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white manta underwater photo
white manta underwater photo - Photo by Julien Lanoy

Explore the Natural Beauty of Manta, Ecuador: A Traveler

About Manta, Ecuador

Manta, Ecuador is a prime travel destination with gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood, and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the city's many museums, catch a performance at the Teatro Chonero, or simply relax on the beautiful Playa El Murciélago. Come immerse yourself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Manta today!

Manta, Ecuador is a hidden gem on the Pacific coast that offers travelers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. With its pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife, this destination is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the local way of life.

Located on the central coast of Ecuador, Manta is known for its stunning coastline, which boasts some of the best surfing spots in South America. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you'll find the perfect wave here. But even if you're not into surfing, there's plenty to do in Manta. Take a stroll along the Malecón, the city's oceanfront boardwalk, and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a boat tour to nearby Isla de la Plata, also known as the "Poor Man's Galapagos," where you can see exotic birds, sea lions, and other wildlife.

But Manta is more than just a destination for adventure seekers. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore its history through its museums and art galleries. The Museo del Banco Central, for example, houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, while the Museo Manta showcases the city's fishing traditions and the work of local artisans.

And when the sun goes down, Manta comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. From beachfront bars and clubs to rooftop lounges, there's something for everyone here. Enjoy a cold beer or a delicious cocktail as you watch the sunset over the ocean.

Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Manta, Ecuador has it all. So why not add it to your travel bucket list today?

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Popular Stays in Manta, Ecuador

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Manta, Ecuador

Sports and Entertainment
Business hotelsBeach hotels

Mantahost Hotel

Situated within 3. 5 km from the town centre, the accomodation is easily accessible on foot to a host of places of interest. Travellers will appreciate the property's proximity to the main entertainment areas. The nearest beach is right outside the hotel. Travellers will find the airport within 7. 5 km. The hotel is within 3. 0 kilometre(s) from the harbour. A total of 30 accomodation units are available for guests' convenience at Mantahost Hotel. Visitors may take advantage of the Wi-Fi connection on public areas. This hotel offers 24-hour reception for guests' convenience. This establishment's common areas are disability-friendly. Additionally, a car park is available on the premises for guests' extra convenience. Travellers can experience first-hand several catering venues offered by the accomodation. This property features a choice of business facilities in order to offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience for a corporate trip. Clients will truly appreciate the wide array of entertainment and leisure services and facilities offered. Some services of Mantahost Hotel may be payable.

Things to do in Manta, Ecuador

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Manta, Ecuador

The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
Digital Voucher360 minutes

The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.

Lower prices, high quality ! This tour captures nature, culture, and local cuisine in one trip; Starting from the fish market, this trip will give you a taste of how it is being a local, interacting to the people in the market and watching how the big fish are being brought to the shore, in the market you will see the stalls where they sell, seafood and the catch of the day, the boat yard is another spot we will visit, where the fishing boats are being built, you will be able to witness how the Toquilla hats are woven in one of the small factories and buy it from it, after exploring the rain forest, and watching howler monkeys, we will be visiting the light house, to see an spectacular view of the ocean, and finally you will enjoy a delicious lunch and relaxing in one of the restaurants in the rain forest. Warning: there is 1300 meters of this trail in PACOCHE are strenuous, not recommended for travelers with heart or walking problems, please wear running shoes.
Taste of Ecuador: Fish Market, Forest trail, Local Food & Crafts
Digital Voucher480 minutes

Taste of Ecuador: Fish Market, Forest trail, Local Food & Crafts

Our most complete day tour in Manta. Immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and history of Manta and Montecristi. Visit the engine of the local economy, the Fish Market, and the boatyard. Explore the lush rainforest of Pacoche and spot howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Pacoche offers a glimpse into the vibrant diversity of Ecuador's tropical forests and coastal landscape. Taste the famous Ecuadorian coastal cuisine and have a drink in a beachfront family-owned restaurant. Learn about Ecuador's history of revolution in Montecristi, considered the birthplace of "Panama hats" or Ecuadorian Toquilla Straw Hat. This picturesque town is also home to hat ateliers, where you can learn about the final process of hat making. Treat yourself to an authentic Panama hat or intricate handwoven crafts as coveted souvenirs of your Ecuador adventure.
2 Hour Buggy Experience in Manta Beach Ecuador
Digital Voucher120 minutes

