Manta is a major commercial and holiday resort centre and is the second major port of the country, after Guayaquil. The climate, the marine ambiance and the coastal mountains are central elements of the tourist attractions of Manta. The people are friendly and if you go from June to August you will enjoy comfortable weather that is not too hot.

Tourist Offices
There is a tourist office at the Municipio on Calle 9, in the town hall. It's open from 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Around and closeby
Isla Corazón is a mangrove island where one of the largest frigate bird colonies of the southern Pacific lives. The island is great for bird watching, at least 60 sea bird species are found there.

Sightseeing
The evenings see a hive of activity of partying people, loud music and meandering cars around the nearby side streets and main frontage of the Malecón, that arcs around the bay. Bathed in constant fresh winds the Malecón is always a pleasant area to walk in the evening. Manta hosts an International Film Festival in September.

Getting there
There are frequent bus services from Guayaquil, Quito, Portoviejo, Jipijapa, Bahía de Caráquez and Esmeraldas. If you plan to travel by air there are frequent flights from/to Quito and Guayaquil.

Getting around
The taxi service is cheap. You can also take buses everywhere but it is slightly more complicated.