Do you ever feel like your dream of living on a tropical coast is just another one that’s far beyond your reach? Maybe you long for a permanent vacation from the never-ending hamster wheel, but you’re afraid you just can’t afford to make those dreams a reality.
If that’s the case, then you can’t afford not to look at Ecuador’s seven best budget beaches.
Wurglitsch
You can scale down (or up) for less.
Despite its reputation as a budget destination, Ecuador also has plenty of popular upscale beaches. Atacames and Salinas are two. If you’re looking for Miami on a budget, then look at real estate here. You’ll be surprised how much you get for your money.
You can salsa your night away with well-heeled partiers at the yacht club. Or dine in a luxurious high-rise with five-star accommodations. You’ll love the crowded umbrella-lined beaches, glamorous vibe, and South American prices.
But if you’re looking to scale down, then one of Ecuador’s seven best budget beaches can easily accommodate your lifestyle. Ecuador has one of the lowest costs of living in Latin America, and its real estate market offers many of the same bargains you’ll find across the board in this destination that’s long been a favorite among North American expats.
Another great selling point is that much of Ecuador is experiencing rapid growth in its expat communities. So much so, that in many cases, the available services and consumer offerings can’t keep up.
So if the lower price tag still isn’t enough to help you realize your goal of starting a new life in Ecuador, there’s always the opportunity to parlay the opportunity to move abroad into twice the adventure by starting an expat business.
Here are 7 of the best budget beaches in Ecuador where you can enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.
You can live in Ecuador on a budget. It’s not just a dream.
wogo24220
1. Olon has many treasures for you. Settle in for an up-tempo, yet tranquil lifestyle. Tropical jungle flows to the sea. Hike trails and swim in waterfalls. Watch hummingbirds, iguanas, and even wild horses.
Surf conditions are excellent. Olon’s wide, long and sandy beaches host a myriad of restaurants and kiosks. One drawback (or potential opportunity, depending on how you look at it) is that convenience shopping doesn’t exist here. Residents of Olon travel far for shopping, groceries, and services.
This gap in consumer offerings equates to the perfect place for entrepreneuring expats to open an apparel shop or maybe a convenience store for food items and sundries.
Meredith Cook
2. Canoa has a quaint, laid-back character. It’s small, but solitude is never hard to find. The long, wide beach stretches for miles.
Canoa is becoming more and more popular with foreign travelers, but it’s still mostly a small fishing village. As a result, accommodations are still limited here. So now could be the perfect time to open a guest house or lodge.
LFRONTIERS
3. Ayampe is the place to go for complete serenity and tranquility. It’s essentially a wildlife sanctuary – a divine spot for yoga and meditation. From your rainforest or seaside perch, you’ll love the picturesque Los Ahorcados Islands views.
Picture a large, inviting family home made of cane and wood in a jungle setting. Or a rustic cabin with a straw roof. Ayampe is the ideal spot for building your holistic retreat. Your health-conscious customers won’t be able to resist organic fruit jams, natural soaps, and fruit-infused herbal teas.
Yassef Briceño García
4. Montanita (Guayas Province) means action-packed days and nights. Get ready to live it up in this multicultural party town. Picture “Little Amsterdam.”
When you’ve relaxed and people watched enough, go surf. With some of the region’s best conditions, Montanita even plays host to international surfing competitions.
If residents and visitors want to sleep soundly, they’ll most likely have to get out of town. As a result, the even more affordable areas around Montanita might be a great place for an adventure-based resort away from the noisy beach crowd.
Juan Martinez
5. Mompiche (Esmeraldas Province) Beach thrives on ecotourism. Backpackers and surfers trek to this black sand beach for one of the best surf breaks in Ecuador. But that’s not the only attraction.
Mompiche’s proximity to Mache Chindul National Reserve opens a whole new world of adventures. Whale watching is a favorite pastime. Canoe or kayak the mangroves and Rio Verde River for bird and monkey watching. Head to the jungle for a hike or horseback ride.
Like most other budget destinations, Mompiche still lacks an abundance of variety in its accommodations and services, including restaurants. As a result it’s a great up-and-coming spot where expats could get a steal on their dream property or savvy investors could find the perfect niche for launching a successful business.
Daria
6. Salango (Manabi Province) is for history, culture, art enthusiasts and conservationists. You can stay busy attending artisan workshops or spending time at the Pre-Columbian Archaeological Museum. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, Machalilla National Park outings will.
