- Ship
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Although Manta, Ecuador is not a typical tourist destination, this city has a lot to offer when it comes to seascapes, history, and culture. Manta is the second-largest port city in Ecuador and its economy largely relies on the fishing and tourism industry. Spend two days here exploring or join optional excursions.
Join an exciting optional excursion by boat to the nearby island Isla de la Plata. Transfer by coach to the small port town of Puerto Lopez to board a smaller boat that can land at the islands. This tour offers excellent chances of seeing the teeming wildlife which is reminiscent of Galapagos and includes frigate birds, albatrosses, boobies, pelicans, manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, green turtles and more than 30 species of birds (both migratory and native species). Includes a box lunch.
The trip takes around 1.5 hours each way
Duration total approx.: 8 hours
With more time in lovely Manta, get to know the area and its traditional crafts. Set off directly from the dock in Manta and go to Montecristi, a place known for the quality of handicrafts made with wicker, wood, and ancestral fibers like piquigua and toquilla palm. It is with the latter that the famous Panama Hats are made, and Montecristi is recognized worldwide for its very high quality. These hats are hand-woven by following a process that can take from 4 to 6 months, depending on the fineness and complexity of the materials and weave. A visit that will change your views of the famous hat for sure! Following your visit in Montecristi, head to Pacoche, a private reserve of 10 hectares that is part of the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, just 20 minutes away from the city of Manta. It is a unique place surrounded by the jungle, home to many endemic bird species and mammals such as the howler monkeys. The reserve has two trails that will allow you to get into the jungle and feel part of the nature of the place. Pacoche is famous for the presence of families of howler monkeys that wander freely through the forest. Additionally, there are capuchin monkeys and over 250 species of birds, of which 50 are endemic to the area.