First of all, I hope the recent assassination there doesn't affect the country too far into the future. So many countries in Central and South America are volatile.
For our cruise in December of next year, we booked a private taxi to take us on a "day tour" and here are his suggestions:
"Visit the fish market
Rain forest
Lighthouse view in San Lorenzo Beach
And lunch
And Montecristi to have a demostración of the process to make the hats and you get a good one."
Apparently, Manta is reputed to be the tuna capital of the world. I think Thailand is the only place that has a bigger fleet. So, there's that. Also, Montecristi is the capital of the "Panama" hat makers. Probably a great place to get one. We intend to purchase at least one there.
I'm sure there might be other good suggestions as well.