There’s always scuba diving, whale watching and endless snorkeling. You’ll adore the shallow natural aquarium and sea excursions. But your experience won’t be complete until you hit the trails on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
An outdoor outfitter store could be your calling. Everyone in Salango is hooked on nature. Stock quality hiking and biking gear, camping accessories, cameras, and binoculars.
Mundo Croqueta
7. Sua (Esmeraldas Province) Sua is a super tranquil setting surrounded by hills and cliffs. If you like calm water sports and little wind, Sua is the location for you.
You’ll have fun sunbathing, swimming, rowing, stand up paddle boarding, and walks around the beachfront promenade. Aside from that, there’s not much else to do.
You can always take a quick boat ride to Bird Island or the Cave of Love. Or jaunt on over to party down in nearby Atacames.
Restaurants are limited in Sua. So are activities. As a result, properties are incredibly affordable. It’s a great place for expats seeking a simple, relaxed lifestyle.
You Can Live Your Dream in Ecuador
Now you know Ecuador offers many beach communities where you can afford to simplify your life. But you can’t just dream about it. You have to dive in. Pick a spot (or two) that sparked your interest. Explore the real estate opportunities there. Your dream home (and your escape route) will suddenly become clearer. And if you still need to earn a living, there are plenty of niches ready to be filled.
If you’ve never traveled to Ecuador’s northern coast (or if you haven’t in a while), Bahia de Caraquez, known to the locals as Bahia, Ecuador, is one city that’s worth a second look.
Once a bustling port city, Bahia was virtually devastated by El Niño rains and an earthquake in the late 1990s. Determined to overcome these tragedies, the town re-established itself as an up-and-coming eco-city, and the results have been astounding.
Patriciota Mariz
Bahia’s Climate Makes It an Ideal Coastal Destination
Although it lies just 40 miles south of the equator, on a peninsula at the mouth of the River Chone, Bahia’s climate is surprisingly comfortable. The city lies in a dry tropical belt that experiences relatively low humidity and temperatures averaging around 80 degrees from May through November.
A wet season begins in December or January and can run as late as April. During those months, the sky is often overcast with evening showers and temps closer to 85 and moderate humidity.
There’s a constant breeze blowing off the ocean, which helps considerably with the heat. As a result, there’s less need for air conditioning. You might even find yourself reaching for a sweater or blanket at night.
Such conditions are considered by many expats to be a breath of fresh air from a lot of the hotter, more humid coastal cities. Many also find they prefer mild, coastal living to the thinner air that plagues the colonial cities that lie at higher altitudes.
Bahia Offers a Great Mix of Residents
Bahia, Ecuador is a city of only around 30,000 regular inhabitants, which allows it to maintain a small-town feel, despite its popularity as a beach destination. Most of the locals come from very meager backgrounds, but they aren’t looking to take advantage of visitors and expats.
Instead they’re warm and welcoming to the many middle- and upper-class citizens from Quito and Guayaquil who have vacation homes in the area. In fact, Bahia has a reputation for being an incredibly friendly city.
It’s also extremely safe, with the lowest crime rate in all of Ecuador. Just like with any other foreign city, you should use care not to carry around wads of cash or flash extravagant items. But in Bahia you don’t have to worry about getting swindled by the locals or walking around late at night.
Because Bahia has historically been somewhat cut off from much of the rest of the country, it doesn’t see a lot of international travelers or expats. However, that seems to be changing.
In fact, on my last visit I was surprised to see that an established expat community does exist, albeit a small one.
Bahia, Ecuador Has Just Enough of the Attractions You Crave
Whatever your tropical passion, you’re practically guaranteed to find a place to enjoy it at least near to, if not in, Bahia. Yet at the same time, it’s not overrun with tour buses or overpriced souvenir shops.
There are beaches with small waves that are safe for swimming, yet at times steady enough for long boarding. You can also go water skiing, sail boarding, or fishing. Both hang-gliding and surfing lessons are available just up the road in Canoa.
Bahia offers a plethora of birds and other wildlife. The nearby Isla Fragatas and Isla Corazon are home to a variety of birds. Saiananda is a local park that’s home to deer, donkeys, ostriches, geese, and sloths. Whale-watching is also a popular pasttime.
There’s also the Chirije archaeologial site and the Rio Muchacho organic farm to explore.
