Manta

Manta is a busy Pacific coast city known as the Tuna Capital of the World. The harbour is full of tall fishing vessels, and a free shuttle runs from the cruise terminal to the Plaza Cívica and the Malecón waterfront. Evenings on the Malecón draw crowds for live music, dancing, and grilled seafood from beachfront stalls. A short trip inland brings you to Montecristi, where artisans hand-weave the straw hats misleadingly called Panama hats. Playa El Murciélago has golden sand and a boardwalk of restaurants serving ceviche and encocado shrimp. The Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, a short drive away, has dry forest trails where howler monkeys and exotic birds are easy to spot. The Banco Central Museum covers the region's pre-Columbian past, and the Central Fish Market gives a loud, unfiltered look at daily port life. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, though agreeing on a fare beforehand saves hassle. Ecuador uses the US dollar.