Portoviejo City Guide

Manabí cuisine is the focus, with dishes like encebollado and seco de chivo. Limited international options. Vegan and vegetarian options are rare but possible with effort. Late-night food is mainly street vendors.

Nightlife is modest, centered on local bars and a few discotheques. Mostly local crowd, low variety.

Local cafes serve traditional Ecuadorian coffee. No widespread specialty coffee scene.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% service charge often included in restaurants. Round up taxi fares.

SIM cards sold at official stores and kiosks. Main providers are Claro and Movistar. Passport required for registration. eSIM becoming available.

Main streets are usually clean; side streets less so. Regular waste pickup.

Few 24/7 services. Some late pharmacies and convenience stores. Limited night clinics and food options.

Supermaxi and Mi Comisariato are main supermarkets. Mercado Central has fresh produce. Supermarkets open 9AM-9PM; markets open early. Bargaining is common in markets, not supermarkets.

Cash is common, especially in markets and small shops. Larger stores accept cards.

ATMs are found at banks and shopping centers. Banco del Pichincha and Banco Guayaquil are common. Fees vary by bank.

Local schools teach in Spanish. Some bilingual private schools exist. For international schools, consider Guayaquil.

No established digital nomad community. Few coworking spaces or meetups.

Parque La Rotonda is the main green space with shaded walking paths and running routes.

Parque La Rotonda and coastal Malecon are popular running spots. Safe during the day.

Several gyms available for training.

Tennis courts at private clubs and sports centers.

Padel is rare and not widely available.

Some gyms and community centers offer yoga classes.

Some gyms offer Taekwondo and Karate. Limited availability of other disciplines.

No skiing due to the tropical climate.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available in nearby coastal towns like Crucita.

Surf spots are near Manta, about 45-60 minutes away. Water is warm year-round.

Diving possible near Isla de la Plata from Puerto López. Good marine life, seasonal conditions.

Private clinics offer better service than public. Hospital Verdi Cevallos Balda is main public hospital. Some private clinics might have basic English. Pharmacies are common and can advise on basic meds.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water.

Parks have playgrounds and some family-friendly cafes exist. Baby supplies sold in supermarkets and pharmacies. Parque La Rotonda is a popular family spot.

Generally tolerant but more conservative than bigger cities. Few specific LGBTQ+ venues.

Pet policies vary. Veterinary services and pet supplies available. Few dedicated pet parks or pet-friendly venues.