Accommodations and Travel

Venue

Hotel Oro Verde Manta

The hotel of the workshop is the Hotel Oro Verde in Manta located at Calle Malecon Av 23; Manta 1305135, Ecuador. To make your reservations contact:

Gema Ganchozo
Phone: 593 5 2629200 ext 8006
Email: reservas_mta@oroverdehotels.com

Manta, Ecuador

About the location

Manta has an international cargo airport, Eloy Alfaro International Airport, and an important military base. The city has some of South America's most breathtaking beaches. The city was selected as the site of the sixth South American Windsurfing Championship. It is renowned for its diving and sport fishing.

Manta possesses one of the most solid city economies in Ecuador. The main industries are fishing and tuna canning and processing. Processed tuna is exported to Europe and the U.S. International tuna corporations including Bumble Bee, Van Camps, British Columbia Packers, and Conservas Isabel, as well as leading national tuna processor Marbelize, have sizable factories in Manta. Other important products include vegetable oil. Large Ecuadorian corporations including La Fabril and Ales have their main factories in Manta. Tourism is increasingly important for Manta's economy. Various cruise ships will make a port of call visit to Manta while traveling the southern Pacific Ocean. In addition, produced in Manabí and known throughout the world are the original and official "Panama" hats, which are made in the nearby town of Montecristi. Panama hats are favorite souvenirs among visitors of Manta. Manabí is also famous for its delicious cuisine.

Manta receives numerous visits from foreign as well as local tourists. The most visited beaches include "El Murciélago," "Santa Marianita," "San Lorenzo," and "Barbasquillo." Surfers often travel to San Lorenzo to find powerful waves. Kitesurfing has recently become very popular in Santa Marianita (Playa Bonita) because of the excellent wind conditions and large beach.

Nearby, is also the small town of Montecristi, founded in the early 17th century. With its colonial architecture, this small town is best known for its wickerwork weaving.

Visa and Passport Requirements

Attendees are strongly advised to ensure they fulfill all legal requirements to enter Ecuador. Besides a valid passport, an entry visa and invitation letter may also be required.

SPE offers an official electronic invitation letter to assist you in the visa process upon registration confirmation. Please contact Victoria Munoz-Vivero at LAC@spe.org for invitation letter requests.

Note: It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to Ecuador. This letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit SPE to assist you in obtaining a visa. SPE will not pay any expenses incurred by you. We cannot send the letter to the embassy or consulate for you, nor can SPE contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf.

Travel Safety Tips

When traveling, as in any major city, take certain precautions whether you are traveling or exploring the city. Here are some general tips to help make the most of your trip:

• Lock up your valuables. Hotels provide safety deposit boxes in their rooms. It’s recommended that jewelry, airline tickets, money, and any important documents be stored in the hotel safe.
• Remember your adapters. Ecuador has 110 or 120 Volt 60 cycles alternate current (AC).
• Try not to use mobile telephones in the street and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep cameras and video recorders out of plain sight. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, carrying any valuables, or large amounts of cash.
• Use credit cards where possible. Your wallet should contain your ID, credit cards, and a minimum amount of cash.
• Withdraw cash from ATMs that are inside banks and commercial centers.
• Notify hotel management as soon as possible in the event of a lost or stolen room key card.
• Travel in a group and plan your itinerary before leaving the hotel to ensure you make your destination smoothly. If you get lost, call a taxi to take you to your destination. Your hotel can recommend a reputable taxi company.
• Keep an eye on your luggage.
• Change currency in exchange shops or at the hotel’s front desk. Currency in Ecuador is the peso.
• Pack casual spring and summer clothes. Because of warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, they are appropriate for almost every region and occasion.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater because some buildings and restaurants can be a little cool with the air conditioner.
• Tip extra if you want to. Restaurants, taxis and hotel tips are 10–15%. Most restaurants include a 10% tip on their bill.