Rainforest Wildlife, Panama Hat makers, Traditional Cuisine. SHORE TOUR

As UK exats we know what you're looking for. We always put you first, but the quality of our tour locations are a very close second. This tour is a favorite for the more active clients. We spend a day enjoying local wildlife, culture, food and drink. The rainforest section can include light and easy walking for up to 1 hour, then a much more active hike for the second hour if desired. The standard price option is for cruise ship day group tours. If you would prefer a private tour or are not travelling on a cruise ship, please select the private tour option at the moment of booking. For the private tour, guide and driver will be at your complete disposition for the day and will tailor the activities to your interests and energy levels. So, if you want to swing by a store and stock up on something, they will make it happen. We can also better the tour by making some extra stops, like at a local brewery for example.

Itinerary

1. This tour will take us along the main coast road in Manta to the historic fish market, the base of the local economy as well as the Traditional wooden shipyard right on the beach. The daily life of the fishermen has not much changed in generations and the massive wooden skeletons of the fishing trawlers being built are truly impressive. (30 min) Admission included
2. Start times will adjust to Ship arrival. The first stop is a trip to the green abundance of the Pacoche rainforest. Secluded in the humid microclimate this national park houses an immense variety of birds, monkeys and all sorts of local wildlife. Your guide will team up with a local resident here to help 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 some rocky terrain and local dear tracks along and across small streams. Feet will likely get wet here. Less adventurous types can turn back at the halfway point and meet us and the finish point on the bus. (1h 0min) Admission included
3. Famous as a breeding ground for sea turtles, during the winter months, we can often see the eggs hatch and the baby turtles striving towards the surf. They will return 40 years later after reach breeding age. This awesome little town is home to various expats who have accomplished their dream of living and working in paradise. We can get a traditional meal at the beachfront restaurants and bars. You’ll see a lot of strange dishes that are really tasty. We recommend the Tongas. (1h 30min) Admission included
4. Normally we take our clients to eat in Pacoche (1h 0min)
5. Next, we will travel to the home of the famous Panama Hats, Montecristi. Sheltered at the feet of the Landmark Mountain is the town that birthed these sombreros many generations ago. Once in the small town center, your guide will show you the Panama hat makers workshops and stores as well as a huge variety of local artisan goods. We can also see some of the last examples of the traditional wooden architecture in the central plaza next to the cathedral. (1h 0min)