Manabí: Nature, Cultural Heritage and Toquilla Craftsmanship

Manabí brings together protected forest and marine areas, archaeological sites, craft traditions, and regional dishes. Its diversity is reflected both in its islands and coastal habitats and in the cultural themes associated with places such as Hojas–Jaboncillo, Montecristi, and Jipijapa.

Nature and Seaside Attractions

In southern Manabí, Machalilla National Park protects dry and semi-arid forests, as well as marine and coastal habitats. The Isla de la Plata is part of the national park. It covers 14.2 km² and is considered one of the most important seabird breeding areas on the Ecuadorian coast. Since 1990, it has been included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Hiking is available on the Isla de la Plata. Nature tourism on trails goes hand in hand with marine tourism, including snorkeling and diving; research also takes place there. Visiting hours are listed as 08:00 to 16:00. Isla Corazón offers a different combination: possible activities include hiking, photography, canoe trips, water sports, beach access, and observing flora and fauna. Visitors explore the island in rowboats and along raised walkways through the mangroves; visiting hours are also listed as 08:00 to 16:00. Check the listed hours before making specific plans to visit either island.

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Hojas–Jaboncillo Archaeological Park is located in the Picoazá parish of the Portoviejo canton in Manabí Province and offers educational and cultural tourism. Along the Camino del Puma tourist trail, visitors can view an archaeological collection gathered through research and donations. Mountain biking is also available. The visitor program also includes insights into the traditional production of corn flour and corn tortillas, as well as the opportunity to sample food prepared in a wood-fired oven.

The UNESCO World Heritage tentative-list property “Manteño Culture, lordships of land and sea” brings together Hojas–Jaboncillo in Picoazá (Portoviejo), the lordship of Jocay in present-day Manta with the fishing enclave of Ligüiqui, and the lordship of Salangome in the area of the present-day Puerto López canton. According to historical accounts, Salango was a strategic maritime center, where the seagoing raft originated and which was also the main center for the processing and distribution of Spondylus. A preliminary interpretation links the Jama-Coaque culture, which flourished in what is now Manabí Province, with a nose ring made of twisted wires in filigree technique.

In 2023, Montecristi was named a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art and is internationally known for its toquilla straw hats. Pile specializes in processing toquilla straw, while Montecristi is considered the oldest place of production. The weaving technique was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. On December 5, 2024, the first museum dedicated to the toquilla straw hat opened in Montecristi.

The “Ecuadorian Cacao Cultural Landscape” is also relevant as a UNESCO World Heritage tentative-list property: its nomination, submitted in 2026, is not a World Heritage inscription. In Manabí Province, it includes the cantons of Bolívar, Portoviejo, El Carmen, and Chone.

Places, Dishes, and Getting Your Bearings

Jipijapa’s tourist attractions include the beaches of Puerto Cayo, thermal pools at Andil, and the sites of Choconchá and Joá, which are considered historic. Local cuisine offers its own points of interest: well-known dishes include corn and cassava tortillas from Sancán, Greñoso, and peanut ceviche. The “Rutas Culturales y Creativas de Manabí” project includes a map of cultural routes for all 22 cantons. It aims to promote culture and identity in their various forms of expression and encourage artistic practice for tourism purposes.

Another named viewpoint is Cerro Montecristi: it offers a view of the sea and is also part of the Río Portoviejo watershed. Access to Machalilla National Park is described as an 89 km route from Manta to Puerto López, via the Troncal del Pacífico highway and Jipijapa and Puerto Cayo.

When choosing a hotel location in Manabí, first decide which of the places and themes mentioned are most important for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Manta, Montañita, Puerto Cayo, Cabuyal, Machalilla, Bahía De Caráquez, Jipijapa, Jaramijó Canton, Canoa, San Isidro, Crucita, San Jacinto Y San Clemente, San Vicente, Cojimies, Santa Ana, Boca De Briceno, Pedernales, Pacoche, Jama, Montecristi, Honorato Vasquez, Portoviejo, Flavio Alfaro.

For the broader travel overview: Ecuador.