MANTA COFFEE, CHOCOLATE AND STRAW HAT – PANAMA HATS – 4 DAYS

Day 1: Quito – Manta – Montecristi – Panama hats and howler monkeys

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, by plane, for the town of Manta to enjoy a beautiful day in the company of the men who make the hats called “Panama” in their houses, the same ones that are exported all over the world. Visit the Montecristi flea market to buy souvenirs and beautiful hats at very attractive prices. After Montecristi, we will travel to the “Pacoche” reserve, to take a short hike in the woods of this tropical forest. It is not only a beautiful walk but also the opportunity to learn a lot about local plants and the famous black howler monkeys that live here. Afterwards, we will have time to have lunch along the beach and eat delicious seafood in local restaurants. If time permits, we can also include a visit to the San Lorenzo house to marvel at a beautiful sunset. Return to Manta late in the afternoon. Night in Manta.

Day 2: Origin of Chocolate, Community Tourism Project – Full Day

After breakfast, we head south, along the ocean shore. Today is dedicated to local projects. We will visit the center of the Creole cocoa garden (the only ones authorized to cultivate cocoa, from Monday to Friday), then we will go to a cocoa plantation in the ecological community of “Rio Chico”. Along the way, you can also spot other tropical fruits, such as lemon, orange and coconut plantations. As part of this day, you will travel to the Cocoa Association, where you will learn about the post-harvest process (drying, fermentation, storage and export). And, finally, you will arrive at the community, where, they will show you how to make chocolate from cocoa beans. Return to Manta at the end of the afternoon. Night in Manta.

Day 3: The Coffee Route, Community Tourism Project, Full Day

Who doesn’t like coffee? This is a day of exploration and learning about the production process and quality of Arabica coffee.
We will visit a coffee farm, and, while walking through the coffee plantation, the owner will explain the coffee maturation process and other important information about coffee farming. An essential and well-deserved coffee break with coffee and typical local products (corn cake) will be served. We have the chance to taste the typical food of “Manabi” in a delicious lunch provided by the local communities, and, to know more about the regional economy. Our day continues to an export coffee company to see the post-harvest process (drying, storage and export). Return to Manta at the end of the day. Night in Manta.

Day 4: Manta

Last day in Manta area, depending on your flight schedule, we can organize a relaxing day on the beach, and, discover the proximity of beaches: like “Santa Marianita”, famous for Kitesurfing, explore the fish market, at “Tarqui” beach, and, the artisanal shipyards, or, simply, sunbathe on “El Murcielago” beach, all places are located in the Manta area. Transfer to the airport to return to Quito or continue to your next destination.