It’s worth mentioning here that Bahia’s beaches are somewhat limited. Due to significant beach erosion in recent decades, the south shore of the peninsula is narrow and often crowded. At high tide it can become almost completely submerged. The north (bay) side of the peninsula is polluted and unsuitable for swimming.
In terms of consumer options, Bahia has everything you’d expect to find in a mid-sized tourist destination, including a new modern supermarket. What you can’t find in town you can easily get from a nearby large city like Manta or Portoviejo.
One other area where some expats might find Bahia a bit lacking is in its cultural offerings. While it does have a few attractions, like a great museum, it doesn’t have a lot of them.
Bahia’s Eco-friendly Initiatives Keep Everything Nice and “Green”
Bahia is known throughout the country’s as Ecuador’s cleanest coastal city, ever since it established itself as an eco-city, and the benefits are obvious as you stroll along the beach or through the pristine streets of the city.
Eco-friendly behaviors are a part of life in Bahia. Residents are encouraged to recycle and employ other sustainable practices. There’s daily garbage service, and the town even has its own paper recycling plant.
It was also the first coastal city in Ecuador to ban the use of plastic bags.
Living in Bahia, Ecuador Won’t Break the Bank
Like the rest of Ecuador, Bahia de Caraquez enjoys an extremely affordable cost of living. A mere $1,000 per month could buy you a very comfortable life there.
Factors that contribute to the low costs include government subsidized fuel (currently around $1.50 per gallon) and low wages. As a result, almost everything is cheaper in Ecuador and particularly in Bahia.
An almuerzo (a typical lunch of soup, salad, rice, and beans with meat) is only $1.50. You can enjoy the fresh juice that comes with it or spring for a $1 beer to wash it all down.
Other affordable perks include the services of a domestic helper, such as a maid or gardener, as well as inexpensive Spanish schools.
Bahia Has Bridged the Gap for Expats, Tourists, and Investors
What’s kept Bahia de Caraquez off the radar of most expats and international tourists, has been the fact that it was more than a little off the beaten path. Even merely crossing the Rio Chone, on the most direct route to Quito, once took three hours on a small ferry that held only 12 cars.
After the 2010 completion of the 1.25 mile (2 km) Bahia-San Vicente Bridge, however, the river can now be crossed in only 15 minutes. This longest bridge in Ecuador is expected to considerably boost trade and tourism to the area, as Bahia is now connected to nearby San Vicente, the fishing village of Canoa and basically the entire rest of Ecuador’s northern coast.
Getting to Bahia has never been easier thanks to the new bridge. There’s an airport in San Vicente, but it’s small and doesn’t run regular flights. The next closest are in Portoviejo or Manta, both of which are about 90 minutes or less by bus. The flight to these airports from Quito is only about a half hour.
There are also bus services that run to and from cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Esmeraldas.
Patriciota Mariz
Why Now Is the Best Time to Purchase Bahia, Ecuador Real Estate
Bahia, Ecuador is a town that has clearly reinvented itself. Although it was due to unfortunate circumstances, the city has no doubt benefited from its fresh new eco-friendly image. This fresh start, combined with the drastic increase in accessibility from the new bridge, has brought new life and new interest to Bahia.
In addition to the renewed appeal of Bahia itself, the town is also strategically positioned for growth in the surrounding areas. The area across the bridge just north of Bahia is a naturally beautiful, and largely underdeveloped, coastal region. With the new infrastructure in place, it’s primed for a big surge in property values.
The bridge has also opened up a new path for the transportation of merchandise that can now be brought through Bahia on its way to the port city of Manta just 30 minutes south of town, making what could become a stop on a major thoroughfare.
As a result, the time is right to buy or invest in Bahia before prices start to rise. Here are a few examples of what you can get for your money in Bahia, Ecuador.
- Just $75,000 buys you a 2-bedroom, 2-bath beachfront penthouse with an ocean view in a gated complex with a pool and landscaped grounds.
- For $170,000 you can have a 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo in a high-rise building with panoramic views of the bay, the beach, and the city.
As you can see, Bahia is still a place to score a great bargain on real estate in an area that has the potential for tremendous growth in the near future. Consumer and cultural options that are currently lacking in the area are likely to be introduced soon.
Who knows? Maybe you could be the one to fill a much-needed niche in the city’s scene.
OliverH
There’s a lot of buzz about Ecuador as an expat haven that’s among the world’s best places to retire or live in Latin America. But not a lot of people know much about it.
