Travel Guide Manta

Manta remains an important commercial and industrial center, and the country's second-largest seaport, despite the damage caused by the 2016 earthquake, which swept away a large number of buildings, including the recently rebuilt Eloy Alfaro International Airport control tower.Fishing plays a predominant role here, as evidenced by the statue of the Manabí fisherman on the Malecón. It's a popular spot for Guayaquil's summer holidaymakers (December and January). As in other coastal cities, the nightlife is relatively lively. The city stretches along the Malecón seafront. Two beaches, Tarquí and El Murcielago, separated by a river, stretch out on either side of the port. Since 1999, Manta has also been a military base for the U.S. Air Force, set up here as part of a regional plan to combat drug trafficking.The main fiestas, which give the city an extra touch of craziness, take place on June 28 (San Pedro) and September 24 (Virgen de la Merced).Regional gastronomic specialities not to be missed include shrimp soup with peanuts, marinière soup and sea stew. Unlike Ecuadorians, foreign tourists aren't crazy about this city, which is unwelcoming and rather hostile at first glance. It is generally only a stopover for those travelling along the Ruta del Sol, either south (Puerto Lopez, Montanita) or north (Bahia de Caraquez, Canoa, Pedernales, Mompiche, Muisne or Atacames).