![]() ![]() Taxi drivers were friendly and we had many conversations in Spanish, and occasionally English, as we were speedily delivered to our destinations. Although the expat numbers are growing (estimated to be around 350) the ratio of gringos to locals makes this one of the most “authentic” places we’ve been. The citizens of Manta were some of the most welcoming and friendly people who we’ve yet encountered. ![]() When the ships are in port, local vendors from the city and nearby Montecristi as well as those from the mountain cities of Quito and Cuenca set up their tables and display their handicrafts, textiles and artwork from many of the country’s finest artisans. Tourism, both foreign and domestic, is becoming more and more important to Manta’s economy assorted cruise ships make Manta a port of call. Here, also, we watched the skilled boat builders of Manta craft their handmade ships and, near the Manta Yacht club, we admired the yachts and other ships and boats floating in the bay. Mid-day, after the crowds depart, the market is washed down later on in the day it might turn rank, but there are the scavengers (frigates, egrets, herons and buzzards) waiting their turn to help with the final cleanup.Īt three roundabouts on the Malecon sculptures are erected that reflect Manta’s roots as a village of fishermen and seafarers. The flash of machetes and fillet knives slicing through the sea’s bounty and the salty smell of the sea and fish in the air gave us a new appreciation of an ocean harvest. The fish market, a huge open-air structure roofed in tin and located on the beach was worth several morning visits. Tables were piled high with more varieties of fish than we had ever seen (tuna, dorado, corvina, red snapper, grouper, wahoo, prawns and lobster, etc.) with the fresh catch of the day glistening under stray shafts of sunlight. We half expected the city to reek of fish but this wasn’t the case. Manta has the largest seaport in Ecuador as well as one of the most stable economies in the country fishing, tuna processing and canning are the main industries. But, regardless of where you are in the city, tower cranes, arc welders and cutting torches attest to the fact that the city is in a genuine boom phase, both commercial and residential. Here are the larger banks, government buildings, hotels and the like. In contrast, the Malecon, the main street abutting the Pacific, running along the beach from Playa Murcielago eastward to roughly Playa Tarqui, hosts recent, modern, commercial edifices of glass and steel of several stories. If the architectural term “Eastern Bloc” existed it might well apply to this portion of the downtown. The vast majority of the downtown, one or two blocks set back from the waterfront, consists of relatively new and unimaginative structures: two, three and four-story cement and cinderblock square buildings, predominately gray or in need of a new coat of paint, their sides plastered with posters and signs. Narrow one-way streets climb up and down the steep hills attended by sidewalks in need of repair as crowds of vendors and shoppers move in opposing directions and swirls of activity. Although the city has existed since Pre-Columbian times, there are no cultural ruins and little aesthetic appeal in the gritty commercial downtown. At its heart it’s a small fishing village that has grown into a substantial metropolis with an estimated 300,000 citizens. Shuttle services are available at a surcharge.Manta, Ecuador isn’t a pretty city. Murciélago Beach is 900 m from Hotel Poseidon. A complimentary luggage storage service is also available here.įree private parking is available on site. Hotel Poseidon has a 24-hour front desk service, prepared to help guests with any requirements they may have. The property also has a communal sun terrace, where guests can enjoy some sun rays and the panoramic sea views. This property also provides guests with free access to its facilities, which include the outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness centre and a solarium. Some rooms have a balcony providing sea views.Īdditionally, Hotel Poseidon features an on-site restaurant and bar, where guests can unwind and savour exciting local flavours. Rooms are fitted with private bathroom facilities with free toiletries, a minibar, a safety-deposit box and a flat-screen TV with satellite channel. Rooms at Hotel Poseidon feature a clean decoration with cheerful colours. Guests are offered complimentary shuttle services to and from Manta Airport.įree WiFi access is available throughout this property. This property's privileged location allows guests to relax in the outdoor infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted sea views. Only a couple of steps away from the beach, Hotel Poseidon offers accommodation in Manta. One of our top picks in Manta.This property is 4 minutes walk from the beach. ![]()
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