Things to do in Manta – The Pacoche Wildlife Refuge

We are pleased to welcome you with the first of many posts about what to do in Manta and its surroundings. As an Ecuadorian tour operator based in Manta, we have plenty to share with you!

For those who enjoy nature and adventure, there is a perfect place just 26 Km. Heading south of Manta: the National Wild Life Refuge of Pacoche. The refuge has an area of 13,545 hectares which includes 5,045 hectares of tropical humid forest and tropical dry forest and 8,500 hectares of coastal marine area.

In some point of the road that goes through the refuge, we can find “The Monkey Path”. This path allow us to get into the forest for 1.6 Km. and watch a diversity of species in their natural habitat, where the main stars are the howler monkeys. The path has the particularity of passing through the territories of several groups of howler monkeys, and as this specie is very comfortable with human presence it is easy to find and observe them.

This site is also perfect for bird lovers. We can find different species of birds: Hummingbirds, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Speckled Chachalaca, Spectacled Owls and many more!

• How to Get there: If you are traveling on your own, you rather can take a taxi ($15-$20 one way) or you can take a bus from Manta’s Bus Terminal. You can take the bus line Turismo Manta or Manglaralto, ask for the one that goes by the coast. Check schedules here.
• Walking time: 1.30 hours average
• Hike difficulty: Medium, the first half of the trail is easy and suitable for all ages
• Services: Local guide (Spanish speaking)

You can also take one of our shore excursions that include this activity: A Taste of Ecuador or Manabi Diversity Route.

Have fun and enjoy nature!