Things To Do
in Portoviejo
Portoviejo is the capital of Manabí province on Ecuador's Pacific coast, known for its warm climate, agricultural hinterland and lively local markets. The city blends colonial-era plazas and churches with a bustling commercial core and easy access to nearby beaches and reserves. Portoviejo plays an important role as a regional transport and market hub for seafood, cacao and tropical fruits.
Visitors will find friendly locals, flavorful coastal cuisine and many day-trip options to beaches, national parks and fishing villages.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast at a local café in Portoviejo, enjoying dishes like bolón de verde and café con leche. After breakfast, stroll through the Historic Center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the city's rich past. Visit the iconic Parque Central, where you can take in the beauty of the surrounding buildings and soak up the local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of Portoviejo, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby Museo de Portoviejo, where you can learn about the region's history, culture, and art. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring local seafood specialties while reflecting on the morning's explorations.
As the sun sets, enjoy an evening stroll along the Malecón de Portoviejo, where you can see the beautiful views of the river. Stop by a local ice cream shop to taste traditional Ecuadorian flavors like naranjilla or guanábana. End your day with a cozy dinner at a nearby eatery, indulging in the local cuisine and perhaps enjoying some live music.
Head to nearby Playa San Lorenzo for a refreshing morning by the sea, where you can relax on the sandy beach. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a beachside café, enjoying fresh fruit and local pastries. After breakfast, engage in water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding to experience the beautiful coastline from a different perspective.
After a morning of adventure, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming in the warm Pacific waters. For lunch, try some delicious ceviche from a local vendor, savoring the fresh flavors of seafood. Consider taking a guided boat tour to explore nearby islands and spot marine wildlife, such as dolphins and seabirds.
As the day winds down, enjoy a picturesque sunset over the ocean, capturing the moment with photographs. Head back to Portoviejo, where you can enjoy a seaside dinner at a restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day. Share stories of your beach adventures with fellow travelers while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (cafetería) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🚕Taxi short trip | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic coastal cuisine and fresh seafood
- Good base for day trips to beaches and protected areas
- Friendly local atmosphere and vibrant markets
- Lower costs compared with major Ecuadorian cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services than larger coastal cities
- Humidity and seasonal rains can affect travel plans
- Medical specialty services may require travel to larger cities
- Language barrier if you don't speak Spanish
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The bill, please.
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
Places to Visit in Portoviejo
Visit one of these nice places.
Central plaza with colonial architecture, the main cathedral and street life—good for daytime and evening shots of civic life.
A local riverfront area offering scenes of daily activity, market life and sunsets over the water.
Vibrant colours, fresh produce and candid portraits—markets are ideal for food and portrait photography.
Nearby beaches with wide sands, fishing boats and coastal sunsets; good for landscapes, seascapes and surf action shots.
Birdlife, winding waterways and dramatic reflections—great for nature and wildlife photography, especially at low tide.
Food in Portoviejo
Portoviejo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A citrus-marinated seafood dish (often shrimp or fish) served with onions, popcorn or plantain; abundant in coastal restaurants and small beachside stalls.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish soup with yuca and pickled onions, widely eaten for breakfast or as a hangover cure; try it at local diners and market stalls.
A traditional coastal soup made with fish, shellfish, plantains and coconut milk; often found at family-run eateries and traditional restaurants.
Rice with lentils (or beans) and grilled meat—an everyday Ecuadorian combo available at fondas and mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Lively market selling fresh seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables and cooked-to-order local plates; ideal for breakfast encebollado or fresh fruit juices.
Small vendors selling empanadas, bolón de verde, grilled seafood and sweet pastries—perfect for quick snacks and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake and direct eye contact are common for introductions; friends may exchange a single cheek kiss. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to use first names.
It's polite to wait until the host starts eating; accept offers of local food and show appreciation. If invited to a home, bringing a small gift (sweets, coffee) is appreciated.
Dress is generally casual, but more conservative attire is expected in churches and rural communities—avoid overly revealing clothing in such settings.
Safety
Tipping in Portoviejo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is sometimes included—if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is common. For taxis, round up the fare or add a small tip; for tour guides and drivers a few dollars per day is customary.
Ecuador uses the US dollar as its currency. Cash is king in smaller businesses, markets and rural areas; carry small bills and change. Credit and debit cards are accepted in mid-range and larger establishments, but always confirm before ordering. ATMs are available in town but can run out of cash—plan ahead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect higher humidity and frequent afternoon or evening showers; mornings can still be pleasant and wildlife can be abundant. Some rural dirt roads become muddy—check transport options if traveling to remote beaches or reserves. Prices may be slightly lower and crowds lighter than in the dry season.
Drier weather, lower humidity and clearer skies make this a popular time for beach visits and outdoor excursions. Maritime winds can make some days breezy, ideal for water sports. This season tends to see more domestic tourism, especially during national holidays.
Portoviejo at Night
Hiking in Portoviejo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 1–2 hours away by car, offers dry forest trails, coastal viewpoints, wildlife and boat access to Isla de la Plata for birdwatching and short hikes.
A larger forested area in the region with trails, biodiversity and opportunities for guided walks to spot native flora and fauna.
Local mangrove estuaries and coastal paths near Crucita and other bays provide easy walks for birdwatching and photography; best at low tide or with a guide.
Near Portoviejo there are informal trails and country roads around ranches and ridgelines suitable for short hikes and cycling—arrange with local guides or hosts for best access.
Airports
How to reach Portoviejo by plane.
Approximately 45–60 km (about 45–75 minutes by car) from Portoviejo, Manta airport offers regional flights and is the closest major airport for beach access and coastal connections.
About 3–4 hours by road to the south, Guayaquil is a major international gateway with more flight options; bus or private transfer links connect to Portoviejo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European heritage), reflecting Ecuador's national demographic.
Afro-Ecuadorian communities are present along the coast and contribute to coastal culture, music and cuisine.
Surrounding areas include agricultural workers and artisanal fishermen who supply markets and shape local livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local teams, amateur leagues and community matches are common, and match days are social events.
Nearby beaches attract surfers when conditions are right; surf culture is growing with local instructors and rental shops in beach towns.
Both a livelihood and a sport—sport and artisanal fishing are central to coastal life, with opportunities for recreational trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Portoviejo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with urban centers—look for rice and vegetable plates, plantain-based dishes, salads and sides at fondas and markets; mention 'sin carne' and specify no fish or seafood.
Vegan dining requires some effort—order simple dishes like rice, lentils, plantains, yuca and fresh fruit; ask about broths and sauces made with fish or chicken stock.
Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, yuca, plantain, ceviche), but always confirm with vendors about breading, soy sauce or other additives.