January 29, 2023 Manta, Ecuador

 Day 15: Sunday, January 29, 2023  Manta, Ecuador 5AM-6:00PM Panama Hats.  dock near town center, free shuttle 15 min.

Manta is a port city on Ecuador's central coast. It's known for its tuna-fishing industry. This morning while I walking on the track it was interesting to watch the fishermen unload the frozen tuna that must have been caught recently.    It is called "The Tuna Capital of the World" for its important tuna production, one of the main Ecuadorian export products.  Manta is one of the most important economic, industrial, financial and commercial centers of Ecuador.  On the Ecuadorian coast, and due to the direct action of the Humboldt Cold Current from Antarctica, only 4 cities enjoy this type of subtropical and temperate maritime climate: Manta, Salinas, Santa Elena and Puerto López. The rainfall totals are much lower than other coastal locations.   

I took the free shuttle from the pier to the Cruise Terminal.  I walked around a bit and was approached by many vendors to buy food or stuff I did not want.  

I always select the photos in the order that I take them and they always show up any way they want.  

                                            The Police Station was along the walkway/Malecón Escénico promenade near the pier and by the beach.  Bars and restaurants are clustered along the Malecón Escénico promenade and nearby streets.

                                            Cruise Terminal

                                            The beach closest to the cruise terminal.  The popular Murciélago Beach is on             the city's northwestern tip.

                                            Murcielago Beach

                                            Some of the buses waiting at the pier for the passengers.

                                            Band on the pier entertaining us.

                                            This woman was chopping with a machete.

                                            The waves were quite big, but a lot of people were in the water at 9:00AM.

I thought I wanted a Panama Hat, but I doubt that I would wear it that often, so I did not get one.