Until recently, Portoviejo was only known for its important tuna fishing flete, the production of vegetable oil, and the famous "Panama hats". Today, the visit of cruise ships, the aerial base rented to the US Air Force for anti-narcotics operations, and the construction of modern hotels, have transformed the city into an important tourist destination. Many foreigners have chosen Portoviejo and the nearby Crucita town as their retirement residence.

Portoviejo is a modern city, however, some antique bamboo and wooden houses still remain as a reminder of the old village. With an average temperature of 77ºF all year long, dry weather and dry tropical forest in its surroundings, Portoviejo is an attractive city to visit. Additionally, Portoviejo offers first class hotel facilities and daily flights on Tame and Icaro from the main cities.

The warmth and hospitality of the Manteños contributes to the rapid tourism development of the entire province. Delicious gastronomy is also one of the main attractions of Portoviejo. Don't miss the seafood "ceviches" or the exquisite "viche de pescado".

Portoviejo is decorated wirh a wide variety of tree species: ceibos, jasmines, almonds, rubber plants, acacias, and beautiful palm trees. The balsa tree (ochroma logopus) is native to this province. Its light wood allowed the early inhabitants of the region to navigate large distances easily and raoidly. From history books we have learned that the golden jewels and decorations worn by the navigators caught the attention of the first Spanish visitors, who believed that the gold they couldn't find in the Caribbean was at the South Pacific.