Top Things to do in Manta
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The 5 Best Things to Do in Manta, Ecuador
Discover the best top things to do in Manta, Ecuador including Playa Santa Marianita, Playa el Murcielago, Playa San Lorenzo, Malecon Escenico, Museo del Banco Central.
Restaurants in Manta
1. Playa Santa Marianita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By earthflyers - Montreal, Canada
This is my beach, OK? :) don't tell anyone or other people will come ;)
Seriously, this is a hidden place, great sand, warm water, fantastic people around.
If you are there, you DO have to check out Javier's school (look for Ecuador KiteSurf) and get some lessons from the best teacher ever. Javier is a character, a great teacher that doesn't negotiate his reputation to keep you safe and improve.
2. Playa el Murcielago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By Les R - Kansas City, MO
We were there on a Sunday...the beach was clean (a few small rocks)...a lot of locals were there...it was a fun, safe time...the sun over the equator is extremely intense, so don't forget the sunscreen and lots of it...is was a wonderful sunny day...a great place for family fun for those who like the beech and water...we found places to buy food and drinks...the beech umbrellas were only $5 per day, a great deal in the intense sun...we only waded in the water, the temperature was great and the water seemed clean...we were on a cruise ship and others said they had a problem with seed weed and felt the water was not that clean, but that was not our experience wading where we were.
3. Playa San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Anthony S - Brisbane, Australia
This is a beautiful long beach with some superb waves, perfect for Surfing. Apart from the few local fishermen there is virtually no-one about and you can have the beach to yourself. To the north end is a steep headland with a small lighthouse and a great view in both directions.
There are a couple of little hotels, and restaurants, right on the beach and it would be a most pleasant place to stay for a few days.
4. Malecon Escenico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Dan L - Bunbury, Australia
The seafront Avenida Malecón is the defining avenue in Manta. It hugs the coastline and runs roughly east to west, from Playa de Tarqui, over a small bridge to Manta Harbor and Playa Murciélago. Almost everything of interest to tourists in Manta is located on the Avenue or close by. Tuna statues dedicated to the fishing centre of tuna in South America, museums, the Civic Plaza, restaurants, markets, banks - they are all here. On the other side the Pacific ocean and the adjacent port. Very busy traffic area. If you arrive by cruise ship you will drive or walk the Avenue; great atmosphere generated by local traders.
5. Museo del Banco Central
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Ursosarctos - London, United Kingdom
This is a newish museum (2009) which focusses on the Pre-Columbian culture and history. Like all museums with few first-rate artefacts, it has tended to accumulate other "odds and sods". There is an interesting collection of Ecuadorian modern painting on an upper floor: and there are a couple of free wifi terminals.
All labelling is in Spanish.
