautiful for whale-watching and a few cozy days by the ocean, with the odd sunny day bringing joy to the entire town.
It is also a quieter time to visit, although you might want to bring a wetsuit if you are prone to quickly getting cold while surfing. If you are planning a longer-term stay in Ayampe during this time, it is good to travel up to Manta or inland for the weekend to get some sunshine. Or you may get a few days or even a week of sun in Ayampe, but there is no guarantee!
Power, working, and internet speed in ayampe
At times there can be power outages, though they have become less frequent in recent years.
The internet speed in Ayampe is excellent! Most places have fiber optic unless you stay on the hill behind Ayampe, but you can always ask the hotel for internet speed before you book.
I have also logged on to the wifi to check for myself when looking at accommodation options in Ayampe. If you do work online, Madre Tierra and Challwa can be good places to work.
If you want a sim card, go to one of the nearby towns. You can purchase a sim and get them to use a cedula number or your passport if it works. Claro is a good network overall, and you can sometimes top up at the shop by the main road at the second entrance to Ayampe. Or you can do it online if you do not want to travel.
It is generally quiet in Ayampe, but like in many places, there are dogs barking and building work. If you need a quieter space, you might want to stay in a place on the hill behind Ayampe or away from the main beach road. Most places are so quiet though, and it is beautiful to hear the ocean waves at night.
If you are looking to volunteer in Ayampe, enquire at Otra Ola, the school, or check out Workaway for listings.
Laundry in ayampe
Your accommodation may offer laundry services. Lavandería Albita (listed on Google Maps) is a great service, and you usually can collect it the same day; however, like a lot of things in Ayampe, it costs more, at $1.75 per kilo. There are cheaper options for 0.50$ a kilo in nearby towns, but factor in the transport cost, and always go with one with good reviews!
Hand-washing is only possible during high season or sunny days. Otherwise, cue wet clothes for days and the risk of mold.
Support Ayampe
If Ayampe leaves a mark on you, you can also find out how to support the community! It is a comuna, and locals have regular meetings to help manage the village. During certain times of the year, such as Christmas, there are fundraisers to buy presents for the children or to raise funds for the school.
You can also support Ayampe by learning more about the community garden, volunteering your services, supporting local businesses, and respecting the town (such as by clearing trash or cocos on the beach and attending beach clean-ups!)
Safety in ayampe
Ayampe feels extremely safe, but it is good to still be aware. Crime, in general, has been going up on the coast and spikes before main holidays such as Christmas. Ayampe is one of the safest places I have been in South America, but it doesn’t mean you should stop being cautious, like anywhere in the world.
I have left items on the beach when swimming, but a common theme for people is losing their shoes, so do not leave your shoes lying around on the beach, as they may get taken!
I have walked on the beach at night, but again, use your common sense and take the usual precautions you would elsewhere. The comuna works hard to keep Ayampe safe, and there is a small police station in town.
Getting around
It is easy to get around Ayampe. It is also easy to continue your travels north or south, requiring less work than in places such as Mompiche. Check the average costs of taxis and bus fares to avoid being ripped off as a tourist.
Around ayampe and to nearby towns
Everything is walkable in Ayampe, and there are even sidewalks now for when it is the low and muddy season. Before, you either needed rubber boots or to walk barefoot due to the amount of mud!
It is easy to stand on the main road that passes Ayampe and flag a bus. Usually, it is the green Manglaralto bus, which goes all the way to Salinas in the south and Manta or Jipijapa to the north. From Ayampe to Montañita or Olon, it is currently $1.5o on the bus, with buses beginning around 6am and ending by around 8pm.
A private taxi to Olon or Montañita costs around $12-15. There are no shared taxis to these places, but you can ask if others at your hostel are heading there around the same time to save on costs.
If you want to go to Puerto Lopez, it costs around $0.75 on the bus. Or you can get a shared (‘compartido’) taxi for around $1.25, which you can also take back; just ask for the ‘compartido’ stand. A private taxi costs $5.
In other places, such as Olon, there are taxi ranks. In case you do not know, as some people ask me, there is definitely no Uber!! I have only used this in Quito. In Ayampe, I recommend these taxi drivers (WhatsApp numbers):
Roberto: +593 985381301
Eduardo: +593 997358759
Wilson: +593 990787673
how to get to ayampe
Getting to Ayampe is relatively simple, with the windy road from the south making it seem like you are traveling to the middle of nowhere! You are definitely traveling to a magical vortex (fun fact: the mountains behind Ayampe contain quartz, which you can find along the beach in Ayampe)
Guayaquil to Ayampe
From Guayaquil to Ayampe, you can take the CLP bus from the bus station (booth on the top floor) to Olon for around 7$, then a taxi for $15 or flag the green Manglaralto bus for $1.50. The buses are comfortable enough, but never leave your bags on the floor under your seat or above your head. Keep them on your lap.
North coast to ayampe
From the North, you either pass through Jipijapa or Manta. The Manglarlato bus will take you all the way to Ayampe, or you might find a night bus to Guayaquil heading the coast route past Ayampe.
Taxis cost around $50 from Manta to Ayampe. The cost of a taxi from Guayaquil to Ayampe ranges from $80-120, depending on the driver.
WHERE NEXT?
Ecuador is a small country, making it easy to travel from the coast to the jungle in a short amount of time! From Ayampe, you can continue heading north or south along the coast. People like Canoa and Mompiche heading North (head to Jipijapa or Manta for more bus connections). Or South, you might want to check out Montañita, Olon, or Ayange (green bus Manglaralto, flag on the main road)
Many people pass through Guayaquil for transport purposes. You can take the CLP bus from Olon to Guayaquil. From Guayaquil, you can head to many places in Ecuador, such as the Sierra, Baños, or the Amazon rainforest.
Many people who come to Ayampe love Vilcabamba too, which you reach by going to Guayaquil, then Loja, then Vilcabamba.
The ultimate guide to ayampe, manabí, Ecuador
Ayampe was first ‘discovered’ over ten years ago when it was a sleepy fishing town with several buildings and untouched surf. Many people will tell you how much it has changed, and it seems to be changing faster than ever.
However, it still holds so much magic, including the dusty roads lined with flowers, the surrounding nature, the crystals along Ayampe beach, the energy, and the community. Speak to locals for incredible stories and learn more about the changes they have experienced. And one of my favorite parts about Ayampe is that there are people from around the world with lots of interesting stories to tell.
Ayampe is a perfect base for surfing, working remotely, and, most importantly, taking a pause. It is a place people come back to many times or never leave. Once you visit, you will understand why!
If you have any questions or updates, please let me know. I am based nearby, so I am happy to help with any queries!
