Ecuador

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, straddles the equator, from which it takes its name. The country is bordered by Colombia on the north, by Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean on the west. The Pan-American Highway connects the northern and southern portions of the country as well as connecting Ecuador with Colombia and Peru. Ecuador has a network of national highways, and an extensive network of inter-city buses on these highways.

Ecuador has three main geographic regions: the coast, the highlands and the “east”, which comprises the Amazon rainforest areas in the eastern part of the country. The country also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. It is one of most biodiverse countries in the world.

Ecuador has substantial petroleum resources and rich agricultural areas. The country exports primary products include oil, bananas, flowers and shrimps.

Manabí

Located along the central part of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, Manabí is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, and commercial centers such as Manta. There are also two domestic airports and an international cargo airport.

Beautiful beaches backed by fishing villages stretch over 300km along the coast of Manabí. It also produces many handicrafts and is known worldwide for its pottery and panama hats. The Province’s climate is dry- to humid- subtropical, with an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade. Manabí offer peace and quiet as well as delicious, uniquely coastal cuisine.

It is in this beautiful province where PACEDEL's projects locate.

Manta

Located in the province of Manabí, Manta is the country’s second largest port and third most important city of Ecuador economically. In recent years, Manta has become a popular stop for international cruise liners sailing from the Caribbean to Latin America. The city also has an international airport and an important military base.

The main industries are fishing and tuna canning and processing. Manta is also an important business destination for chemical industry with products from cleaning supplies to oils and margarine.

Manta has some of South America's most breathtaking beaches. Its main beach, Playa Murciélago (Bat Beach), is in the Malecón area. It features a modern scenic boardwalk, craft markets, bars and a variety of restaurants offering local culinary specialties, excellent seafood fresh out of the ocean and the region's most delicious drinks.

In the city one also finds a selection of first rate nightclubs and bars, an amusement park, and cinemas. While soccer is the main sport of the city, water sports such as surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, kiteboarding and kite surfing are also very popular. It is also renowned for its sport fishing.

Manta was the port used by Charles Marie de la Condamine upon his arrival in Ecuador when leading the French mission to measure the location of the equator in 1735. From Manta, Condamine started his trip inland towards Quito.

The Ecuadorian actor Carlos Valencia, once invited to Cannes Film Festival for his performance in Ratas Ratones y Rateros (1999) directed by Sebastián Cordero, was born in the city of Manta.