Manta is an important city at the province of Manabí. Until recent days, it was only known for its important tuna fishing fleet, the production and bottling of vegetable oil, and the commercialization of "paja toquilla" (straw) hats.

The delicious gastronomy is also one of the main attractions of Manta. A variety of traditional tasty tropical dishes prepared with fresh seafood are served at the main hotels and restaurants in appetizing presentations. Don’t miss the "ceviches" of several seafoods, or the exquisite "viche de pescado", which consists of albacore or tuna fish with peanuts, yucca, corn, and sweet potato.

Continuing the Sun’s Route to the North is the province of Manabi. The outstanding Machalilla National Park is found on this province. This unique national park holds various attractions: Isla de la Plata off the coast of Puerto Lopez, Los Frailes Beach, the Archeological Site of Agua Blanca, Salango, and the Beaches of Puerto Rico and Puerto Cayo. For more information in National Parks.

The city of Manta is decorated by a wide variety of tree species: ceibos, jasmines, almonds, rubber plants, acacias, mango trees, beautiful palm trees on the beaches, etc. Colorful flowers like that of the "Buganvilla" plant are also found. These plants were named after the French Colonel Bougainville, who visited South America in the XVIII century and was marveled by these colorful flowers unknown in Europe at the time. He asked that these plants be named with his last name.