Manta Guide

Crime

Most expats and visitors will only be exposed to petty crimes, such as pickpocketing. Nevertheless, Manta is also home to gangs related to international drug cartels. These cartels use Manta as a transport hub for the export of cocaine to North America and Europe. Since 2020 there has been a war among these gangs. According to the police, five gangs are fighting with each other in Manta. This has resulted in numerous murders in Manta, including the murder of the leader of the Los Choneros gang in the Mall del Pacífico in December 2020.

Specific recommendations for Manta:

• Avoid all poor neighborhoods of Manta (that's about 80% of the city) when it’s dark. Most robberies and murders take place in these neighborhoods.
• Be extremely careful in the districts of Tarqui, Los Esteros, Miraflores and María Auxiliadora. The police sees these districts as the most troublesome in Manta.
• Don't visit the area of the former bus station to avoid being robbed. This is the area behind the CNEL office.
• Don’t visit the beaches at night or during the day when there are no other people around to avoid being robbed.
• Don’t walk alone in the streets at night to avoid being robbed.
• If you are a woman: don’t use taxis at night if you are alone to avoid sexual assaults.
• The use of date rape drugs has been reported, so watch your drinks in clubs and bars.
• The boulevard (Avenida Malecón) next to the city center is known for prostitution at night. Beware of people who use alcohol and drugs in this area.

The chance of something bad happening to you is always there, but is greatly reduced if you stick to these recommendations and if you live in one of the better neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are located west of the city center. There are also several safe gated communities located on the ring road in the outskirts of the city.