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Sightseeing in Manta - what to see. Complete travel guide

Manta is widely recognized as one of the main ports in Ecuador. Moreover, this is a major tourist center and a popular destination in the country. Manta is situated in Manabi Province. Tourists from all parts of the world arrive here to enjoy a mesmerizing vacation on the ocean coast and visit fabulous local beaches. Furthermore, each vacationer is free to choose the most suitable place for sunbathing and beach recreation because there are comfortable beaches at the ocean coast and no less amazing riverside beaches – several picturesque rivers cross the city’s territory. Besides beach activities, tourists are welcome to visit the annual theatre festival that brings together many professional theatre actors from all over the world.
The history of Manta started long before the day when Columbus reached the American coast. At that time, it was a port settlement that was an important center of trade between the Manteno and Inca peoples. The tribes that lived in Manta eventually conquered the neighbor kingdom. The French reached the port of Manta in 1735. Their purpose was to measure the location of the equator. Charles Marie de La Condamine was the head of that expedition. Since that moment, the French appeared in the country and started traveling in it.
Nowadays, Manta is a modern city with a population of twenty hundred and fifty thousand people. Fishing is still the main occupation of the local people. Tuna from the Pacific Ocean is the main catch here. Until the midsummer of 2009, a military base of the United States was located near Manta. Called Eloy Alfaro Air Base, this FOL base specialized in anti-narcotics military operations. The main purpose of this airbase was to stop drug traffic from nearby Peru and Colombia. In the latest decades, tourism has been one of the main sources of income for Manta. This is an actively developing sector in the city these days. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
It is hard to find more picturesque beaches anywhere on the continent. Striking views and excellent recreation options have made Manta beaches internationally famous. Fans of surfing and windsurfing are particularly in love with this region. The local climate is mild and suitable for water sports all year round, so tourists do not need to plan their vacations in Manta at a certain time of the year. The well-developed infrastructure of local beaches is one more reason why there are so many foreign guests in this gorgeous coastal city.
Both locals and guests of Manta enjoy visiting Playa Santa Marianita. This is the most popular beach in the city that has a comfortable location close to the central part of the resort. Covered with soft white sand, Santa Marianita is incredibly comfortable for different categories of visitors including families with children and groups of tourists. Are you a fan of surfing or maybe have you always wanted to try it? Vacationers can rent surfing equipment right at the beach. To the service of beginners, there are professional and experienced coaches who are always ready to show how to ride the waves. Comfortable tents at Santa Marianita are exactly what vacationers need to hide from the scorching sun in the midst of a hot day. There are also sun umbrellas and loungers for rent.
The beach has a pleasant surprise for people who enjoy sleeping outdoors. There are big pavilions with hammocks in Santa Marianita, and everyone is welcome to occupy a free one and relax or take a nap. When sunbathing and lying leisurely becomes boring or when you want to eat something, it is time to explore the nearby cafes and restaurants. Charming and hospitable, these dining establishments are always ready to offer local food masterpieces and refreshing cocktails that taste particularly pleasant when you want to cool down. Are you fond of more extreme sports? Kite surfing instructors visit this beach every day. They are always glad to tell more about the tricks of this exciting activity and provide vacationers with the necessary equipment. That being said, tourists need to keep in mind that high waves are quite rare here.
Professional surfers prefer to relax at another beach, Playa San Lorenzo. This Manta beach attracts all fans of giant waves. If you are an advanced surfer, you can boost your adrenaline level and try to conquer these spectacular ocean waves. Fans of windsurfing are particularly numerous here because San Lorenzo is very popular with the aficionados of this sport. On windy days, hardcore sports enthusiasts come to this beach in search of some thrilling emotions. They look like small yachts that pierce the waves, heading to another regatta. Be careful and do not try to copy these sportsmen because they are professionals with years of experience.
Besides surfing, tourists can make an interesting journey to the depths of the Pacific Ocean and see the underwater world and its diverse and original creatures in detail. Just like with surfing, vacationers can rent diving gear directly at the beach. Fans of fishing can visit this place when the weather is calm and enjoy this relaxing and calming activity. They can keep the catch or head to a nearby restaurant and ask the chef to cook the fish.
The majority of travelers need to fly to Ecuador to reach the gorgeous resort city of Manta. The flight from Europe can be really long – up to twenty-four hours. Having landed at one of the nearby airports, vacationers can call a taxi or buy bus tickets to the central part of the resort. If you book a transfer beforehand, the taxi driver will wait for you at the airport, holding a plate with your name on it.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Manta and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Manta
♥   National Park 'Machalilla' , 61.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Manta from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Montanita Beach

From the series “Top Beaches for Surfing on Huge Waves”
It will be most comfortable for beginners to stay here in the summer. The height of the waves does not exceed 1 meter on the coast at this time of year. The highest waves are on the coast in the period from January to March. Their height can reach 2 meters at this time of year. Guests of the popular resort of Ecuador should also take into account that there are no high-class hotels on its territory. There are several inexpensive campsites and hostels here. The main part of their guests is young travelers. An interesting festival is held at the resort every February. Annual surfing competitions are held within its framework. … Read further

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The villages of Horteleg and Gualaseo can be your next step in exploration of Ecuador. These villages have many awesome souvenir shops and art galleries. Textiles and ceramics are traditionally the most popular crafts that tourists prefer to take back home. … Open
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Sightseeing in regions nearby Manta

All about Manta, Ecuador - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Manta, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Manta in few days.
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