Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south and the Pacific Ocean on the west.
Manta lies in the Province of Manabí and is home to some of the best beaches in South America. Located in a dry forest-covered area, Manta offers the best of both worlds with its deep rainforest and white, long sandy beaches. A visit here is incomplete without a hike to the Machaililla National Park which is home to vibrant, leafy vegetation and hidden beaches only found by the seekers of this unspoilt parkland.
The vibrant culture of the South American way of life is abundant when exploring the main streets of Manta. Popular attractions include the Banco Central Museum, the International Theater Festival and the general hustle and bustle of European tourists looking to explore the unique and fascinating location.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galápagos Islands lies just off the west coast of Ecuador and remains a part of its republic to this day. Made up of 18 main islands (each home to exotic animals impossible to see elsewhere in the world), you can adventure around Bahia Elizabeth and Caleta Tagus to witness the beauty of the vibrant marine life, grab a kayak and float amongst sea turtles and marine iguanas or head underwater with a snorkel to get up close and personal with Galápagos penguins.
It’ll come as no surprise that Ecuador serves up some of the freshest seafood in South America. Frequent dishes resemble those you may expect to see across the rest of the continent; plantain, fried dumplings, potatoes and grains are frequently on the menu.
Which cruise lines sail to Ecuador?
