Hotels near Eloy Alfaro International Airport - MEC, Manta

Manta is the large commercial center city for the central coast of Ecuador. It seemed well laid-out and easy to get around. It has at least 2 large, very modern shopping centers - I visited the Mall del Pacifico. It is enclosed and air conditioned, and had a large variety of stores including brand-name clothing, electronics, beauty shops, food and snacks, and a Mega Maxi discount department store. One surprising thing I saw: at least in my section of Manta there were numerous pet grooming places - it seemed like 1 or 2 on every block! It appears to be a major industry there, though most of the dogs I saw were shorthaired. and would require little grooming.

Most beautiful city I have cities yet! Full of things to do and amazing beaches! Food was delicious at various restaurants that we tried. The city was full of friendly people! Definitely coming back soon!

not the U.S. by no means but I didn't expect it to be ,you can find pretty much anything you want. The people were very friendly and helpful, we went for a exploratory trip there to see if wanted to retire there in the very near future!

I have previously lived in Manta for a few years. Overall Ecuador is not known for cleanliness. It is a backward third world country. Ecuadorians are so selfish and careless. Music has to be loud; throwing thrash seems to be a birth right; cars use horns constantly; sidewalks are dangerous; and the attitude is selfish. The hostal that I stayed in is an older building and climbing to the fourth floor has been a challenge. An elevator would have been a relief. But the stairs are narrow and dangerous.

Manta is a regional hub - hard to avoid but not really a tourist destination. We traveled by bus and the bus station is far from the city center. As experienced travelers, we made an intermediate hotel work for us but most tourists would probably prefer accommodations on the far side of the city above Murcielogo Beach. Downtown the restaurant Casa Rosada was great. If you want the beach and fishing village ambiance, pass by Manta and pick a coastal town further south.

I can completely say that I speak from experience and knowledge about this city. I'd lived in Manta, Manabi, Ecuador from December 1, 2003, until late June 2013. I felt that Manta was the lost jewel that I'd always been looking for. The city was bustling with commerce during the day and at night it came alive with fiestas and parties. The club scene was outstanding and little to no violence. Of course, they had the criminal element, but they knew to stay on their turf and not venture outward. The beaches were always alive and restaurants outstanding. I love the city and I go back often to visit my Godson and his family. Now, let's fast forward to 20 years later and the here and now. Since the uprising in Venezuela that led to the migration of their criminals to Ecuador and the corruption of the government of Ecuador since the presidency of President Correa ended, it has been a free for all of crime and violence. They have allowed illegals to enter and ravish the City of Manta, bringing their prostitution, drugs, and violent crime to a once peaceful and bustling city. No one, not even the police are doing something about it. Hence, la policia acostada, the term means the police laying down. I would visit Cuenca if I wanted to vacation in Ecuador or Guayaquil, but Guayaquil is much more down the drain than Manta. It is shameful what corruption and evil can do to a place. Now, you have it, the truth unfolded. My last time in Manta was May 19 thru June 1, 2023. The good people of Manta are still the best people on the planet. I feel so sorry for the situation that they are in.