Discover Manabí through a range of experiences: protected coastal and marine areas, archaeological sites, traditional crafts and regional cuisine. Nature lovers will find different highlights from travelers looking to explore history, hat-making or local dishes. This diversity is what makes the province in Ecuador an appealing destination for a trip that goes beyond a single theme.
Islands and protected habitats
In southern Manabí, Machalilla National Park protects dry and semi-arid forests as well as marine and coastal habitats. The park includes Isla de la Plata, which covers 14.2 km² and is considered one of the most important seabird breeding grounds on the Ecuadorian coast. Since 1990, the island has been listed under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. Activities listed there include hiking on trails, snorkeling and diving; research is also conducted on the island. Visiting hours are given as 08:00 to 16:00. Check the hours before your visit.
Isla Corazón is another nature-focused destination. Activities available there include hiking, photography, canoeing, water sports, beach access, and observing flora and fauna. You can explore it by rowing canoe and along raised walkways through the mangroves. Visiting hours for Isla Corazón are also given as 08:00 to 16:00; check the hours before making your plans.
Discover archaeology and history
The Hojas–Jaboncillo Archaeological Park is located in the Picoazá parish of Portoviejo canton and offers educational and cultural tourism. Along the Camino del Puma tourist trail, visitors can see an archaeological collection assembled through research and donations. Mountain biking is also among the activities listed there. Other suggested experiences include learning about the traditional production of corn flour and corn tortillas, as well as tasting dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven.
A broader historical perspective emerges at the UNESCO World Heritage tentative-list site “Manteño Culture, lordships of land and sea.” It brings together Hojas–Jaboncillo in Picoazá, the Jocay chiefdom in present-day Manta, including the Ligüiqui fishing enclave, and the Salangome chiefdom in the area of today’s Puerto López canton. Salango also played an important maritime role: it was a strategic hub where the seagoing raft originated and, at the same time, the leading center for Spondylus processing and distribution.
Toquilla craftsmanship and regional cuisine
Montecristi is known for its toquilla straw hats and has been a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2023. The weaving technique was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. Pile specializes in processing toquilla straw, while Montecristi is considered the oldest production site. The tradition is also kept alive in Las Pampas and Los Bajos. The first museum dedicated to the toquilla straw hat was inaugurated in Montecristi on December 5, 2024. If you’re planning a museum visit, check current visiting arrangements in advance.
Jipijapa also offers a range of attractions: its tourism resources include the beaches of Puerto Cayo, thermal pools in the village of Andil, and the sites of Choconchá and Joá, which are considered historical locations. Local cuisine includes corn and cassava tortillas from Sancán, Greñoso and ceviche with peanuts. Cerro Montecristi has a viewpoint overlooking the sea; the mountain also lies within the Río Portoviejo watershed.
Planning your trip
One route to Machalilla National Park leads from Manta via the Troncal del Pacífico and the Jipijapa–Puerto Cayo–Puerto López road to Puerto López; the distance is listed as 89 km. Check the route before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Manta, Montañita, Puerto Cayo, Cabuyal, Machalilla, Bahía De Caráquez, Jipijapa, Crucita, San Jacinto Y San Clemente, San Vicente, Cojimies, Santa Ana, Boca De Briceno, Pedernales, San Isidro, Canoa, Jaramijó Canton, Pacoche, Jama, Montecristi, Honorato Vasquez, Portoviejo, Flavio Alfaro.
For the broader travel overview: Ecuador.
