Where to Stay in Manta – A Guide to This Ecuadorian City
San Pablo de Manta, known simply as Manta, is the largest city in the Manabí area, and one of the most important ports in Ecuador.
Manta is located in a bay on the central-south coast of Ecuador.
The city has beautiful beaches, among which Los Esteros, Tarqui, El Murciélago, Barbasquillo, San Lorenzo, Santa Marianita and Piedra Larga stand out.
The promenades of Playa Murciélago, Tarqui, and La Rosa area make Manta one of the cosmopolitan cities in Ecuador, full of elegant restaurants, theaters, live music bars, clubs, luxury hotels and shopping centers that remain open 24 hours.
Manta is sunny almost all year round, with temperatures between 74 and 89°F, especially in months like June. However, the best time to visit Manta is from September to November, when it rains less and you can explore its attractions easily.
The main air terminal of the city is the Eloy Alfaro Airport, which connects to Quito.
On the other hand, the urban transport system in Manta is not the most efficient, so it is recommended to take a taxi to move between its different areas.
Playa Murciélago or Murcielago Beach is the best area to stay in Manta, Ecuador, as it is home to important events such as the International Theater Festival, Manta for Dance and the Spondylus America Dance Festival. (See accommodation in Playa Murciélago).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Manta, Ecuador
The Best Areas to Stay in Manta, Ecuador
1. Our Favorite Area: Near the port of Manta and Playa Murciélago
Playa Murciélago and the surroundings of Puerto de Manta are located at the northern end of the city, a 10-minute drive from the Downtown area.
The heart of the area is the beach, which is famous for its intense waves, ideal for kite-surfing, surfing, diving, sailing, and even fishing.
The Manta Malecon is located in this, and it is a popular promenade for its ocean views, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
In this area, you’ll find the best and most luxurious shopping centers in the city, such as the Paseo Shopping Centro Comercial and the Mall del Pacífico. This area also houses the famous marina.
The closest bus stop in the area is a 20-minute walk away, therefore, you’ll need to take a taxi to move from Playa Murciélago to other areas of Manta.
Luxury hotels, resort-style accommodations, and boutique hotels make it one of the best areas to stay in Manta, Ecuador.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Manta, Ecuador:
- Beautiful views
- Beach area
- Best area for shopping
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Sal Prieta Beach House
Located in Manta, a few steps from Los Esteros, Sal Prieta Beach House offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, free private parking, a bar and a garden.
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Budget
Hotel Pacífico Tarqui
Located in Manta, 200 meters from Tarqui and 700 meters from Los Esteros, Hotel Pacífico Tarqui offers accommodation with a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking.
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Luxury
Hotel Perla Spondylus
Hotel Perla Spondylus, located in the town of Manta, just 500 meters from El Murciélago Beach, offers rooms with free WiFi and plasma TV. It has a restaurant and free parking.
2. Barbasquillo & University
Barbasquillo is an area located in the northwest of the city, 7 minutes by taxi from Playa Murcielago. Here is also the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí, which gives the district a youthful atmosphere.
Unlike Playa Murciélago, the Barbasquillo Beach is free of surfers, with crystal clear waters and a family-friendly vibe.
It is an area full of cliffs and coastal wells, with landscapes that are photo-worthy throughout the entire year.
As it is typical of the southern area of Manta, it does not have nearby bus stations or stops, so it is advisable to take a taxi to move to other districts of the city.
Barbasquillo and the University Citadel are among the best areas to stay in Manta thanks to its variety of hotels for all tastes.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Manta, EC:
- Barbasquillo beach
- Beautiful landscapes
- Family-friendly
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Stella Blu Hotel
Stella Blu Hotel offers 3-star accommodation in Manta, 500 meters from Barbasquillo and 1.2 km from El Murcielago. This 3-star hotel has an outdoor pool.
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Budget
Hostal El Naufrago
Located in Manta, 1.1 km from Barbasquillo, Hostal El Naufrago offers accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. The establishment has service.
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Luxury
Hotel Poseidon
Hotel Poseidon is very well located in Manta, a few steps from the beach. It offers an outdoor infinity pool with open sea views and a free shuttle to Manta Airport in both directions.
3. Santa Marianita
Santa Marianita is one of the most remote coastal areas from Downtown Manta, located towards the southwest of the city, where it stands out for its long beach area.
It is an 8-mile long beach, with natural attractions such as Punta Cangrejo and Tarima, ideal for observing seagulls, frigates, pelicans and a wide variety of bird species.
Santa Marianita gathers the best seafood restaurants in Manta. In addition, it has kitesurf and other water sports schools.
To move to and from Santa Marianita, it is necessary to take a taxi since the bus service in this area is not the most efficient.
However, this is one of the best areas to stay in Manta for its varied hotels that range from the most luxurious to the cheapest.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Manta, Ecuador:
- Punta Cangrejo and Tarima
- Water sports
- All kinds of hotels
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