How to find a cheap car hire deal in Manta (MEC)
Exit the airport, enter adventure. Pick up a cheap Manta rental car for an average of $110 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, making booking quick and easy.
The cheapest daily rental price at Manta is $73.
Staying a little longer in Manta? Grab a weekly rental from $508 and fit more into your itinerary.
To land the cheapest price, book your MEC car hire around four weeks in advance.
Rent your wheels from Europcar, Keddy By Europcar or Goldcar, some of the most reliable providers at Manta.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Manta car hire policy, whether you go with Europcar or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in MEC. Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Manta with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging $141 a day.
Taking second place, this provider offers daily rates of around $124.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $178 a day.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers at MEC.
Compare car hire types from Manta (MEC)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Manta rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this MEC car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Manta that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your MEC car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Manta by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Home age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car rental in Ecuador.
If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your MEC car rental reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in Ecuador, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ecuador is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've picked up the keys to your MEC car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you like, but if you're off to central Manta, it'll take you around 15 minutes to travel the 6 kilometres or so southwest.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Manta to the centre to take as long as 25 minutes.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also grab a car hire in Manta. If you don't need a set of wheels right after you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Manta (MEC)
Before leaving town, get in some sightseeing around Manta first. Major highlights like Playa de Tarqui and Miraflores Park set the tone for your whole journey.
Portoviejo should be on your to-do list if you want to see Catedral de Portoviejo and CASCADA DEL BICENTENARIO. This city is around 29 kilometres east of MEC.
Or hop in your Manta car hire and set out for Chone, which is roughly 72 kilometres northeast. Highlights like Quinta Mamitana centro turistico make the drive worth it.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Cuenca, around 290 kilometres southeast of MEC. From Inca Ruins to New Cathedral (Catedral de la Immaculada), your journey will end on a high note.
