The Montañita scene has started to get to my head, to tell the truth. There are only so many days I can spend in a beach party town without going a little crazy.

Heart racing, I run for cover as a deafening explosion sounds in the sky above. The first blast is followed by another, and another. Men lie in the street like splayed Bambis, each in a different state of decay as indifferent flames consume them.

Even with the rampant temptation this beach bum haven provides, the disciplined backpacker can survive on just $5 a day.