Top Manta Cultural Tours

Learn about Ecuador’s history, culture, and customs when you embark on this tour through Manta and Montecristi. See firsthand how tuna fishing plays an important part in Manta’s economy when you visit a fish market and learn how the boats are built. Then, head to Montecristi to see how the famous hats (also known as Panama hats) are woven and pay a visit to the local Ciudad Alfaro Museum.

Make the most of your time at shore when docked in Manta, Ecuador with this leisurely small-group tour through the city. Learn about the iconic Panama hat at the Alfaro City Civic Center and visit a local hat maker to see how they are made. You also visit a popular beach where you can have a swim and indulge in a delicious beachfront seafood feast. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Make the most of your time at shore and explore the Manta region on this half-day shore excursion. Join a small group and visit the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge and San Lorenzo Beach to observe local wildlife. Then, visit a local museum to learn about the tradition of Panama hatmaking before ending with a walk through a local fisherman’s village.

Manta is not just a port. It is markets that smell of the sea before dawn, the connection with artisans who hand-knit one of the finest hats in the world and streets where the history of Manabi is still alive. This tour takes you to that real Manta, without filters, without mass groups, without rush. We start at the fishery market, where tuna arrive fresh every morning and fishermen work the same as decades ago. Then we travel to Montecristi, birthplace of the real straw toquilla hat, misnamed "Panama Hat", to meet artisans who still hand-knit it and understand why it has a UNESCO designation of origin. The group is maximum 4 people. The pace is up to you, the conversations are real and your guide is there for you, not to manage a line. Ideal for independent travelers, couples and small families who prefer depth over quantity.