Portoviejo

Founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1535 and the capital of Manabi province, Portoviejo is known for its beautiful royal tamarind trees. The city was badly affected during the 2016 earthquake.

There are buses going to Portoviejo from Manta, Quito and Guayaquil.

• La Rotanda Park

  phone: +593 2-370-0250

• Crucita BeachOne of Ecuador's best spots for paragliding and kite-surfing.

Portoviejo is famous for kapok mattresses and pillows made from the ceibo seed case and is a good place to buy hammocks. The main street has several stalls selling tagua figures. There is also a large flea market in downtown.

• Che Cactus

  phone: +593 93 999 5954
  address: Avenida Manabi, Sector Los Mangos
  Rich and meaty Tex-Mex barbecue.

• Hotel Ceibo Real

  phone: +593 5 263 22 80
  address: Manabi Avenue and Pio Montufar St
  Staff are bilingual in English and Spanish.