Like, for starters, where is Ecuador? I mean, it’s on the equator, right? Hence the name. But doesn’t that mean it’s unbearably hot?
And is it a long way away? How do I get there and how long is the flight?
We’ll answer these and other questions you may have about this popular destination. But let’s start with the most important one.
Where Is Ecuador on a Map?
There it is! Right there on the west coast of northern South America. Between Colombia to the north and Peru to the south. The equator does pass through it, roughy ¼ of the way down, near Quito.
Andrew Turner
How Do I Get There?
Ecuador has two main airports. There’s Mariscal Sucre in Quito and Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil. Quito’s airport is new and modern. It even has an on-site hotel that’s currently being built. However, both are a bit of a hike from the city. The old airport, which was more centrally located, is now closed and is being transformed into a park.
Some travelers also fly into Guayaquil on the coast. It also has a modern international airport with all the amenities you’d expect, like restaurants and duty-free shopping. It’s only a few minutes north of the downtown area.
Once in the country, buses are plentiful and affordable. There are also a number of regional airports, including two in the Galapagos Islands, which can only be accessed via mainland Ecuador.
What Airlines Fly into Ecuador?
U.S. Airlines that offer flights to Ecuador include Delta, United, and American Airlines. TAME, an Ecuador-based airline, flies into New York City. LAN Ecuador also flies there, as well as Miami.
From the U.K., you can fly American Airlines from Heathrow to Quito. KLM will also get you to Quito from Heathrow, by way of Amsterdam.
Other airlines that fly into Ecuador from destinations throughout Latin America are Copa, Avianca, Aeromexico, Iberia, and TACA.
Morpholux
Do I Need a Visa to Go There?
Not unless you want to stay for more than three months. By presidential decree, citizens of any country may visit Ecuador and stay for a period of 90 days. You won’t need a visa. However, you’ll want to check with your embassy to see what other paperwork might be required. For North Americans and most European travelers, it’s usually just a passport and a copy of your return ticket.
Sara Y Tzunky
When Is the Best Time to Go?
Because Ecuador is located on the equator, it has roughly the same weather year-round. So there’s really no bad time to visit. However, depending on the region, some seasons are a little better than others, as Ecuador’s climate varies greatly among its four distinct areas.
The coastal lowlands stay between 80 and 90 degrees. During the rainy season (December to April), you can expect a torrential downpour pretty much every day.
The Andean highlands are much cooler with daytime highs in the mid 70s. Nights can get pretty cool with lows around 50 degrees. The rainy season is the same, with April generally being the wettest month and June to September representing the driest period.
The Amazon region is probably much closer to what most people picture when they try to imagine a climate along the equator. Predominantly tropical lowland rainforest, it’s hot and humid with temps in the 80s and 90s and steady rainfall throughout the year.
It’s still popular among adventure travelers despite its challenging climate. The frequent showers make for excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Despite being situated almost directly along the equator, the Galapagos Islands get some relief from the heat thanks to the cool Pacific waters. As result, they enjoy temps between the mid 60s and upper 80s with surprisingly little rainfall.
What Places in Ecuador Should I Visit?
Ecuador is jam-packed with natural wonders and cultural attractions. Here are some of the most popular spots that you won’t want to miss.
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Banos is the adventure capital of Ecuador. It sits at the foot of the active Volcano Tungurahua. It’s also surrounded by a number of hot spring mineral baths.
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Canoa is a beach town that hasn’t lost its appeal as primarily a laid-back fishing village.
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Cotacachi is a small village that’s only 90 minutes from the capital city of Quito. It enjoys a rich cultural heritage.
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Cuenca is a beautiful colonial city in the mountains that’s quickly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations in Latin America.
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Esmeraldas is a cozy beach town that’s a little more laid-back but still one of the country’s most popular.
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The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago scattered far off the country’s coast. Made famous by Charles Darwin, they’re visited by scientists and nature lovers from all over the world.
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Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. A bustling coastal town, it’s a functioning port city with a relaxed Caribbean feel.
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Loja is another mountain town that’s growing in popularity. Smaller and more affordable, it’s known for its cultural importance and musical roots.
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Manta is a beach town that offers coastal living combined with all the big city amenities of a modern industrial city.
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Montanita is another popular beach town. Known for its surfing and nightlife, it attracts a whole host of colorful characters from all walks of life.
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Otavalo is another mountain town that has retained its quaint, authentic appeal. It’s most famous for its popular textile market.
