From Manta: Fish Market, Pacoche Forest & Montecristi｜Ecuador

Begin your day at Manta's fish market, the beating heart of the local economy. Watch fishermen unload their morning catch, observe the trading floor in full swing, and witness the sheer variety of seafood that defines this port city. Just steps away, see the traditional shipyard where large wooden fishing boats are built and repaired entirely by hand, a craft passed down through generations.

Next, head to the Pacoche National Wildlife Refuge, one of Ecuador's most biodiverse coastal reserves. Set 300 meters above sea level, the refuge is home to a remarkable dry tropical forest ecosystem - one of the most threatened habitats on the Pacific coast of South America.

Take a 1-hour guided forest trail that winds through dense canopy and rich undergrowth, with a chance to spot howler monkeys in the treetops. Continue to the San Lorenzo lighthouse viewpoint, where panoramic views of the Pacific coast and the protected beach below make for a memorable stop.

No visit to Manabí is complete without a Tonga — a slow-cooked stew wrapped and steamed in banana leaves, rich with local spices and the flavors that have defined coastal Ecuadorian cooking for generations. Enjoy a traditional lunch, with a vegetarian option available.

In the afternoon, visit Montecristi, the hilltop town that is the true birthplace of the Ecuadorian Toquilla straw hat — known worldwide as the Panama hat. Visit the Ciudad Alfar Mausoleum, dedicated to General Eloy Alfaro, leader of the Ecuadorian Revolution and son of Montecristi. Then browse the local artisan stores for a live weaving demonstration, handwoven hats, wicker crafts, and regional souvenirs.