Top 7 nature & wildlife things to do in Manta

1. Private shore tour: cacao, coffee and rainforest experience in Manta

Six to seven hours exploring coastal Ecuador — visit a rainforest coffee farm, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about cacao from artisans.

2. Private Pacoche hiking tour in Manta

Customisable half-day trek through the Pacoche rainforest, includes an optional visit to a local chocolate factory or brewery.

“An accommodating and informative tour in the rainforest. There was a lot to observe, and the guide provided insights into the medicinal uses of various native plants.”— JaniceN51040

3. Cacao and coffee tour in Manta

Half-day private tour — explore cacao and coffee production with tastings at an agricultural institute and a coffee plantation in the Pacoche Forest.

“I had a wonderful experience with this tour. The chocolates were fascinating and delightful, and there were many stops along the way with insightful tips. The Panama hats truly stood out. I highly recommend this tour.”— Happiness37741291618

4. Rainforest excursion with local market visit and lunch

Six hours exploring Manta’s rainforest and local culture — from the fish market to a scenic lighthouse, including lunch at a rainforest restaurant.

“Our experience exploring Manta and its surroundings with our guide Dennis was wonderful. The meetup at the cruise terminal was punctual. We particularly enjoyed visiting the local fish market to see the day's fresh catch. The locals were friendly, which made us feel safe. Lunch at a nearby restaurant was also pleasant. We would gladly choose Manta SOS again on our next visit.”— nhiemn2018

5. Fishermen and Pacoche Forest walking tour from Manta

Half-day guided walking tour — visit Manta's fish market, explore Pacoche Reserve, and learn about local culture and craftsmanship in Montecristi.

“The tour was fascinating and well-scheduled. Our guide was friendly, and although the walking portion was somewhat intense, it is important to mention that visitors should have at least moderate endurance and balance.”— Dennis W

6. Cultural and nature tour of Montecristi and Pacoche Rain Forest

Five to six hours exploring Montecristi and Pacoche Rain Forest with a local guide, observing wildlife and visiting hat-making workshops.

“The tour offers much more than a series of typical routes and repetitive facts. Fernando, our guide, was passionate about his work, showcasing his punctuality, friendliness, and knowledge throughout our personalized experience. We explored the coast, a seafood market, a shipyard, the rainforest, and visited hat and chocolate factories. Highlights included witnessing a freshly caught cherna, observing carpenters polishing a wooden boat skeleton, spotting a group of shy howler monkeys in the jungle, watching a demonstration of Panama hut construction, and enjoying pure chocolate at a craft factory. In just a few hours, the thoughtful interactions made for a truly introspective journey that transcended the usual tourist experience.”— liuvanh

7. Wildlife and local culture tour near Manta

Full-day tour featuring wildlife observation, Panama hat makers, and traditional cuisine, with options for easy or more challenging hikes.

“Our guide in Manta, Maria, was fantastic. She greeted us at the port terminal and first took us to the Rainforest Preserve. The guide there was very knowledgeable, and both he and Maria adjusted the pace to suit us. Maria explained each location we would visit and let us choose where to have lunch. In Monticristi, she arranged for us to see a Panama Hat making demonstration without any hard sales tactics. As we drove, Maria shared a wealth of information about the local history and culture. She even provided us with some Ecuadorian snacks and a souvenir from our trip.”— mlhowie