Visit the Coastal City of Manta
Located in the Manabí Province of Ecuador, the city of Manta offers modern conveniences and infrastructure along with all the laid-back leisure opportunities of Ecuador’s spectacular coastline. In addition to miles and miles of spectacular beaches perfect for surfing, sailing, scuba diving, kitesurfing and other watersports, visitors to Manta will find a variety of accommodation options, restaurants and nightspots, a modern movie theater, a casino, dance clubs, a tennis club and more. With Guayaquil only three hours away, and quaint fishing villages and beautiful beaches to be found north and south along the coastline, holidaymakers can use Manta as a base to explore the surrounding area.
Manta has long played a significant role in the history of Ecuador. Back in 1735, Manta’s port was where French explorer and geographer Charles Marie de La Condamine disembarked to lead the French mission seeking to measure the location of the equator. Further back in history, the port also served as the main trading post for the Mantas and the Incas.
Football is Ecuador’s favorite sport, and Manta boasts two professional teams – Manta F.C. and Delfín F.C. – as well as a number of club teams. Tennis is another popular sport in Manta and the city hosts ATP Challenger Series events from time to time.
Traveling south, visitors will come across the fishing village of Puerto Cayo, with pristine beaches and warm hospitality. Located just beyond Puerto Cayo, the Machalilla National Park features dry forest and a network of hiking trails dotted with lookout point offering breathtaking views. Also close to Manta is the 17th century town of Montecristi featuring superb examples of colonial architecture. Montecristi is also known for its crafts, particularly wickerwork and the original Panama hats.
Featuring a temperate climate all year round, Manta is the perfect holiday destination in any season. With the largest port along the Ecuadorian coastline, cruise ships traveling the southern Pacific Ocean often stop off at Manta, and tourism is one of the city’s largest sources of income. Certainly, Manta and its surroundings have plenty to offer holidaymakers in Ecuador.
