: January 21, 2015
Ecuador’s waters are abundant in a great variety of fish and seafood species that make seafood in this country a definite must-try. The country has upped its exports of seafood to other parts of the world, and you’ll find fish and shrimp sourced from Ecuadorian waters in markets everywhere from northern Italy to China. Major exports include shrimp and tilapia. To sample some of the ocean’s rich bounty, here are some seafood markets you should definitely check out.
Guayaquil Fish Market – Located in the port city of Guayaquil, the fish market offers the choicest selections of corvina, common snook (robalo), wahoo, camotillo, mahi-mahi (known locally as dorado), red snapper (pargo), yellowfin tuna (atun aleta amarilla), swordfish, common sole (lenguado), octopus, lobsters, and prawns.
La Feria Libre – The largest indigenous market in Cuenca, La Feria Libre is Spanish for “the free market.” Head over to La Feria’s seafood section for a wide selection of freshwater and saltwater fish that come in reasonable prices. Freshly caught crabs and shrimps are also available. Aside from the freshest produce and catch in the area, La Feria Libre is populated with food stalls where you can sample local fare. For more seafood, check out Totoracocha Mercado, which is open every Friday.
Mercado Central de Quito – Located in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, between Esmeraldas and Manabi, the Mercado Central de Quito features some of the capital’s most traditional cuisine, produce, and seafood.
Manta Fish Market – One of the biggest coastal cities in Ecuador, Manta is home to a plethora of fish markets. Ask the locals and they will most likely direct you to the fish market on Manta’s Tarqui Beach. Due to its location, the freshness of the seafood found in the market is guaranteed. Manta’s fish market features an assortment of fish, including its most famous export, tuna.