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Get InspiredSouth AmericaEcuadorManabiPortoviejo

Portoviejo

Manabí, Ecuador
City·Historic, Agricultural, Evolving
Portoviejo
Photo by Jean C Macias from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Julio FERNANDEZ CASANOVA from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Antonio Cevallos from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Marcelo Delgado from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Washington Carrion from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Jean C Macias from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Julio FERNANDEZ CASANOVA from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Antonio Cevallos from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Marcelo Delgado from Google Places
Portoviejo
Photo by Washington Carrion from Google Places

Portoviejo, also known as San Gregorio de Portoviejo, is a city steeped in history and culture, located in Ecuador's Manabí Province. Founded in 1535, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and serves as a crucial political and economic center in the Portoviejo River valley. The city is renowned for its agricultural prowess, particularly in coffee cultivation, cattle farming, and fishing, supported by a thriving agricultural-processing industry. Visitors can explore the city's historical significance while enjoying its proximity to the Pacific coast, with convenient road connections to major cities like Quito and Guayaquil.

Portoviejo, also known as San Gregorio de Portoviejo, is a city steeped in history and culture, located in Ecuador's Manabí Province. Founded in 1535, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and serves as a crucial political and economic center in the Portoviejo River valley. The city is renowned for its agricultural prowess, particularly in coffee cultivation, cattle farming, and fishing, supported by a thriving agricultural-processing industry. Visitors can explore the city's historical significance while enjoying its proximity to the Pacific coast, with convenient road connections to major cities like Quito and Guayaquil.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • One of the oldest cities in Ecuador, founded in 1535.

  • Known as the city of the 'Royal Tamarind Trees'.

  • Main political and economic center of the Portoviejo River valley.

  • Thriving agricultural-processing industry.

  • Good road connections to Quito and Guayaquil.

Before you go: Portoviejo essentials

  • Close access to the Pacific coast, ideal for beach visits.

  • Rich agricultural surroundings with coffee and cattle farming.

  • Historical significance as one of Ecuador's oldest cities.

Local Cuisine

Try local dishes made with fresh produce from the region's agricultural industry.

Transportation

Portoviejo is well-connected by road to Quito and Guayaquil, making it accessible for travelers.

Best For

History enthusiasts and agricultural explorers.

Currency

USD $

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Languages Spoken

Spanish, English

Cultural Insights

Explore the city's history as one of the oldest in Ecuador, founded in 1535.

Weather

The city is close to the coast, so expect a warm climate year-round.

Best time to visit Portoviejo

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring is warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring the city's historical sites and nearby beaches.

Best Season

Summer

Summers are hot, perfect for enjoying the coastal areas, but be prepared for potential crowds.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers mild weather and is a great time to experience local festivals and agricultural activities.

Winter

Winters are warm, making it a good time to visit without the peak tourist crowds.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador

Things to do in Portoviejo

Valparaiso Half Day Private Experience
From $165

Valparaiso Half Day Private Experience

Duration: 4h
Valparaíso
PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour
From $155

PRIVATE TOUR: Pre-Post Cruise Viña del Mar Valparaiso and Casablanca Winery tour

4.1(27)
Duration: 7h
Valparaíso
Post Cruise Tour Valparaiso and Winery drop off Airport or Hotel
From $99

Post Cruise Tour Valparaiso and Winery drop off Airport or Hotel

4.8(32)
Duration: 8h
Valparaíso
Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso
From $142

Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso

4.4(37)
Duration: 1h 30min
Valparaíso
Tour in Valparaiso: Street Art, funiculars and port
From $25

Tour in Valparaiso: Street Art, funiculars and port

4.9(129)
Duration: 2h
Valparaíso
Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City
From $89

Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City

4.1(9)
Duration: 2h
Valparaíso
Tour to the museums of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
From $84

Tour to the museums of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar

Duration: 3h
Valparaíso
Small group trf from Valparaiso or S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago
From $140

Small group trf from Valparaiso or S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago

4.8(23)
Duration: 5h
Valparaíso
Explore on Viator

Natural & historic sites near Portoviejo

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Machalilla National Park

Protected Area · Wild, Diverse, Pristine, Educational