From Manta most buses head towards the commercial and travel crossroads of Portoviejo and Jipijapa, but an infinitely more appealing option is to find a bus bound for the scenic stretch of road heading south towards San Lorenzo and Puerto Cayo. This paved route features unparalleled views of Ecuador’s coast: uninhabited stretches of soft sand bound by turquoise waters and imposing cliffs. Several bus companies (Reina del Camino from Terminal Terrestre Cumandá and Panamericana Internacional from Colón and Reina Victoria) operate from Quito to Manta; the trip lasts 8 to 9 hours and costs $8-10. Tame (www.tame.com.ec)and Icaro (www.icaro.aero) also fly daily to Manta from Quito for just under $100 return.