Hiking Tour Pacoche Tour

Active Rainforest and Wildlife Tour in Manta, Ecuador

Our Active Rainforest and Wildlife Tour is a favorite for the more active cruise ship passengers and tourists. Spend a day immersed in local wildlife, culture, food, and drink while exploring the beautiful landscapes of Manta, Ecuador.

Overview

Start your adventure along Manta’s main coast road, visiting the historic fish market and traditional wooden shipyard. Here, you’ll witness the unchanged daily life of fishermen and the impressive wooden skeletons of fishing trawlers being built.

Cultural Highlights and Montecristi

Next, travel to Montecristi, the birthplace of the famous Panama hats. Nestled at the foot of the landmark mountain, this town is rich in history and tradition. Your guide will show you the Panama hat makers’ workshops and stores, as well as a variety of local artisan goods. You’ll also see some of the last examples of traditional wooden architecture in the central plaza next to the cathedral.

From Montecristi, we head to the green abundance of the Pacoche rainforest. This national park, secluded in a humid microclimate, houses an immense variety of birds, monkeys, and local wildlife. Your guide, teamed up with a local resident, will highlight all the interesting sights and sounds. The walk is 2 hours long, with the first hour being very easy, mostly level terrain with some steps with bamboo railing. The second half is a little more demanding as we traverse rocky terrain, steps, and local deer tracks along and across small streams. For less physically active groups, we can turn back at the halfway point.

Historic Fish Market and Wooden Shipyard

The fish market is the heartbeat of Manta’s local economy, with fishermen’s routines unchanged for generations. You’ll be fascinated by the wooden skeletons of fishing trawlers being constructed right on the beach, a testament to the enduring local traditions.

Cliff Top Lighthouse and Coastal Views

Our final stop is at the clifftop lighthouse, offering stunning views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean. You can either drive up the hill in the bus or take on the challenge of climbing over 600 stairs from the beach. Capture amazing photos before heading back to Manta.

Hiking Pacoche Rainforest

This is a tailored private tour just for your group. You will get to spend quality time deep in the rainforest. Breathing in the pure fresh air. Surrounded by nature and tranquility. The sound of birdsong and howler monkeys are guaranteed. This is the place we take our families for a nice walk and an escape from the city, we can’t recommend it enough. We will adapt the schedule to your needs and interests, adding stops where you wish. We normally end the day with a trip to a local chocolate factory or brewery to really put the icing on the cake.

Itinerary

• Itinerary
  This is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, Ruta del Spondylus Bosque de Pacoche, Pacoche Ecuador

  We avoid the busy tourist trails and head straight to a private trail deep in the forest. Here a local resident born in the rainforest will show us round his land while sharing his local knowledge. This is an amazing spot full of birds, monkeys, insects, and fish. this is off the beaten track so we only take active clients here, but without a doubt if you like a nice long walk, this is the best place.

  Duration: 3 hours

  Stop At: San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo, Manabi Province

  After the rain forest walk, we can visit the cliffside lighthouse for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and coast. During whale season you will always spot whales breaching from the vantage point.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Stop At: Playa Santa Marianita, Manta 130226 Ecuador

  We can choose a number of restaurants for lunch. Whether it be in the Pacoche rainforest or on the gringo favorite Santa Marianita beach. Here we find a large selection of seafood restaurants and wonderful views of the ocean and local kite surfing schools.

  Duration: 1 hour

What’s Included

• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry/Admission – Pacoche Wildlife Refuge
• Entry/Admission – Playa Santa Marianita
• Lunch

FAQ

1. Confirmation will be received at time of booking
2. Not recommended for travelers with back problems
3. No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
4. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
5. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
6. This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate