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Activity Manta, Ecuador

Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks

4.5 (20 reviews) 4–5 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks

About this activity

On this half-day tour, discover the colorful landmarks, culture, history, and daily life of Manta and Montecristi on this enlightening tour of two of Ecuador‘s most inviting coastal towns. These neighboring cities each have a vibrant charm all their own.

In Manta, explore the lively streets and bustling fish market, where a cup of fresh-brewed Ecuadorian coffee or freshly squeezed juice offers the perfect start to your day. Then stroll the tranquil streets of picturesque Montecristi, dotted with lovely handicraft shops and a leafy central plaza where you can simply sit and enjoy the easygoing pace of life.

A knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating insights into the history and stories of Manta and Montecristi, two closely linked yet wonderfully unique communities.

A perfect day to discover the true heart of coastal Ecuador. The memories made here will last long after your suntan fades!

Day Trips Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Ports of Call Tours City Tours Car Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration
4–5 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 14 people
People per booking
1–14
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Narwell Tours

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–13 years) · Adults (14–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Hotel/port drop-off
  • Included: Hotel/port pickup
  • Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Included: Driver/guide
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee, tea, juice, or prefered soft drink
  • Included: Local blilingual guide English/Spanish

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Plage de Tarqui

    one hour

    Embark on a journey to the captivating meeting point of Tarqui and Los Esteros beaches, where you’ll find one of the last remaining wooden fishing boat shipyards. Skilled carpenters continue the treasured tradition of crafting these majestic vessels by hand.

    Experience the lively atmosphere of the bustling fish market, a vital contributor to the city’s economic growth since its inception.

  2. Parque de la Madre Fuente

    one hour

    Experience the heartbeat of Manta on a walk through the city center. During the bustling work week, downtown streets come alive with colorful characters – from businessmen and women hurrying to work to street food vendors chanting their products. Immerse yourself in local life as you take in Manta’s historic architecture, from typical coastal colonial-style buildings to narrow pedestrian alleys filled with history. Stop to watch old-timers playing dominoes in the park or listen to the shouts of shoe shiners offering their services. Cap off your morning walk at a traditional Patrimonial House, now preserved as an atmospheric coffee shop. Sink into a chair and enjoy a freshly ground regional blend or a freshly squeezed fruit juice while energizing for the second half of your Manta adventure.

  3. Stop 3

    25 min

    After taking a well-deserved break, hop in the vehicle and head to the nearby city of Montecristi.

  4. Stop 4

    one hour

    Submerge yourself in the sights and stories of Montecristi as you stroll the colorful streets. Wander past the first school for women, witnessing how this coastal town has long championed progress. Linger in the main plaza, taking in the imposing church that anchors the city’s spiritual heart. Chat with locals sitting on their front porches who remember when life moved at a slower pace.

  5. MontecuadorHats

    one hour

    Start your walking tour with a visit to a traditional Panama hat workshop that has kept an ancient craft alive. Speak with the artisans who preserve this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, passed down through generations. Try on a hand-woven hat made using the same techniques perfected over a century ago. Take home a piece of Montecristi’s cultural legacy – a perfectly shaped Panama hat, a reminder of your memorable day in this coastal town full of history, culture, and warmth.

  6. Montecristi

    25 min

    Hop on the vehicle for your final ride back to Manta. It's time to rest and share your stories with your new friends. (Drop off at preferred address)

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Please take the complimentary shuttle from the disembarking area to Manta's Cruise Terminal. Look for our representative holding a sign with the passenger's name.

End point

  • Please take the complimentary shuttle from the disembarking area to Manta's Cruise Terminal. Look for our representative holding a sign with the passenger's name.

Pickup points

  • Manta Airport
  • Manta

Cruise ship passengers must take a free shuttle from the disembarking area to Manta's Cruise Terminal.

Using your ticket

  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made

Hop-on hop-off tour with stops near cruise port

The tour departs from the Cruise Terminal for cruise passengers

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • A light amount of walking is involved

  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Options

  • PRIVATE TOUR

    PRIVATE: This option will be offered as a private experience for up to 4 passengers.

    Pickup included

  • SHARED TOUR

    SHARED : This option will be offered as a shared experience for up to 14 passengers.

    Pickup included

Traveller ratings

4.5 out of 5 · 20 reviews
5
70%
4
20%
3
0%
2
5%
1
5%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks

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