Major city · Ecuador
Manta
Give Manta 2 nights for the Malecón and seafood, or skip it: the beaches are better at Canoa, Montañita and Puerto López.
Manta is Ecuador's second seaport and a working tuna town with a beach strip, the Malecón, that fills at night. It is a practical coastal stop with an airport (MEC) and cheap seafood, but the sand and surf most travellers want sit in the towns north and south of it. Come for two nights, or pass through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Nov (dry, low humidity)
- avoid Dec–May (hot, humid, rain)
- Airport
- MEC
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Ecuador ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an Ecuadorian consulate.
- Ecuador ↗The Galápagos has its own entry controls: a transit control card bought at the airport before departure, a national park entrance fee, and inspections for food and plants. Check official Galápagos rules before booking.
- Ecuador ↗Several coastal provinces (including Guayas, where Guayaquil is) are under official warnings and periodic states of emergency; read your government's advice before routing through them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Manta911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance (ECU 911)911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Manta, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).Ecuador-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro and Movistar (plus CNT) sell prepaid SIMs in malls and shops with a passport; Claro has the widest coverage.Ecuador-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap in most places (Quito and Cuenca's water is treated but pipes vary); drink bottled or filtered.Ecuador-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service often included; add a little for good service.Ecuador-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ecuador-wide
- SafetyManta is a working port, not a resort: use taxis at night, keep phones out of sight on the Malecón…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the bowl; bus terminal toilets charge a few cents.Ecuador-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance (ecu 911)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; national strikes can shut roads for days.Ecuador-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEC Eloy Alfaro International (On the city edge; daily flights from Quito with Avianca and LATAM, about 45 min.).
- Getting aroundTaxis are the default: most hops inside the city cost $1–3, and you agree the fare before or as you get in.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (almuerzo)$3–5
- BeerBeer in a bar$2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi inside the city$1–3
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personUS$12
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$55
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomUS$90
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$35 · Mid US$65 · High US$130
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEC Eloy Alfaro International (On the city edge; daily flights from Quito with Avianca and LATAM, about 45 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Jun–Nov. Avoid: Dec–May. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Feb (12 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Manta: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis are the default: most hops inside the city cost $1–3, and you agree the fare before or as you get in. City buses run but are slower and less useful for a short stay. Carry small bills; drivers often claim no change.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montecristi
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Taxi or bus about 15–20 min north of Manta
Panama-hat workshops and tagua-nut carving; a half day.
San Mateo
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Taxi or bus about 13 km (8.1 mi) westTaxi or bus about 8.1 mi (13 km) west
Fishing village and a long left-hand wave; respect local surfers.
Santa Marianita
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Taxi about 16 km (9.9 mi) westTaxi about 9.9 mi (16 km) west
Kite-surf beach with a quieter sand strip; go for the afternoon wind.
Puerto López
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Bus south along the Ruta del Sol, about 1.5–2 h
Whale-watching Jun–Sep and Machalilla park; sleep there, do not day-trip back.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Malecón / El Murciélago
Walk to the beach, restaurants and bars; the busiest and most convenient strip.
Barbasquillo
Resort hotels and a quieter beach 5–10 min by taxi south of the centre.
Downtown (Avenida 4 de Noviembre area)
Banks, market and bus terminal; cheapest beds, no beach.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–50 excl. bed
- Mid
- $50–90 excl. bed
- High
- $90+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × US$55 | US$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$65 | US$260 |
| Airport taxi, both ways2 × US$8 · check | US$16 |
| City taxi, per day2 × US$6 · check | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$43 |
| Trip total≈ US$118 per person per day, bed included | US$471 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Ceviche or viche de pescado | $4–8 |
| Set lunch (almuerzo) | $3–5 |
| Fresh coconut water on the beach | $1–2 |
| Taxi inside the city | $1–3 |
| Beer in a bar | $2–4 |
| Bus Manta → Guayaquilcheck | about $5 |
| Bus Manta → Quitocheck | about $7 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Water: drink bottled only and skip ice in drinks (check current local advice).
- Buses and bus stations are the main theft spots: keep bags on your lap, not overhead.
- Do not leave drinks unattended in bars; spiked-drink robberies are reported.
- Dark, unlit streets at night: take a taxi even for short distances.
- San Mateo surf break: locals can be territorial with visitors.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance (ECU 911)
- 911
Pocket card
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MantaManta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No embassy in Manta; most countries keep embassies in Quito and a consulate in Guayaquil (check before you travel).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi airport → Malecón: $3–6 (check)
- Bus Manta → Puerto López: about $3–4, 1.5–2 h (check)
- Flight Quito → Manta: about $75–100 return (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta al Malecón? — How much to the Malecón? (KWAN-to KWES-ta al ma-le-KON)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- Agua embotellada, por favor — Bottled water, please (A-gwa em-bo-te-YA-da por fa-VOR)
- Sin hielo, por favor — No ice, please (sin YE-lo por fa-VOR)
- ¿Es seguro caminar por ahí? — Is it safe to walk there? (es se-GU-ro ka-mi-NAR por a-EE)
- Necesito un taxi — I need a taxi (ne-se-SI-to un TAK-si)
Tipping: 10% service is often already on the bill; add a dollar or two for guides and boat crews.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Manta. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Nov (dry, low humidity) · avoid Dec–May (hot, humid, rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares