Montecristi & Pacoche: Panama Hat Weaving, Fish Market & Rainforest Walk

Summary

Montecristi hats, wild monkeys and the scent of fresh fish in Manta

You’ll walk through Manta’s bustling fish market, meet Montecristi hat weavers in their quiet workshops, and hike under dripping leaves in Pacoche rainforest with a local guide who knows every shortcut—and every story. Watch artisans shape tagua buttons by hand and taste real Ecuadorian coffee before heading back with muddy shoes and new stories.

What’s the experience like?

We started right at the Manta fish market—noisy, salty air, fishermen yelling over crates of tuna and marlin. I nearly tripped on a coiled net (nobody saw, thankfully). Our guide, Luis, waved us over to watch a boat come in—he grinned and said something about “breakfast for the pelicans.” The smell was sharp but not bad; it felt honest. I never realized how fast they sort the catch. There were sharks too—small ones—laid out beside slabs of pink tuna. I kept thinking about how this is just normal life here.

After that we drove toward Montecristi. It’s only about 15 minutes from Manta but felt like another world—quiet streets, pale yellow houses with faded blue doors. Luis took us to see the Panama hat makers (they call them Montecristi hats here), and I tried weaving for maybe thirty seconds before giving up. The woman next to me didn’t even look up; her fingers just flew. The hats are made from toquilla palm—Luis handed me a strip to feel. Softer than I expected, almost silky. He told us about Ciudad Alfaro too—a museum built for Eloy Alfaro, who led a revolution here. I liked hearing how people still argue about him; history isn’t so tidy.

The rainforest at Pacoche was next. It rained a little—warm drops that made everything smell green and wet. There’s a part of the trail that’s pretty steep (they warn you), and I was out of breath halfway up but didn’t want to be last. We saw howler monkeys high above us, just shapes moving through leaves. Luis pointed out a tiny frog—the Machalilla frog?—smaller than my thumb nail. He laughed when I nearly stepped on an ant trail (“they bite!”). My shoes were muddy by the end but it felt good somehow.

On the way back we stopped in downtown Montecristi again for coffee and watched an old man carve buttons from tagua palm nuts—his hands stained brown from years of work. The shop smelled like wood shavings and strong sugarcane liquor (I didn’t try it). It’s funny what sticks with you after—a flash of color or someone’s laugh more than any museum plaque.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montecristi culture and nature

• Visit fish market and see seafood
• Visit boatyard in Tarqui
• Explore downtown Montecristi and artisans
• Visit Ciudad Alfaro museum
• See how Montecristi hats are woven
• Hike in Pacoche protected area

Top questions

How long does the Montecristi & rainforest tour last?

The tour lasts between 5 to 6 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Manta?

The tour includes pickup; confirm details when booking.

Are there strenuous parts on the Pacoche trail?

Yes, about 800 meters are steep and not recommended for those with heart or walking issues.

Can you see how Panama hats are made on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Montecristi workshops where artisans weave Panama hats by hand.

What animals might you see in Pacoche rainforest?

You may spot howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and tiny Machalilla frogs along the trail.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is included but bottled water is provided during the day trip.

What should I wear for this tour?

Wear running shoes or boots (no sandals), long pants/sleeves, and bring mosquito repellent especially for Pacoche.

Are there language options for guides?

The standard guide speaks English or Spanish; other languages may be available on request for an extra fee.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point in Manta, all entry fees to sites like Ciudad Alfaro Museum and Pacoche rainforest trails, plus bottled water along the way—you’ll be guided throughout by a local expert who shares stories at every stop before returning you comfortably at the end of your journey.