| Once you dock at the Port of Manta and enter the
harbor, you'll realize that you are in for an enjoyable stay. The area
around the harbor is bustling and full of activity, but as you travel
inland, the city mellows into a relaxing place full of great restaurants and
small communities. This contrast adds to the personality of the city, and
incredibly enough, the port of Manta is the busiest fishing port on earth.
Because of the inordinate amount of import and export, the variety of
cultures within the city is remarkable. The Museo del Banco Central is a
fantastic museum that displays countless artifacts that have all been found
in the region. Photographs show the progression of the port through the
decades, and by looking around you can tell that great time and care went
into building the museum's astonishing edifice. Manta's beaches are
spacious as well as beautiful, and are home to a wide array of wildlife.
Frigate birds and pelicans occupy some of the area, but keep to themselves
enough that they will never spoil your afternoon. Instead, they will provide
entertainment as they hunt for their prey come dusk. Soaring and then diving
to catch fish, they shoot through the air at incredible speeds. The surf in
Manta is usually pristine, and often the beaches of Murcielago will have
waves roll through that would impress even the most traveled surfer. There
are a few truly great restaurants in Manta, and the nightlife is fantastic. |
