"Playa Murcielago" Beach break and road to Manta from Guayaquil. Good place to stop on road for a Manabita snack-(corn tortillas and Yuca breads right out of ovens)

The main port of Manabi province and biggest city of area. Has aproximately about 500.000 inhabitants. Few surf spots with best area being "PLAYA EL MURCIELAGO" right in the Manta's boulevard where you can park with security and check the "ceviches" restaurants and the hand made T-Shirts. Manta has few surf shops one being right in front of playa Murcielago run by surfer -balsa shaper: Rene Burgos, which you can contact at: 096163195 or 2-621155/2921044. There are other surfshops but at moment I dont have their addresses. (If you know them send them to me). Another surfshop is at Manta`s Mall on the street or road going in/out of city. Just ask for directions is the only big mall in town.

Manta has great people and food especially. Food can be really cheap and tasty. Especially grills like "JUVENTUD ITALIANA" is at Av. 24 E/ Calle 10 y 11 (Is quite difficult to find and it's better to call at this telephone nomber 05-2627671, to get directions). With best ENCEBOLLADO I have ever tried and cheap $2 ,oo USD for a giant bowl!. And real fresh Albacora Tuna!...the best in the fuckn'..planet!. Also, excellent rice beans/lentils with chicken, meat, or pork chop* (*excelent to my taste). "Juventud Italiana" opens Tuesday thru Sundays and from 8am when they only serve ceviches and encebollados till around noon. And from 6-7pm till 10pm only grilled meat, and rice with beans plates.

Murcielago Beach Break (Ene-2006 contest)

Another good place to eat and cheap is "LA ESQUINA DE ALES" with all kinds of ecuadorian chicken related plates. Seco de Gallina, Caldo y Aguado (great!) de "gallina criolla" (natural fed chickens) etc. on same area of Juventud Italiana.

Many americans are staying in Manta due to the american air base settled here. So, many american type of bars are available right in "Malecon" (waterfront street).

Warning!: Driving in Manta is quite desorganized and signs as bad as lights are hard to see. So be very careful driving. San Mateo, one of best waves in Ecuador, is just 10 minutes south. Also road Gye-Manta-Gye is half way good and last half close to Manta is in bad shape and on repair making it extra dangerous. Manabitas drivers are fast and like to drink be extra careful.