Top Manta Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

Discover Manabi’s fascinating history, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage while in port in Manta on this full-day tour. Visit the town of Pile, where the world-famous Panama Hats are made; spot howler monkeys as you hike through the Pacoche Humid Forest; tuck into delicious Ecuadorian cuisine for lunch (not included); and learn all about the Ecuadorian Revolution at the Montecristi Museum.

This is a tailored private tour just for your group. You will get to spend quality time deep in the rainforest. Breathing in the pure fresh air. Surrounded by nature and tranquility. The sound of birdsong and howler monkeys are guaranteed. This is the place we take our families for a nice walk and an escape from the city, we can’t recommend it enough. We will adapt the schedule to your needs and interests, adding stops where you wish. We normally end the day with a trip to a local chocolate factory or brewery to really put the icing on the cake.

Get up close and personal with the fishermen, boat builders and hat makers of Manta, and enjoy a wildlife spotting trip to Pacoche Humid Forest, during this private 7-hour excursion. Learn about Manta’s fishing industry during a tour of the city fish market, then observe boat builders as they fashion and repair local fishing vessels. Also, get to explore the Pacoche Humid Forest, spotting for its resident howler monkeys, and learn about Ecuador’s famous Montecristi hat in the haberdashery shops of Ciudad Alfaro. This Manta excursion also includes a private guide, snacks and entrance fees.

This tour differs because it combines nature, beach and local food in a quiet and well organized experience near Manta, ideal for families, couples and travelers who want to know Pacoche without a demanding hike. During the tour, travelers will walk through the humid tropical forest of the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, with the possibility of observing howler monkeys, birds and native vegetation in its natural environment. Then we will visit San Lorenzo Beach, where you can walk, rest, take photos and bathe if the sea conditions allow, always following the safety recommendations of the guide. The experience ends in a seafront restaurant, where each traveler can choose their favorite dish and enjoy local marine flavors in a coastal atmosphere. It is a small group tour, with personalized attention, transportation included, local guide and a relaxed pace to enjoy nature and the coast of Manabi without hurry.

Sample the artisanal food producers of Manta during this 6-hour exploration of the city’s chocolate and craft beer industries. Check out the plantations and growing facilities for Creole Cocoa and Rio Chico, learning about their cultivation of cacao beans and the chocolate making process. You’ll also get to visit nearby plantations of oranges, lemons and coconuts before heading to a local craft brewery for a tasting. This food-focused trip also includes a lunch of typical local cuisine, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

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.

Experience the ultimate adventure with our Galapagos & Machu Picchu tour from Manta Port, designed exclusively for cruise passengers. Discover the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and the majestic beauty of Machu Picchu, all in one seamless, fully coordinated journey. Enjoy top-quality service, expert guides, and unbeatable value for a truly unforgettable experience.

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.

Unveil the ancient history of the Valdivia tribe, the first clay workers in South America, on this full-day excursion to the Cerro Jaboncillo archaeological site. With an expert guide, explore ongoing excavations, witness real fossils and artifacts, and visit the museum showcasing Pache, Valdivia, and Chorrera cultures. Then visit the vibrant fish market and boatyard, discovering the art of crafting wooden fishing boats, plus a traditional hat factory.