PORTS OF CALL - South America
Manta, Ecuador
Manta, one of Ecuador's major coastal resort towns, is named for the ancient Manta culture. The Mantas were famous for their pottery and their navigational skills, and you can still see traditional balsa sailing rafts in the waters off the coast. Located in a dry, tropical forest area, Manta has some of the country's most beautiful beaches, and every kind of watersport is available here. With a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, and fresh seafood every day, you'll want to stroll the local promenade to sample dishes and enjoy the lively beach scene.
Don't Miss
Playa Murcielago is the area's most attractive beach and has the most engaging beach life, with outdoor music, a scenic boardwalk, craft stores and a nice mix of restaurants and bars. You can soak in the local rhythms, people watch, hunt for colorful mementos, or just sip a cool drink and watch the waves wash in. If you want to explore the historic Manta lifestyle, the nearby Central Bank Museum has excellent exhibits of Manta culture.
Sporting Adventures
Surfers will want to head for Playa San Lorenzo, known for its powerful, head-high waves. Every other kind of watersport is also available, from water skiing to kiteboarding and kitesurfing. If you're more interested in marine life than skimming along, on, or above the water, there's good scuba diving and sport fishing to be had, as well as whale watching. And if it's the roar of the crowd that gets your blood pumping, Manta has two professional soccer teams.
Shopping for Bargains
Manta's charming neighboring town, Montecristi, has the best selection of unique crafts. You'll find ceramics, Panama hats and other wicker goods. The Panama hats are particularly excellent - made by master weavers with toquilla straw, they are hand woven so finely that the hats feel like soft linen, and take months to complete.
Local Flavours
A unique local dish is sancocho, a Manta favorite made with plantains and fish. You'll also want to try viche de pescado - a dish made with tuna, peanuts, yucca, corn and sweet potato. Delicious! If you're a fan of ceviche - raw fish "cooked" with citrus juice - you'll have no trouble finding it along the breezy seashore.
Currency
The official currency in Ecuador is US dollars, with the same denominations in use. Coins are also identical to US money, though you'll notice that the faces depicted are Ecuadorian.