Andrea Fernández

Ecuador has been earning quite a name for itself as a prime destination for North American expats, due largely to its beautiful scenery, authentic charm, and low cost of living.  So much so that many would-be expats may even fear that all of the best places are becoming overpopulated with tourists and gringo settlers.

Well, during my travels through Latin America, I’ve been fortunate to explore hundreds of miles of both developed and completely untouched coastline.  And I can honestly say that the beaches in the province of Manabi, Ecuador are a fantastic spot for the pioneering expat.

With its picturesque stretches of beach, quaint little fishing villages, national park, and even a decent-sized city for stocking up on necessities, Manabi, Ecuador, is a refreshing break from some of the overcrowded touristy areas like Salinas and Montanita.

And because much of it is still undeveloped, especially in terms of tourist infrastructure and businesses that cater to expats, it’s currently one of the best places to invest or launch an expat business in Ecuador.

The basics facts about Manabi, Ecuador

Located along the central part of Ecuador’s Pacific coast, Manabi is well-connected to the surrounding areas.  It has two domestic airports, as well as an international cargo airport.  Transportation in and around the area is easy to come by.

The climate is mostly hot and dry, with temps ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit, and a wet season that runs from January to April.

The province of Manabi, Ecuador, contains a number of popular beaches, such as Puerto Lopez, Los Frailes, Puerto Rico, Canoa, and Puerto Cayo.  There’s also the bustling city of Manta and the town of Bahia de Caraquez which has established itself as a successful eco-city.

The area is famous for its beautiful beaches and coastal cuisine.  Favorite dishes include ceviche made from fresh fish, shrimp, or shellfish, as well as viche and sancocho (both delicious forms of fish stew).

Things to do in Manabi

In addition to relaxing on one of the province’s 20 beaches, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Manabi, Ecuador, on both land and sea.  Several of the beaches offer decent surfing, as well as wind- or kite-surfing.  You can also give paragliding a try or explore the area by sailboat or personal watercraft.

Just off the coast lies La Isla de la Plata, which is home to many of the same species that live in the Galapagos Islands.  There’s also Machalilla National Park, which houses numerous types of flora and fauna, including howler and capuchin monkeys, jaguars, cuckoos, falcons, pumas, deer, crocodiles, and anacondas.

Marcelo Paz

Expat living options in Manabi, Ecuador

With so many beach towns and even decent-sized cities in the province, there are a number of possibilities for expats who invest in Ecuador Real Estate in this  amazing frontier area. Here are a few of the more popular destinations.

• Ayampe – This is a beautiful beach with great surfing conditions.  It also offers birdwatching along the Ayampe river, as well as mountain biking, hiking, and plenty of nature to enjoy.  It’s home to several eco-lodges, as well as spas and surf hotels.
• Bahia de Caraquez – Often referred to as simply “Bahia,” this city was once Ecuador’s largest port.  After suffering from significant erosion, the town declared itself an eco-city in 1999, putting energy into reforestation and sustainable living.  Today it’s extremely eco-friendly and attracts a number of North American expats.
• Canoa – Canoa boasts the longest (17 km) beach in Ecuador, of which only a small portion is developed. It draws expats and tourists for its surfing and nightlife, although it’s still considerably more laid-back than some of the larger beach towns. Due to its party atmosphere, it suffers a bit from littering although the town is taking strides to clean up its act.
• El Matal – The small fishing village of El Matal is located just outside the small town of Jama and, as a result, is known by both names.  It offers calm, clear waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and skiing.  However, there isn’t a lot of tourist infrastructure in place currently, making the area an ideal place to launch a tourism business.
• Las Tunas – This secluded destination offers great views and spectacular sunsets.  It’s considered the area’s more romantic getaway, with activities such as horseback riding, beachside candlelit dinners, and quiet nature hikes.  It also offers easy access to the national park, as well as the nightlife in some of the surrounding villages.
• Los Frailes – Located within Machalilla National Park, Los Frailes is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches.  It’s also sparsely populated, since access is restricted.  It’s crescent-shaped with cliffs on both ends, so it’s protected from the wind.  The waters are clear and warm and perfect for snorkeling.  There are no restaurants, tents, or umbrellas, so plan to bring your own food and shade.
• Manta – Ecuador’s second largest coastal city (after Guayaquil), Manta is an industrial city that revolves around oil distribution and tuna fishing.  It has several beaches and a very active nightlife.  Despite not being the most beautiful city on Ecuador’s coast, it does play host to large cruise ships that dock in its port.  However, most expats consider it better suited for a place to stock up on supplies rather than set up residence.
• Puerto Cayo – What makes Puerto Cayo special is the lush vegetation that runs right down to the sand in some places.  It’s near the national park and offers an abundance of fish, as well as some coral for snorkeling and scuba diving.  The area’s expat community is growing, and there are several beach developments under construction.
• Puerto Lopez – Since it’s the gateway to the national park, Puerto Lopez attracts its fair share of visitors.  It’s a great place to book diving or whale watching tours.  It’s also emerging as an ecotourism hub with many of its hotels dedicated to green practices.
• San Clemente – Known for its abundant sunshine (even during the wet season) and gorgeous sunsets, San Clemente is popular among Ecuadorians from Quito and nearby Manta who come for the weekend.  Mostly a small fishing village, it’s also seeing the growth of a small expat presence.
• San Mateo – San Mateo is known for its world-class surf break suitable for the most experienced surfers.  It also has a small bay that’s sheltered from the wind and perfect for swimming or beginner surfing.  Its recently constructed harbor is being developed into a fishing port.
• Santa Marianita – Due to its broad and long beach, this destination is a popular place for kite surfing.  Its wind range and wave height also make it great for windsurfing.  It also offers a good beach break for beginning surfers.  You can find instructors to teach you these and other sports, as well as a few hotels and restaurants.

The province of Manabi, Ecuador, offers plenty of living options and more than enough to keep you busy.  It just doesn’t suffer from the same overcrowding and expat saturation as some of its Ecuadorian competitors.

If you’re looking to stake your claim in one of Ecuador’s lesser-known beach towns, then check out one of these great emerging destinations.

Map of Manabi, Ecuador

Manabi, Ecuador Fast Facts

• Population: 1,606,655
• Typical temperature: 76º F to 90º F.
• Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
• Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito