Manta is the leading tuna processing center in the Americas. The city's dynamism is expressed in industry and trade - its high production of tuna, coffee, tagua and cocoa are producs quoted in the world market.  The port has direct access to international navigation routes.

Manta is your link to genuine Panama hats (yes, they are made in Ecuador, not in Panama), and to the white-washed, tile-roofed ambiance of Quito,a world heritage site. The climate, the marine ambience, the coastal mountains, and the contours of the land are central elemnets of the attractiveness of Manta to tourists.

Panama hats are hand woven in Ecuador from toquilla fiber (Carludovica palmata), the finest of the straws used in hats.

Although Cuenca produces quality Panamas at all levels, Ecuador's very best sombreros de paja toquilla come from Montecristi, a little village near the Pacific coast. Just as the magic name Havana signifies the best in cigars, "Montecristi" translates to the highest standard in the Panama-hat trade. For more information on Panama hats, visit this link.

For more information about Manta, please visit http://www.apmanta.gov.ec/