• Manta Shore Excursion
123

Manabí Diversity Route

Cultural Heritage – wildlife – history and shopping time in one day

  • Duration

    9 AM – 4 PM

  • Location

    Pile – Pacoche – Montecristi

  • Difficulty

    Strenuous – If taking the entire walk at the forest

    Easy to Moderate – If taking half of the walk

  • Price

    2 – 3 people: $165 p.p

    4-5 people: $100 p.p

    6-7 people: $90 p.p

    8-9 people: $85 p.p

    10 people: $80 p.p

    Please inquiry for larger group rates

    (Local currency USD.)

What to expect

This day tour in Manta will show you the richness of this Ecuadorian Region.

Learn about the story behind the Toquilla Straw Hats “Panama Hats.” Starting by walking through this famous Ecuadorian coastal landmark, the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, you’ll see the palm from where the weavers get the straws and the wildlife that inhabits there, like the howler monkeys.

The weaver Don Simon is considered the best Toquilla Straw Hat weaver in the World. He will let us get into his house, tell us his story, and explain and show us the process from straw to the final product.

At the end of the tour, we will visit Montecristi, the town where all the weavers take their hats to sell. Then, we will go to a shop where the hats are finished. You’ll see the last steps of the process and have the privilege of getting your customized hat. In Montecristi, we will also have a short museum visit and some time to splurge in the leading street stores.

What´s Included

  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • All entrance and activities fees
  • Cruise Terminal / Hotel pick up and drop off (You would have to take the free shuttle bus to Cruise Terminal)
  • Professional Local Guide (Spanish, English, German or French).
  • *Does not include gratuities

Cancellation policy

  • If you cancel at least 7 calendar days in advance, there is no cancellation fee
  • If you cancel between 3 and 6 calendar days in advance, you will be charged a 50% cancellation fee
  • If you cancel within 2 calendar days in advance, you will be charged a 100% cancellation fee
  • For cruise ship travelers: If the ship doesn´t dock due to inclement weather conditions, political matters, or covid-19 related reasons, there is no cancellation fee

The itinerary

The Weaver

We would first go along the Ruta del Spondylus, a scenic drive along the coast, to a small village called Pile.

The last man in Ecuador to weave extra-fine Toquilla Straw Hats will let us into his house, tell us his story, and show us how he works. His hats are unfortunately not for sale as he custom-makes them and takes several months to make one.

Be witness to this intangible cultural heritage declared by UNESCO in 2012.

Walk Through The Forest

We would then go to the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge. Where you can take a 1h30 walk through the forest with a nature guide, who will teach you about the plants and during which you should be able to observe howler monkeys in their natural environment, as well as birds and other small animal species.

*The second half of the trail is strenuous and is not recommended for people with walking or heart problems

Ecuadorian Lunch

After the walk, we will head to San Lorenzo fishing village to have a typical seafood lunch with ocean views.

Toquilla Straw Hats Shop

Once in Montecristi, our first stop will be in a Toquilla Straw Hat Shop. Here you will see the final touches of finishing this piece of art.

Choose the quality of what you want, the owner of the shop will trim the extra straws from it, press it with the shape you choose, and sew your favorite color of the band.

Careful, the hats come out of the press hot, just like freshly baked bread!

Museum and Handicrafts Shops

Find about Ecuadorian Revolution in Cuidad Alfaro Museum and Mausoleum (optional)

After visiting the museum, we will go to the town of Montecristi, where you can immerse yourself in the local stores and shop for all kinds of Souvenirs and the famous Panama Hats.

Book Here

Do you want to book or need more information? please contact us!

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Cdla. Barbasquillo 130802
Manta – Ecuador
Phone: +593 995 376 249

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