Taste of Ecuador: Fish Market, Forest trail, Local Food & Crafts
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our most complete day tour in Manta. Immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and history of Manta and Montecristi.
Visit the engine of the local economy, the Fish Market, and the boatyard.
Explore the lush rainforest of Pacoche and spot howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Pacoche offers a glimpse into the vibrant diversity of Ecuador's tropical forests and coastal landscape.
Taste the famous Ecuadorian coastal cuisine and have a drink in a beachfront family-owned restaurant.
Learn about Ecuador's history of revolution in Montecristi, considered the birthplace of "Panama hats" or Ecuadorian Toquilla Straw Hat. This picturesque town is also home to hat ateliers, where you can learn about the final process of hat making.
Treat yourself to an authentic Panama hat or intricate handwoven crafts as coveted souvenirs of your Ecuador adventure.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Due to uneven surfaces, the second half of the trail at the rain-forest is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using walkers or wheelchair
A moderate amount of walking is involved (Depending on your physical shape, you could choose to do the complete trail or just half trail that is more suitable for seniors)
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
Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from Manta, followed by a panoramic drive along downtown Manta, a bustling coastal road that leads to the engine of the local economy, the fish Market.
Pacoche Wildlife Refuge
Venture into the humid forest of Pacoche Reserve, home to howler monkeys and a kaleidoscope of tropical life.
What‘s Included
Hotel/port drop-off
Hotel/port pickup
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Lunch
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local blilingual guide English/Spanish
Gratuities
Pickup points
Manta Airport
Manta Ecuador
Manta
Options
Taste of Ecuador: Fish Market, Forest trail, Local Food & Crafts
Pickup included
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour was great. We...
YI L,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great. We went to fish market, wildlife refugee, hiked a little bit to a mountain and had great view of the coastline. Both of our tour guides were great, pleasant.
A most pleasant way to spend the day in Manta
Velda H,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour provided a wide array of experiences. We visited a fish market, a wildlife preserve in a cloud forest, had excellent ceviche at a restaurant on the beach, and checked out an interesting lighthouse. We also bought Panama hats at Montecristi and toured Ciudad Alfaro. A most interesting day. Anna our tour guide was excellent. She was well-spoken, knowledgeable and most kind.
Great experience!
Laura I,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. So nice to have this experience with a smaller group, our tour guide Anna was wonderful. She explained everything very well and took time to make sure everyone was comfortable. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Great tour
1950fish,,Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent all around. the guides were very good. The tour was as described. The jungle tour was amazing. Everything was done well/on time and comfortable.
Day tour in Manta
Christopher L,,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Caori was very friendly, knowledgeable and speak fluent English. She introduce the culture, economy, history and the difference of each region to us. We tried the fresh seafood in the fish market, learn about the rain forest and saw how the Panama hat was hand made.
Great experience
David V,,Nov 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the fish market and visiting Montecristi. The boat construction was fascinating. I recommend starting early.
From the sea to the jungle.
PaulDM8,,Jul 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this professional company. Correspondence was very efficient pre cruise. From pick-up to drop off we had a wonderful day. Guide and driver were fantastic. Although we didn't see any monkeys, it wasn't for a lack of trying, but it's nature, nothing is guaranteed. BUT...seeing the tiniest frog, think a fingernail, and a snake that had caught a larger frog, to watching whales playing just offshore, definitely made up for it!
Our guide Gabby was knowledgeable and very proud of her town and country. Her explanations were clear she was awesome
sandra l,,Mar 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect day with Gabby is a credit to the company. We had a great experience she is a true professional. Excellent driver helpful and polite
Unique experience!
femke94,,Aug 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organised. We did the Isla de la Plata tour, visited Pile and Montecristi where the real 'Panama' hats are made and finished our trip with a hike in Ayampe called the 'Ruta del colibrí'. The guides were all very helpful and bilingual. We got to see whales, sea turtles, fish and lots of birds. Pile was a very unique experience. I liked that it wasn't too touristy: it's very small-scale and you get to talk to the families which makes it a really intimate and special experience. We had fun, learned a lot and took some amazing pictures. Gabriel is great at what he does and always puts the client first. Also good communication and very punctual. Highly recommend!
A great day in Manta
ChristianK2327,,Dec 19, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a group trip organized through Narwell Tours and were completely satisfied. The group consisted of about 45 people and we got two German speaking guides (Alex and Andi) who both did a great job. We went to the fish market and a fishing boat yard first, then the rainforest and still saw king crabs on the beach The tour was entertaining and we got a great, albeit brief, insight into the life of the people of Ecuador. Since we were there in the course of a cruise our stay was unfortunately very limited. I can only recommend the tour and will continue to book the group excursions of our travel agency through the organization!
From US$105.00
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Operated by Narwell Tours