Manta
Finding yourself in Manta, Ecuador, you might wonder why your shoes have more sand than soles after two days. Fishermen haul in their catch at dawn and sometimes, a pelican will try to claim a fish, causing a small commotion that locals pretend not to notice. Many travelers try to spot the best hotel in Manta by the size of the breakfast buffet, though I once chose one based on the color of the lobby chairs. The Malecón buzzes with conversations in Spanish, English, and the universal language of sunscreen application. If you walk into a ceviche shop, order whatever the person next to you is having – this is not a place for menu hesitation. Taxis here can be flagged with a whistle, or a wave, or sometimes just a hopeful expression. The city does not rush, and neither should you.
Local weather in Ecuador
SPRING
warm & sunny
SUMMER
warm & sunny
AUTUMN
warm & sunny
WINTER
warm & sunny
Accommodations in Manta
Discover the best accommodations for Manta and start planning your holiday.
Popular things to do or visit in Manta
Sunrise in Manta never sounds like what you expect. Roosters and trucks compete, and the ocean sometimes wins. Travelers searching for popular things to do or visit often end up at Playa Murciélago, though one local told me it is best to avoid the volleyball courts if you value your pride. The waterfront market sells hats, souvenirs, and occasionally, rubber ducks—no explanation given. The fish market looks chaotic but works like clockwork, and if you ask for directions, expect a ten-minute story about someone's cousin who once got lost looking for shrimp.
Some say the best hotel in Manta hides its pool on the roof, but last time I checked, it was being cleaned by a parrot (or maybe that was a towel with attitude). Museum goers drift toward the Central Bank Museum, where you can see pre-Columbian pottery and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of a wandering cat who seems to think it is the curator. When the sun gets heavy, take a cab to Montecristi, birthplace of the Panama hat, and learn that the best hats are not from Panama at all. Someone once told me Manta is a place where shoes come to retire—maybe bring flip-flops and see if it's true. If you ask three people for directions, you might end up at the same place thrice or somewhere entirely new. Don't trust Google Maps after sunset, trust your nose and the sound of distant salsa music echoing down the street.
Other cities around Ecuador
These popular destinations have a lot to offer for you next holiday or city break.