2 Hour Buggy Experience in Manta Beach Ecuador

Drive your own Buggy or ride as a passenger along picturesque trails through fishing villages, crossing different topographies.
Manta's highlights & Montecristi Hats
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Manta's highlights & Montecristi Hats

Best prices, high quality! This tour will give you a sense of what locals experience everyday, you will learn about our education system, history, customs, culture, & cuisine. You will learn how we build our fishing boats, fishermen may approach asking to take them with you on a picture posing and holding a big tuna while you visit the fish market; We will take you to one of the factories where we process "tagua" buttons, tons of these buttons get exported, so you might be wearing one right now, to complement this tour we will visit a chocolate bars factory, we will also show you how the Montecristi hats are woven, and how much work a weaver put into it, through a demonstration, in one of the artisan's shops, we will explain the process, right after, we will take you to the museum Ciudad Alfaro, which is full of art and history that you will be introduced to. On the way back, do not miss taking a picture of the weaving woman statue on the roundabout.
The ultimate Cocoa farm experience
Digital Voucher420 minutes

The ultimate Cocoa farm experience

This tour reveals the mystery on the origin that relies on Ecuadorian chocolate.The highest quality chocolate was born from a rainforest conservation project started in Ecuador in 2007. Through his nonprofit foundation Third Millennium Alliance. The chocolate this soil produces comes from the oldest trees which study traced genetics as far back as 5,300 years according Carbon-14 data and the theobromine found in pods by Francisco Valdez, in one of his archeological researches; these kind of trees were thought extinct until the results from this study were revealed, proving their purity is at 100% Nacional speaking of genotypes. ​In this tour, we will process our own chocolate from collecting the cocoa beans to making our own chocolate bar, we will visit one of the 14 plantations in Rocafuerte, that produces the highest quality of cocoa beans used for making the most exquisite chocolate bars. Recommended to cruise travelers.
Montecristi & The Rain Forest
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Montecristi & The Rain Forest

Lower prices, high quality! this tour will show you our culture, our traditions, our cuisine, History, nature, handcraft and heritage in just 5 to 6 hours, with the friendliest Ecuadorian tour guide in town, we will be able to see howler monkeys, wildlife, the palm tree that we use to weave the Panama hats, the fish market to see how the fish is being brought to the shore, sharks, marlin, tuna, we will be visiting Ciudad Alfaro museum, and we will be seeing how they make the Panama hats, this tour covers almost everything you do not want to miss, and also how they make buttons out of a particular palm tree that only grows in tropical areas. Warning: there are 800 meters of this trail in PACOCHE are strenuous, not recommended for travelers with heart or walking problems, please wear running shoes at least and mosquito repellent.
Manta
Digital Voucher365 minutes

From Cacao to Chocolate: Private Tour in Manta

Learn about the process to transform one of the best cacao in the world in chocolate. Discover the production process of handcraft beer and taste the different types of beer. Know more about the local economy and one of its most exported product. Visit INIAP Institute (Agricultural Research Farm) in Portoviejo. Walk around the nursery garden and National Cacao farm, get a taste of different national cacao beans, and learn about the preservation program and the crop. Drive to Pacoche Forest to visit a coffee plantation at the National Wildlife refuge of Pacoche. Learn about Ecuadorian coffee, see an exhibition of roasting, grounding and best preparation of local coffee, where you'll be delighted with nice cup of our very own local coffee and a delicious local snack. Return to cruise terminal
Panama Hat Maker, Artisan goods, Museum, Beachfront local Cuisine. SHORE TOUR
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Panama Hat Maker, Artisan goods, Museum, Beachfront local Cuisine. SHORE TOUR

Your in good hands. We are a British ex-pat family that has been living in Manta since 2009. We have 4 generations of family enjoying the sun, sea and sights. We strive to create a perfect day for our clients using our world travel and local experience to find the best tour attractions. We will go out of our way to make your time in Manta an amazing part of your trip. This is a lovely light activity tour. You can walk as much or little as you like and all areas are wheel chair accessible. We can do group or private tours on request and are very flexible if you would like to mix things up and have a custom tour. Feel free to check out our website or social media for more information.

