South of Esmeraldas rests the coastal province of Manabí. The beach cities along the Manabí coast are very popular during holidays and summer months for their mellow surfing towns, big waves and, of course, excellent seafood.
The Parque Nacional Machililla is in Manabí and features excellent wildlife, possibly Ecuador’s most beautiful beach, Los Frailes, whale watching, kayaking and horseback riding tours, and some campgrounds. La Isla de la Plata, just off the coast of Puerto López and part of the Parque Machililla, is nicknamed "The Poor-Man’s Galapagos" for its variety in birds also found in Galápagos and great snorkeling and diving. Enjoy excellent whale watching from July to October when humpback whales finish their long trip from as far south as Antarctica. The first whales arrive off the coast of Ecuador in July, when they give birth and spend the summer in the warm currents off the coast of Manabí. The whale watching season ends in late September or October when the humpbacks head south as soon as their babies are big enough to make the long return trip.
Two bus options for getting to the Manabí province are Aray and Reina del Camino.

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Mompiche may have the surfer’s hearts and Atacames may have the bars, but Canoa is sure to romance almost anyone into a stupor with its long stretches of white sand, chilled surf, and easy-going
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Compared to the hippy haven of Montañita, or peaceful unpopulated beach coasts and coves further north, Manta is only better than average — that is, unless, your idea of a good beach is an
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Mompiche may have the surfer’s hearts and Atacames may have the bars, but Canoa is sure to romance almost anyone into a stupor with its long stretches of white sand, chilled surf, and easy-going
...
Compared to the hippy haven of Montañita, or peaceful unpopulated beach coasts and coves further north, Manta is only better than average — that is, unless, your idea of a good beach is an
...Well, I was born in Manta and I was there until I turned 8 and migrated to the States (New York City), so you can say I spent part of my childhood there. I recently visited the place after being away from it for about 15 years. The city has changed so much it was very awkward for me; it was like I was going to a place I had never been before. I must say that the food there is delicious; people are courteous and very humble. It's easy to get around. The food is very cheap, or at least it was cheap to me. You can get a whole meal for about 3 dollars. I was totally overwhelmed by the changes this beautiful city had experienced, for the better. I totally recommend a visit there.
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