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Quito is Ecuador’s capital city. Located in the mountains, it has a well-preserved historic district and a monument situated on the equator marking the “middle of the world.”
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Riobamba is the gateway to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak. It’s also the starting point of the famous train ride down the Nariz del Diablo.
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Salinas is a crowded beach town that’s often dubbed the Miami of Latin America. It’s popular among locals and boasts a number of water sports.
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Vilcabamba is located high in the mountains. Its water comes from melting glacier pools and is among the purest on earth, possibly contributing to the good health and longevity of its residents.
As you can tell, there’s a lot to see and do in Ecuador. It’s also one of the least expensive destinations of its kind. Now that you know how to get there, consider taking a trip to experience the sights of Ecuador firsthand.
Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: About 15.49 million
- Typical temperature: Ecuador is known for its micro climates, learn more here.
- Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito and Guayaquil
Len Langevin
The coastal town of Manta, Ecuador, is an important place to know if you’re wanting to familiarize yourself with this South American nation. Located on Ecuador’s central coast, Manta is the country’s second largest port city and its most popular beach location, mostly among Ecuadorians.
While Manta does draw its fair share of expats and foreign tourists, it’s most commonly used as a vacation or holiday destination for families who want an escape from the bustle of nearby Guayaquil. It’s a nice compromise, as it offers them all the comforts they enjoy in Ecuador’s largest city but with far less traffic and noise.
With a population of under 220,000, Manta, Ecuador, is a medium-sized city (about the same number of people as Scottsdale, Arizona) that serves as an important shipping and industrial center. As a result, it’s not what most people have in mind when picturing their life as expats in Latin America.
However, while it may not be exactly the right feel for a place that would-be expats might want to live IN, it’s a really convenient place to live NEAR or to use as your jumping off point for accessing all of the great destinations that are in close proximity to this coastal hotspot.
Here are a few important things you should know about Manta, Ecuador Real Estate.
If you’re looking for an Ecuadorian beach town with city conveniences, it’s one of the few options.
Ecuador has some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world. And among them are miles and miles of completely untouched coastline. There are a few small villages where you might find a sprinkling of seafood shacks and something that resembles a convenience store. Other than that there isn’t much available in the way of consumer options.
That may sound quaint and like just the thing you’re looking for. But not everyone can live that lifestyle all the time. Eventually you have to stock up on groceries and other necessities or just go somewhere you can find an internet connection. And Manta is a great place to do that.
Not only can you find the products and supplies you need, but in Manta you can also enjoy a hot shower, air conditioning, and paved roads, all things that are difficult to come by along much of Ecuador’s coast.
It also has a fully-stocked North American(ish) style grocery store, a modern movie theater with many English titles, internet cafes, and a large assortment of restaurants and bars. In addition to these basics, Manta has yoga studios, health clubs, casinos, quality medical facilities, and a modern shopping center.
There’s a lot to see and do both in and around Manta, Ecuador.
In Manta itself, you’ll find plenty to entertain you along the coast. The shore itself doesn’t have the pristine white sand that many beach-goers seek, but it’s a fine place to walk or dine al fresco at one of the many open-air seafood restaurants. You can also find many homes with fantastic views from atop the cliffs that surround the city.
Just north of the city center is Playa Murcielago, the most popular beach in the area. It offers some good surfing, as well as opportunities to try out other aquatic sports such as scuba diving and fishing.
If you’re looking for a little culture in Manta, there’s the Museo del Banco Central. Its exhibits include a large amount of Pre-Colombian artwork, as well as other artifacts representing the area’s cultural history. Just inland lies the city of Montecristi, the source of many of the erroneously named “Panama Hats,” which actually originated in Ecuador.
If you head south from Manta, you’ll be on what’s known as the Ruta del Sol, or “Sun Route.” While this drive takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, the road itself could use a lot of work. It snakes alongside miles of deserted beaches where you could literally pull the car over and get out and surf entirely alone.
It also passes through tiny fishing villages where the residents seem completely unaware of the potential tourism potential of their sleepy little towns, although a few small developments have begun to pop up here and there. The route finally ends in Salinas, a popular resort community.
About an hour south of Manta is Puerto Cayo, a quaint fishing village that is a great place to go to get away for the day and relax. Just beyond that is Parque Machalilla, a national park with an assortment of flora and fauna, as well as some hiking trails and panoramic views of the coast.
Manta’s airport makes it accessible and also offers easy access to the rest of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast.
