Ecuador · Wildlife

5-Hour Manta and Montecristi Tour with Pacoche Forest

5 Hours Round trip from Montecristi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See the daily catch and meet fishermen at Manta's Fish Market
02 Visit the boatyard to admire the boats that sail from the city
03 Watch how the famous Montecristi hats are woven in their namesake town
04 Admire Ciudad Alfaro, where Ecuador's 2008 constitution was signed
05 Experience Pacoche Forest's unique micro-climate and protected wildlife

Explore the Ecuadorian highlights of Manta and Montecristi on this 5-hour tour. Visit the Fish Market and the boatyard to get a glimpse of local life by the sea, then head to Montecristi to see how its famous hats are woven. Admire Ciudad Alfaro, built to honour ex-President Eloy Alfaro, and stop at the Montecristi food court for fresh coffee. End in Pacoche Forest, where the meeting of the Humboldt current and the Nino current creates a unique micro-climate and supports remarkable wildlife.

Finally, head to Pacoche Forest, or the rain forest, where you will experience the micro-climate created by the meeting of the Humboldt current and the Nino current.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Manta, Montecristi and Pacoche Forest Discovery

The first stop is the Fish Market, where you will see the fish brought into the city and meet the fishermen.
The next stop is the boatyard, where you can admire the beautiful boats that sail from here.
Then head to Montecristi, known for its hats, just 15 minutes from Manta. This city has become an icon for Ecuadorians, and many visitors come to see how the famous "Montecristi" hats are woven.
Visit Ciudad Alfaro, a complex built to honour former President Eloy Alfaro, who, despite being a wealthy man, fought against economic inequality. Ecuador's last constitution was also signed here in 2008.
Stop at the food court in Montecristi for some fresh coffee.
Finally, head to Pacoche Forest, or the rain forest, where you will experience the micro-climate created by the meeting of the Humboldt current and the Nino current. In this protected area, you will also encounter wild nature, including howler monkeys, panthers, sloths, and more.