Portoviejo Canton

Portoviejo Canton is an administrative area in Manabí Province with nine urban parishes and seven rural districts that together form a landscape of varied terrain. The land ranges from flat areas to small mountain chains and sits at a moderate elevation.

The territory was established in 1824 when Manabí Province and two neighboring cantons were also created, marking a time of administrative restructuring in the region. This founding shaped the administrative boundaries that still exist today.

People here take pride in their mixed heritage from different communities that have lived together for generations, each bringing their own crafts and food traditions. You notice this blend in daily life, from the markets to celebrations, where traditional music and local dishes matter to the community.

The region has two distinct seasons: a rainy period from January to May and a drier time from June to December, with the latter being better for exploring. Plan your visit around these patterns, as rain and heat can significantly affect conditions.

The area contains several small mountain ranges such as Río Chico and Picoazá that shape its landscape and influence how settlements developed there. These geographic features have guided community growth patterns over time.

Location: Manabí Province

Inception: June 25, 1824

Capital city: Portoviejo

Elevation above the sea: 42 m

Website: https://portoviejo.gob.ec

GPS coordinates: -1.05618,-80.45522

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:07