Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On this half-day tour, discover the colorful landmarks, culture, history, and daily life of Manta and Montecristi on this enlightening tour of two of Ecuador‘s most inviting coastal towns. These neighboring cities each have a vibrant charm all their own.
In Manta, explore the lively streets and bustling fish market, where a cup of fresh-brewed Ecuadorian coffee or freshly squeezed juice offers the perfect start to your day. Then stroll the tranquil streets of picturesque Montecristi, dotted with lovely handicraft shops and a leafy central plaza where you can simply sit and enjoy the easygoing pace of life.
A knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating insights into the history and stories of Manta and Montecristi, two closely linked yet wonderfully unique communities.
A perfect day to discover the true heart of coastal Ecuador. The memories made here will last long after your suntan fades!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A light amount of walking is involved
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Plage de Tarqui
Embark on a journey to the captivating meeting point of Tarqui and Los Esteros beaches, where you’ll find one of the last remaining wooden fishing boat shipyards. Skilled carpenters continue the treasured tradition of crafting these majestic vessels by hand. Experience the lively atmosphere of the bustling fish market, a vital contributor to the city’s economic growth since its inception.
Parque de la Madre Fuente
Experience the heartbeat of Manta on a walk through the city center. During the bustling work week, downtown streets come alive with colorful characters – from businessmen and women hurrying to work to street food vendors chanting their products. Immerse yourself in local life as you take in Manta’s historic architecture, from typical coastal colonial-style buildings to narrow pedestrian alleys filled with history. Stop to watch old-timers playing dominoes in the park or listen to the shouts of shoe shiners offering their services. Cap off your morning walk at a traditional Patrimonial House, now preserved as an atmospheric coffee shop. Sink into a chair and enjoy a freshly ground regional blend or a freshly squeezed fruit juice while energizing for the second half of your Manta adventure.
What‘s Included
Hotel/port drop-off
Hotel/port pickup
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee, tea, juice, or prefered soft drink
Local blilingual guide English/Spanish
Gratuities
Pickup points
Manta Airport
Manta Ecuador
Manta
Options
Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks
Pickup included
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Needs work and a pleasant guide.
David D,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour needs to start later. We have little control when we can get off ship so no chance to get to your tour before it left. Maria, the tour guide, should get a job where she doesn't have to deal with people. She did not give clear instructions on where or when to meet when we had free time. Then she complained that people weren't following her instructions. She would take off on foot and never look back so we lost her twice. Worst tour guide ever. On the other hand, Alejandro was fantastic. He took us (and others) in his personal car to join the tour after it left without us. If they push the tour start time back 1/2 hour and get rid of Maria it could be a nice time
Wonderful tour of Manta and Montecristi
Lois M,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was quite interesting of Manta, the “tuna” capital, but the best part was visiting the hat museum in Montecristi where we were able to learn and see the making of a Panama hat- very informative and what an art! We were also able to tour Casa Rosada where we also had coffee and the best empanadas!
Easy half day, small group excursion for cruisers
SYLVIE M,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Departure and return to the cruise port of Manta, easy to identify the guide. A hassle-free half-day tour with a timely return. Excellent guide, Mariss, who speaks English very well and very accomodatling. Highlights: small group, the fish market, Montecristi and shopping. Low points: stop at Casa Rosada for a tour and refreshments that lasted much too long, over an hour when it should have been 15 minutes! I would suggest a stop where there is local chocolate, which seems to be a highlight in Manta.
Manta, Ecuador - Montecristi
Arlyn L,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It started out a little rough, though Fernando and his wife were able to get us to our group. A nice stop for a coffe or soda with a great view of city. We also visited Montecristi and saw how they made Ecuadorian Hats(Panama) and the church. The tour guide should make her group understand when to be where and when the bus leaves, other than that, good tour!
Half day Manta/Montecristi tour for Cruise Passangers
Luis F,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Overview of Manta and Montecristi visiting Manta’s Fish Market, Main Park, snacks at Casa Rosada, visiting hat makers in Montecristi, Hat Museum, Monserrat Church and a chocolate/coffee shop with great cake slices.
Great city tour
Catherine P,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour today....the fish market was interesting, the boat yard less so, but part of the tour....loved our visit to the coffee shop. And then Montechristi...so interesting to learn about Panama hats...a visit to the church as well. Thank you Mariss...you were very informative and interesting.
Very unorganized and not...
Jon S,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Very unorganized and not worth the money unless you like shopping. Panamá Hat demonstration was good. Not a lot of history about Manta.
Trip to Manta Ecuador with tour
byron p,,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arrived by cruise and the boat delayed the departure almost more than two hours, the tour manager very friendly took us in his car to reach the bus and helped us. The guide received us very smiling and found us two seats, and although the other participants of the tour did not like much that we joined, or that we went on top of them, in the end because we had a good time, we bought very nice crafts. Thanks Fernando!!
Exploring Manta’s Culture
Paula M,,Oct 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Although our ship captain alerted us to the political unrest in Manta, it did not even enter our minds as my husband and I spent the morning with our guide Fernando from Narwell. He was so personable, intelligent , trustworthy, and well spoken as he introduced us to the fish market, the ship yard, the hustle and bustle of Manta, a coffee shop experience, and Panama hat weaving at Montecuador Panama Hat Factory. The tour was well above our expectations. Viator has never disappointed no matter what part of the globe we have traveled.
Manta sights & MonteCristi
Margaret D,,Aug 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Pleasant tour of Manta sights - fish markets, boat building, smalll cultural museum & relaxing refreshment stop. MonteCristi experience was enlightening. Seeing the Panama hat making process was amazing.
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Operated by Narwell Tours