Why People Love Manta, Ecuador

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Manta, Ecuador

B
Brenda_H
3
Aug 2023
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
There was a lot of climbing for elderly people and too big a gap before lunch which was at 2pm. To get to the tour at 8am we had to have breakfast before 7am. Only water was provided on the tour before lunch. At the rainforest the guide only spoke Spanish which had to be translated into English b...
G
Geoffrey_S
5
Oct 2023
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
From the port pick up, our guide Fernando looked after us superbly. His English was excellent and he explained things well. The walk in the rainforest was a little strenuous with many steps but well worth the effort. Lunch was great in a local restaurant.
I
itsGREGSWORLD
5
Nov 2023
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
The rain forest, surroundings & lunch.
We booked with SOS for our first visit to Manta. We scored a day with Christopher, who went out of his way to make certain we all saw as much of Manta and the surrounding countryside as possible. We started at the local fish market and Christopher was able to translate questions we had for local ...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Manta

What are some must-see attractions in Manta?

Manta is a beautiful coastal city with many attractions to explore. Some of the must-see attractions include the Murcielago Beach, Manta's historic center, and the Central Park. Additionally, the Manta Yacht Club is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

What are some popular activities to do in Manta?

Manta is known for its excellent water sports, such as surfing, kite surfing, and wind surfing. You can also take a boat tour to Isla de la Plata to see the island's unique wildlife. If you're interested in history, Manta also has several museums and cultural centers to explore.

What is the best time to visit Manta?

The best time to visit Manta is during the dry season, which runs from June to November. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with minimal rain. Keep in mind that Manta does get crowded during peak tourist season, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the off-season.

What are some good restaurants in Manta?

Manta is known for its delicious seafood, and there are many excellent restaurants to choose from. Some of the most popular include La Fornace, which serves delicious Italian food, and El Faro, which offers fresh seafood with a stunning ocean view. For a more casual dining experience, try one of the many cevicherias in the city.

What are some good accommodations in Manta?

Manta has a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the most popular options include the Hotel Oro Verde, which offers luxury accommodations with stunning ocean views, and the Hotel Vistalmar, which is a more affordable option with comfortable rooms and a great location. For a more unique experience, consider staying at one of the many bed and breakfasts or rental properties in the city.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Manta?

Manta is a great destination for families with kids. Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Manta Zoo, exploring the city's many parks, and taking a boat tour to Isla de la Plata to see the island's unique wildlife. Kids will also love playing on the beautiful beaches and trying out water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.

What is the nightlife like in Manta?

Manta has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from. Some of the most popular options include the Manta Yacht Club, which is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, and the Club de la Playa, which is known for its lively atmosphere and great music. There are also many restaurants and cafes that stay open late, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking up the city's nightlife.

What are some good day trips from Manta?

Manta is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Some popular day trips include visiting the nearby town of Montecristi, which is known for its handicrafts, and exploring the Machalilla National Park, which is home to beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and ancient ruins. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Puerto Lopez to see the famous Los Frailes Beach.

What is the local culture like in Manta?

Manta has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions. The city is known for its handicrafts, such as the famous Panama hats, which are made in nearby Montecristi. The local cuisine is also a highlight, with fresh seafood and traditional dishes like ceviche and encebollado. The people of Manta are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors are sure to feel welcome in this vibrant city.

What are some safety tips for visiting Manta?

Manta is generally a safe city, but it's important to take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Avoid walking alone at night, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables secure, and be cautious when using ATMs or carrying cash. It's also a good idea to research any areas or neighborhoods you plan to visit ahead of time and to stay up to date on any travel advisories or warnings.