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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Half Day City Tour in Manta and Montecristi Landmarks
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Manta and Montecristi Ecuador
garycB7308JH,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Minibus was very modern and comfortable. The guide was not native to Manta, but very knowledgeable about the history and landmarks. His family was in the fishing industry, so were toured several sites pertaining to ship building and fishing. refreshments were served at a mansion turned restaurant/museum. The ride to Montecristi displayed a lot of everyday life. The stop there was considerable walking with hills and stairs. We toured the historic church, plaza that was an active marketplace, then a walk to the Panama hat factory and store. The demonstrations were very interesting and the audience participated. Very quaint and relaxed.
A tour of Manta and Monticristi in Ecuador
Michael L,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was just as described in the description from Viator. Our guide, Gabby, did an excellent job of sharing information about the various stops and kept things running smoothly.
Friendly Ecuador
Galina A,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Victor is a well organized guide, it was interesting to see fish market, cacao factory, traditional hat making place.
A Manta Must
C5106SCanned,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour, and if you’re fortunate enough to have Mauro as your tour guide, the half day tour will be even better. We were able to have a private tour, so that gave us flexibility. We enjoyed seeing Manta and Montechristi through Mauro’s perspective, as he is from Manta. Thank you Fernando and Narwell Tours. Your communication is excellent.
Hats, fish and so much more
Anne D,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were given the option of having a private tour of Manta and Montecristi, which we gladly chose. Mauro designed the tour around our interests - fish market, a great place to dine later on in the old city (and treated us to a lemonade there), a tour of Modesto Hats, which was interactive and educational, and a stop at Samor , an artisan chocolate shop, where we met the owner and had some samples. Mauro wove historical, cultural, geographical, economical, and personal information throughout the tour. He is an excellent guide, and we highly recommend this tour. Thank you Narwell Tours and Mauro Alvarez!
10/10 must do if in Manta!
mariabA356WV,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time! Fernando showed me lots of different places and we were also lucky we got to see a full drill of firefighters drill in Montecristi. Restaurant Rosa was beautiful as well as the church and the history behind it. Overall 10/10! Highly recommend :)
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!
From US$80.00
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Operated by Narwell Tours