We had a beautiful day's introduction to Ecuador! We woke up to find us docked across from a huge vehicle carrier. Manta is a huge tuna exporter and the port reflected that fact. I had found 8 other cruisers to take a "Taste of Ecuador" tour by Narwell Tours. After taking the required port shuttle to the port terminal, we went to see boatbuilding on the waterfront. It was eye-opening, as there were huge tuna boats being manufactured on the beach. Then we walked through the nearby local fish market. Next we traveled to the Pacoche Wilderness for a walk on the "Monkey Trail." I was only able to do part of it due to a sinus infection, so the Narwell guide let me go back to the vehicle while others learned about flora & fauna & looked for howler monkeys. Then we went to see a lighthouse on a tall hill, and had a nice fresh fish lunch nearby on the beach at San Lorenzo, went to Montecristi, where "Panama" hats are made and made a short visit to the beautiful mausoleum of Elroy Alfaro, a former president known for his modernization of the country. Manta was a wonderful stop, and we DO recommend a Narwell Tour if visiting here.

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Pictures by Ruth with a few from Howard