Manta Guide

In pre-Columbian times, Manta was a trading post for the Mantas. Then, around the year 500, the Mayans arrived, followed by the Spaniards in the 16th century. The Spaniards officially established the city in 1565 to provide ships between Peru and Panama with supplies.

The USA Airforce started anti-narcotics operations from the airport of Manta in 1999. It accelerated the economic growth of the city. In 2019, the USA Airforce had to close its base because it was not welcome anymore.

On April 16, 2016, Manta was hit hard by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8. The quake destroyed complete areas. At least 676 people were killed. However, unlike some other places, Manta has recovered pretty well from the earthquake.

After the earthquake, new additions to Manta are the IESS hospital, Mall del Pacífico, and the cruise passenger terminal.

Manta’s most important economic activities are tourism, fishing, food processing (including tuna canning), and cargo transshipment.

Attracted by the industrial growth of Manta, many poor rural residents have moved to the city. These people populate the poor neighborhoods in the east and south of Manta.