SPANISH VERSION
 |
GUAYAQUIL - ECUADOR
MANTA AND ITS DEVELOPMENT
Nowadays, Manta is the most important port
city in the province and one of the cities with the greatest
economic growth in Ecuador.
Manta has the Tarqui and El Murcielago
beaches, which receive a large number of tourists, because
of their good hotel infrastructure, just like that of the
city of Manta itself. Places near Manta
are Jaramijo, Punta Blanca, San Mateo and Montecristi.
THE PORT:
This is the part of the city that acts as one of Ecuador's
international ports, with all the vigor of its industrial
and trade activity, exporting large quantities of tuna,
coffee, tagua ivory nuts and cacao, all of which
are highly prized in the world market, from its busy wharves.
The climate, the marine environment, the coastal range,
and the relief of the land are all central to the tourist
attractions of Manta and Manabi.
BEACHES TO CHOOSE FROM:
San Vicente, San Jacinto, San Clemente, Puerto Cayo, Puerto
Rico, Puerto Lopez, Crucita, Canoa, Cojimies, Pedernales
and Jaramijo, are beautiful beaches surrounded by fishing
villages along about 300 Km. of the Manabi coast. Much visited
throughout the year, they offer peace, tranquility and tasty
cooking. The surrounding vegetation consists of mangrove
swamps, thickets and woods. Places such as Puerto Lopez
and Pedernales have become towns with a good hotel infrastructure
and are points of departure for destinations like Machalilla
National Park. Inns built from guadua cane and
other materials from the region are part of their attraction.
Manta has one of the most impressive beaches
in South America, selected as the site of the Sixth South
American Windsurfing Championship. It is also famous for
its features and facilities for practicing the sports of
diving and fishing.
If you are one of the people who visit and enjoy the city
and its surroundings by day and relax by night, getting
to know and enjoy the bars, we can assure you that you will
find all you will need in order to have a great time. There
is a selection of first-class night-clubs, entertainment
parks and casinos in the city; in addition, the International
Theater Festival is held in Manta every
year in September, as well as many sports events in the
period from November to April.
The typical craftwork in Manabi and its environs, well-known
throughout the world, are the original and official "Panama
Hats", which are made very near the city of Manta,
in the picturesque village of Montecristi. Manta
is also famous for its delicious cooking, considered by
many to be the best in the country. For those who enjoy
seafood Manta has no equal.
EL MURCIELAGO
This lovely beach has a scenic promenade, where there are various restaurants, recreational sports facilities, craft markets, bars and other places for enjoyment. Near the beach are the main banks, hotels and the shopping area of the city. The waters of the beach are good for practicing water sports such as surfing, sailing, body-boarding, and fishing.
The promenade is of modern construction, with restaurants
offering all the specialty foods of the region and typical
drinks. In the last few years it has become one of the compulsory
ports of call for international cruise ships running from
the Caribbean to the Latin American Pacific. Bars and discotheques
are part of the city, filling up with tourists at weekends.
In October, Manta receives dozens of artists
who get together in the Chusig Theater for the International
Theater Festival.
TARQUI
This is a seafood park area where the most delicious typical foods are prepared exquisitely. In addition, countless sports are played on its beach.
SAN MATEO:
This area of the city is expanding. The people in this village,
whose ancestors are from the Manta Culture,
devote themselves to craft fishing.
THE SAN LORENZO LIGHTHOUSE:
Broad beaches with a wonderful view from the lighthouse, from which you can see the De La Plata Island. This area is part of an ecological reserve known as Machalilla National Park.
Where to go outside Manta
MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK: Its De La Plata
Island is very well known, having a fauna similar to that
of the Galapagos Islands (2½ hours from Manta).
MONTECRISTI: the "home" of the famous Panama
Hats (15 minutes from Manta).
SAN PLACIDO WATERFALL: a natural waterfall
within a forest with incredible fauna. (2 hours from Manta).
LA LOCITA WATERFALL: a natural waterfall
located in the town of Junin. (2 hours from Manta).
CARAQUEZ BAY: Fragatas Islands, the Dry
Forest of Tropical Orchids, the Island of Birds, the Wetlands
of the River Chone estuary, Walks to Punta Bellaca; it also
has excellent hotels and places for rest and enjoyment.
One of its attractions is sailing on the River Chone in
a launch to the San Vicente beach. Other options are to
enjoy its beaches and sea-wall or go up to other lonely
beaches like Boca Briceño or the Matal. Other interesting
places are the River Chone estuary, with the Corazon del
Sol and Fragatas islands, and the Banco Central and Casa
de la Cultura museums.
PORTOVIEJO
Capital of the province, also known as the city of the "Royal Tamarind", one of its attractions is the Metropolitan Cathedral, together with the San Pedro Senior Seminary. Other sites near the town are the thermal spas El Zapallo and La Peña, La Papayita, San Antonio and Cerro De Hojas, among others.
Don't forget, we are looking forward to your visit.
|
GALAPAGOS
;)
