Discovering the Charms of Manta, Ecuador: Our Family’s Adventure

When our family embarked on a month-long adventure in Manta, Ecuador, we were driven by our love for beach destinations and a desire to ease our transition to a new environment. Manta, a vibrant coastal city with its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, seemed like the perfect place to begin our journey. Here’s a look at our experiences, from language immersion to local discoveries and practical tips.

Why Manta?

As a beach-loving family, starting our adventure in a coastal town was an easy choice. Manta’s picturesque beaches and relaxed vibe provided the ideal setting for us. Despite its charm, Manta has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, as well as safety concerns. However, our experience has shown us that Manta is a safe, friendly, and affordable destination that has enriched our travels.

Our journey began with three weeks of Spanish classes at Manta Spanish School. The school’s excellent instructors not only improved our Spanish skills but also arranged local excursions and activities to deepen our understanding of Manta’s culture and history. These became a highlight of our stay, providing us with a richer experience of the city, culture and its surroundings.

One of our first excursions took us to Monticristi, a nearby town renowned for its traditional Panama hats. Despite the common misconception, Panama hats are actually Ecuadorian. The term “Panama hat” originated from their popularity during the Panama Canal construction. Monticristi’s artisans are experts in crafting these lightweight, durable hats from toquilla straw, reflecting a rich heritage of Ecuadorian craftsmanship.

Our historical exploration continued with visiting sites related to Eloy Alfaro, a key figure in Ecuadorian history. Alfaro’s Liberal Revolution brought significant reforms, including the separation of church and state and the promotion of education. Learning about Alfaro’s impact offered us valuable insights into Ecuador’s modern history.

Manta’s natural beauty captivated us throughout our stay. We spent days beach hopping along the coast, discovering pristine shores and vibrant marine life. Our favorite spot was San Lorenzo, where a hike to the lighthouse rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views. The azure waters and rugged coastline from San Lorenzo’s lighthouse were truly awe-inspiring. At low tide there are rocks you can visit with little tide pools but be warned at high tide the waves can be very rough.

Not too far from San Lorenzo, Liguiqui has a beautiful beach with much calmer waves and delicious beach side restaurants.

We loved hiking at Pacoche National Park! It is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of lush tropical forest and rich biodiversity. Our visit to the park was nothing short of magical, with the sounds of nature enveloping us as we trekked through dense foliage. One of the most unforgettable experiences was encountering the howler monkeys. Their deep, resonant calls echoed through the trees, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a thrilling experience, as they swung gracefully from branch to branch, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the vibrant greenery.

In addition to the howler monkeys, Pacoche National Park is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, including a variety of spider species (Weston’s favorite).

A standout experience was our excursion to Isla de la Plata, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos” for its resemblance to the famous Galápagos Islands. The boat ride was a highlight, offering opportunities to see whales, and snorkel with sea turtles, sea stars, urchins and so many colorful fish. The island itself provided stunning views and encounters with unique wildlife, including the red-footed and blue-footed boobies and the striking, red-gilled frigatebirds.

Isla de la Plata is a protected area, and conservation efforts are in place to preserve its unique ecosystems. The island is part of the Machalilla National Park, which was established in 1979. Conservation programs focus on protecting the native wildlife, reducing human impact, and promoting sustainable tourism.

Isla de la Plata also holds cultural significance. The island’s name, which translates to “Island of Silver,” comes from legends of hidden treasure left by pirates. Additionally, pre-Columbian artifacts have been found on the island, suggesting it was used by ancient civilizations

Our dining experiences were equally delightful. We indulged in delicious local cuisine without ever spending more than $50 for a family dinner. From fresh ceviche, bolons, gato encerrado (maduro plantains dipped in batter and fried, served with cheese and special mayo) to hearty empanadas, the local food was a true highlight of our stay.

Excursions varied in cost, with the boat trip to Isla de la Plata being our most expensive at $60 per person. It was well worth it for the incredible wildlife encounters and scenery. Parasailing was another memorable activity, priced at $30 per person, offering a spectacular view of the Crucita coastline. You can expect to pay $2 dollars per chair at the beaches. .25 cents for bathrooms and showers. Something that might surprise you is that toilet paper is not provided in the bathrooms, you can purchase for .25 cents or bring your own. We have gotten accustomed to carrying Kleenex and wipes in our bag.