Excursion Wheelchair accessible: traditions of manta tour at Manta

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of about 0.5 miles and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair or a scooter. The tour is on request only and, guests who wish to book this tour are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details of their wheelchair or scooter.

Guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair can explore the rich history and traditions of scenic Manta during this half-day, ADA-friendly sightseeing excursion.

Manta, Archaeological Museum, Ceramics, Local Art

Depart the pier in an ADA-approved vehicle for a short orientation drive around Manta en route to the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank of Manta. This museum boasts a small but superb collection of ceramics of the Manteño-Huancavilca culture that flourished here between 800 A.D. and 1550 A.D. Other local art expositions can also be found on display.

Chorillo, Cabuya Plant-Weaving Factory Tour & Demonstration, Seaside Promenade

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to a cabuya plant-weaving factory in Chorrillo. Your visit is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as this traditional art is, unfortunately, rapidly dying out. In the past, this vibrant local industry prompted the production of approximately 4,000 cabuya plant bags per day in the Manta area. Today, this is the last remaining factory and produces 200 bags per week. Following your guided tour and a cabuya plant-weaving demonstration, your tour continues with a drive down the picturesque seaside promenade.

Golf Club, Private Artisan Fair, Panama Hat-Weaving, Taqua Nut-Carving, Shopping

A final stop is made at a private artisan fair at the Montecristi Golf Club. During your visit, observe artisans demonstrating the weaving of toquilla straw hats, or 'Panama' hats, and taqua nut carvers demonstrating their skills. The versatile tagua nut is used to produce a number of diverse, eco-friendly products, from traditional handicrafts to jewellery and shirt buttons. Following the demonstrations, some free time is made available to browse the Panama hats and tagua-nut handicrafts available for sale. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Manta, Archaeological Museum, Chorillo, Cabuya Plant-Weaving, Seaside Promenade, Golf Club, Private Artisan Fair, Panama Hat-Weaving, Taqua Nut-Carving

Note

Please note: This tour involves a little amount of walking of approximately 0.5 miles and is specially designed for guests who utilize a wheelchair or a scooter. The tour is on request only and, guests who wish to book this tour  are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com mailto:shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details of their wheelchair or scooter. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 4 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Photography/videography is prohibited inside the Archaeological Museum. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.