Manta’s infrastructure makes it a very livable city, and perhaps no other feature is quite as important as its domestic airport. The fourth busiest in the country, Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) is a combination civilian airport and military airbase located on the outskirts of town.
Several airlines, including AeroGal, AVIANCA, LAN, TAME, and COPA, offer daily flights to Quito. That means that you could start the day enjoying the beach in Manta and, after a quick hour-long plane ride, find yourself in the Andean highlands.
Dani Blanch
Many factors make Manta a great place for a second home in Ecuador.
With so much to see and do in Ecuador, many of its citizens and foreign residents are finding that owning two homes provides some nice variation and a way to enjoy all the country has to offer. Because of its location and accessibility, Manta would be an ideal place to do that. Not only does it have the airport, it also has buses leaving regularly headed to many cities in Ecuador. Guayaquil, for instance, is only a short 3-hour drive away.
Manta, Ecuador, has a dry tropical climate with temperatures that range between 76 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, although it feels hotter in the wet season (December to May) due to the humidity. During the dry season (June to November), it’s still warm but the humidity makes being on the Ecuadorian coast far more bearable.
Many choose to spend the wet season in a more temperate area, like the Andean highlands, and then enjoy the coast during the months with lower humidity. In Manta, you can easily do this without sacrificing any of the creature comforts you’d otherwise have to do without in a smaller village.
Despite its size and amenities, Manta still offers an incredibly low cost of living.
One of the reasons Ecuador has gained attention as an expat destination is due to its extremely reasonable real estate and consumer goods. Those can also be found in Manta. You can enjoy a meal of fresh fish, with sides, and a cold domestic beer from a beachside restaurant for no more than $6. A 3-course meal for two in a nice restaurant will only set you back about $25.
Real estate is also cheap. You can rent a 2-bedroom condo with an ocean view, a swimming pool, and exercise facilities for as little as $500 per month. If you’re looking to buy, the same place would only cost you $80,000. If you don’t need the second bedroom, you can save as much as 25-30% on a one-bedroom property.
Conveniences from high speed internet to domestic help are all very affordable in Ecuador. And, while prices can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, you could easily get by in Manta on as little as $1200 per month.
Quiltsalad
Manta, Ecuador, has many opportunities for investors.
Manta is home to one of the few ports in the country deep enough to receive commercial cargo, making it an important shipping and industrial center. Tourism is also a bit part of the city’s economy, and cruise ships dock there several times per week during the peak season.
It’s a growing city whose recent infrastructure projects include an improved sewage treatment system and a new bus station. Booming industry and better infrastructure lead to increased property values, making beach real estate another good investment option. Along with the potential profit, investors also have the added benefit of being able to influence the future of the community.
Manta does have some factors that make it unattractive to expats.
While Manta offers some great amenities and investment potential, it definitely has its downsides. For instance, its water supply is contaminated with mercury and other pollutants. You can’t drink it or use it for ice. And, while the city does offer some sweeping views, some of them are of cranes and other industrial components.
Also, although it experiences less crime than some larger cities like Guayaquil, Manta does have its share. A lot of it involves petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or theft of unattended items. However violent crimes do happen.
It’s important to use precautions, especially when you’re out and about at night, particularly in poorer areas of the city. It’s best to take a taxi, unless you’re in a large group. However, even taxis have been used in crime rings to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
As in any foreign city, it’s best to just use common sense and generally avoid looking like a tourist. Don’t carry around too much cash or leave luggage unattended. Always watch out for anything that looks suspicious and never take your eyes off your drink, as the use of date rape drugs is a concern. Steer clear of anyone begging or asking for money, including children.
Manta is a bonus on the Ecuadorian coastline
While not the ultimate “forever home” of most expats, Manta offers a lot in terms of value to foreign visitors and residents. It’s a good beach option for those who don’t want to sacrifice a lot of amenities.
It’s also a great place to restock or even establish a home base from which you can explore all of the many wonderful destinations Ecuador has to offer. When planning a trip to scout out possible places to relocate your family, make sure Manta, Ecuador, is one of your stops.
Map of Manta Ecuador
Manta Fast Facts
- Population: About 217,553
- Typical temperature: Despite its near-equatorial location, Manta has an arid climate with an average temperature of 71 degrees
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Quito or Guayaquil. The Domestic airport, Eloy Alfaro International is located on the outskirts of the Manta, here you can catch a daily flight to Quito and Guayaquil.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito