Welcome to North Coast & Lowlands

Ecuador's north coast doesn't make it onto the itineraries of many international travelers – it's hard to compete in a country that offers so much variety. But for surfers, backwoods explorers and nature lovers, this is a hidden treasure.

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Here you'll find quiet beaches, uncrowded waves, little-explored mangrove forests, indigenous jungle settlements and entrancing Afro-Ecuadorian villages. Although noticeably poorer than most of Ecuador’s other regions, the north coast makes up for this with its fascinating cultural mix.

Further south, the sun-kissed beach towns of Same, Mompiche and Canoa are the top backpacker draws, with good surf, peaced-out vibes and bacchanalian booze-ups that carry on 'til dawn.

Sadly, the 2016 earthquake, whose epicenter was near Manta, devastated the region, and its effects were still being felt in late 2017 when we visited.

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Top experiences in North Coast & Lowlands

Travel guides

Starting at $32.49

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North Coast & Lowlands activities

$111.94 Private & Custom Tours

Private Tour: Fishermen and Pacoche Humid Forest Walking Tour

Starting your tour early in the morning we'll visit the fish-market of Manta where you can see the fishermen coming in after doing their morning fishing, unload their catch and prepare them for sales.There is a very wide variety of catch here in Manta and it is quite a show to watch.  At the same place you will be able to see the construction and repairing of large wooden fishing boats.Next, go to the Pacoche Humid Forest where you'll go on a 1.15-hour walk through the forest with a nature guide. Time to enjoy a well deserve typical lunch after your walking tour in the forest (lunch not included).Then, a visit to the Ciudad Alfaro and the Montecristi handicraft shops (where you will find Panama hats and typical crafts).It cannot be guaranteed, but on days when cruise ships come to Manta, they almost always have demonstrations of how the Panama hats are made at the Ciudad Alfaro.
$126.87 Food, Wine & Nightlife

From Cacao to Chocolate: Private Tour in Manta

Visit of a garden center of Creole Cocoa, the only ones to be authorized to grow this type of cocoa. It can only be visited from Monday to Friday.Visit of a plantation in Río Chico where the national cocoa of fine aroma is cultivated. You will also see lemon, orange and coconut plantations.Visit of a handcraft brewing factory and taste some beer. Only available on Saturday and Sunday.Enjoy a typical lunch of the region.Visit of a Cocoa Association where you'll discover the process after the harvest (drying, fermenting, storing and exporting).Share experiences with the local community during the preparation of chocolate from national creole cocoa beans of fine aroma.
$75 Day Trips & Excursions

Manabi Diversity Route

We will be glad to welcome you at the Cruise Terminal or Hotel. Heading from Cruise Terminal or Hotel to the town of "Pile", you'll enjoy a scenic drive, the town is well known by the fine Panama Hats that are woven there   Then we will go to the Pacoche Humid Forest where you would go on the ~1h15 walk through the forest with a nature guide. After the walk, we will have a well deserved Typical Lunch (not included). When you have finished your lunch and some cold ones, we will head to the town of Montecristi, where you will learn about Ecuadorian Revolution at "Cuidad Alfaro" Museum and Mausoleum.After visiting the museum, we will go to the downtown of Montecristi where you can immerse yourself in the local stores and shop for all kinds of souvenirs like the famous Panama Hats.The tour will end at the pick up point, cruise terminal or hotel.
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