Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 280

Montecristi & Panama Hats
If you are traveling betweenManta and other coastal desti-
nations to the south, the main road splits at the small town
of Montecristi. This is where you will see the best Panama
hat makers in the country. The hats are made from a palm-
leaf plant known as paja toquilla , which is grown along the
region's western slopes. You can visit the shops and homes
of Panama hat makers in Montecristi.