Manta’s Mercado Central is as much a cultural experience as it is a shopping one. This busy market, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, is where the locals come to buy produce and fresh fish and meat. The exotic fruits from the Amazon and shellfish from the Pacific are more interesting to look at than to take home. The market does, however, have food stalls for authentic food at very reasonable prices as well as other stands selling T-shirts and souvenirs.
