Shore Excursion Details

Montecristi And Highlights Of Manta

Manta, Ecuador

Montecristi And Highlights Of Manta

DETAILS

  • 4 hours

Explore the delightful sites, culture and people of Manta during this visit to picturesque Montecristi. Depart the pier for an introductory tour of Manta. Begin with a 10-minute visit to the Cancebi Museum, which highlights the local culture and ethnic origins of the area. Next, you'll drive along the scenic seaside promenade and through the suburbs to Montecristi's central square where you will find many artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewelry, colorful handicrafts and Panama hats. This beautiful little town is one of the highlights of the tour, it still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. Here we will have a demonstration of how the toquilla hats are made and then have some free time for shopping.


We proceed to a Cabuya plant weaving factory. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience as this traditional art is, unfortunately, quickly dying out. In the past, a vibrant industry existed where approximately 4,000 Cabuya plant bags were produced per day in the Manta area. Today there remains only this last remaining factory, producing 200 bags per week. After a short demonstration of the process, we are presented with our small natural bag – a unique reminder of beautiful Ecuador, and a perfect eco-friendly bag for carrying our items of our choice. Before returning to the ship, you'll visit a Tagua workshop. Tagua phytephas equatorialis is the nut of a 15-18 foot tall palm tree found in the tropical rain forests on the coast and Amazon lowlands of Ecuador. Tagua nuts were originally used as buttons because they have a color and consistency very similar to ivory, and could be dyed. Although button manufacturing is still the main source of income for the workshop, this unusual natural material is now fashioned by skilled craftsmen into a variety of small, reasonably-priced sculptures that provide a distinctive and unusual souvenir of your day.


Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes approximately 2 hours of walking. It is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Sun screen, sunglasses as well as casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are suggested. It is not recommended to wear jewelry.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours
Historical Landmarks

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
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