Crucita

Crucita is a breathtakingly scenic fishing village situated in the Manabí province, widely recognized as one of South America's premier hotspots for paragliding and hang gliding. Part of the famous "Ruta del Spondylus", this coastal gem combines the charm of traditional local life with the thrilling possibilities of extreme aerial sports. The town is geographically blessed with steep hills immediately backing its long sandy beach, creating well-suited thermal winds that allow flyers to soar for hours. For nature lovers, the long walks along the beach during low tide reveal fascinating tidal pools. The daily return of local fishermen with their fresh catch is a sight to behold. As part of Manabí, Crucita is home to some of the best cuisine in Ecuador. Visitors simply must try a fresh fish "ceviche" or a hearty "viche de pescado" (peanut-based fish soup). Getting to Crucita is extremely easy via a short bus ride from the cities of Portoviejo or Manta. The optimal season for both flying and avoiding rain is between June and November.

Nearby cities

Portoviejo

Known as the City of the Royal Tamarinds due to the many trees in the area.

Manta

One of the largest port cities in Ecuador, famous for tuna fishing and beautiful beaches.

Chone

A center for cattle breeding and agricultural traditions in Manabí.

Bahía de Caráquez

One of the first cities in the world declared ecological, featuring a beautiful bay.

Jipijapa

The Sultana of Coffee, historically famous for coffee cultivation on the Ecuadorian coast.

Montecristi

The true home of the Panama hat and the birthplace of Ecuadorian president Eloy Alfaro.

Calceta

A traditional agricultural town in Manabí, characterized by rivers and cocoa haciendas.

Muisne

Muisne is an island town surrounded by mangroves, famous for its pristine beaches and eco-friendly, car-free environment.

Pedernales

The place where the first French Geodesic Mission determined the equator line in Ecuador.

Canoa

Canoa offers one of Ecuador's longest beaches, providing a relaxed, uncrowded alternative for surfing, paragliding, and dramatic ocean su…

Puerto Cayo

Puerto Cayo is a beautiful coastal village favored for its wide beaches, surfing spots, and humpback whale watching.

Ayampe

Ayampe is a tranquil, eco-friendly beach town nestled between lush jungle and the ocean, ideal for surfing and yoga.

Salango

Salango is a tranquil fishing village in Ecuador's Machalilla National Park, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

Mompiche

A small fishing village on Ecuador's Pacific coast known for its excellent surf breaks and relaxed atmosphere.

Cojimíes

Cojimíes is a quiet fishing village on the Pacific coast, famous for its endless palm-fringed beaches and delicious seafood.

More places

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Cerro Hojas-Jaboncillo

An extensive archaeological site of the Manteño culture located on a hill in Manabí.

Pesquera Polar Tuna

A leading company in Manta specializing in the processing and canning of tuna for export.

Port of Manta

A major seaport on the Pacific, important for tuna fishing and as a port of call for cruise ships.

Machalilla National Park

This park protects the unique tropical dry forest on Ecuador's coast, as well as stunning beaches and nearshore marine ecosystems.

Palo Santo Distillation

Facilities for the distillation of essential oil from the wood of the Palo Santo tree, valued for its aroma and spiritual purposes.

Agua Blanca

The remains of a major city of the Manteño culture on the Ecuadorian coast.

Tagua Processing

Workshops that process the tagua nut, also known as 'vegetable ivory', into buttons, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Puerto López Fishing Port

A small but lively fishing port that also serves as a starting point for whale watching tours.