Montecristi
Montecristi is a town in the Coastal Lowlands of Ecuador.
- Not to be confused with Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic.
Understand
Get in
Montecristi is a small town at the base of a mountain of that name. It can be reached from Manta, a port town, or Portoviejo, the capital of the province. By bus it costs thirty-five cents from any point in Manta, and by taxi between ten and fifteen dollars depending on where you are and your bargaining skills. Gringo tax* applies to both.
Get around
There is one road going through the town from Manta to Portoviejo. There is one bus coop. that goes to the town (it's orange), but taxis are available. The bus goes up to the church and through a few side- streets before returning to Manta.
See
The Catholic church in Montecristi is famous, and a must-see if you're Catholic. If you're not, you'll see it anyway. It's impossible to miss.
Do
Once a year there is a pilgrimage to the church, where thousands of Ecuadorians pay their respects to the saint of the town. It's not recommended to visit during that week.
All along the streets are shops selling Panama hats, knick-knacks, keychains, hammocks, shawls, baked goods, furniture, and nearly anything else they can think of to sell.
Buy
Panama hats of the best quality are made here. Montecristi is famous for them, and for good reason. They ought to be re-named "Montecristi hats", but Panama already has the copyrights.
The shops along the streets going to the church are slightly cheaper than the ones along the main road. You can buy anything hand-made there. If you want gifts or sovenirs, buy them in Montecristi.
Gringo tax is applied to any tourist. It is simply half of the real price of any item.
Example: A shawl costs three dollars. Half of that is one-fifty. If you are a Gringo (tourist), they will charge you four-fifty. What you can do: offer to buy two shawls for five dollars. They will hem-haw and accept.
Eat
Along the road there are people selling fruit and bread. It is unadvisable for tourists to eat any fruit that doesn't have a peel, but the bread is good. As always, choose a vendor that looks sanitary. There are a few restaurants in Montecristi that serve local food, but Gringo tax* applies. It is best to return to Manta or Portoviejo for meals.
Drink
There are small shops scattered around that sell bottled beverages. Do Not Drink Tap Water. Ice should also be avoided.