yucca. A typical meal might consist of Biche de Pescado, Shrimp, Corviche, Bolón de verde, Encebollado, Cebiche de Pollo, Aguado de gallina, or Cangrejada among others. Points of Interest The many parks within the city include Mamey Ecological Park which includes a large animal reserve, The Forest Park located in the north of the city, and Central Park Vicente Amador Flor. The Jardín botánico de Portoviejo, a preserved area, botanical garden, arboretum, orchid garden, palmetum and rescue area in the northeast of the city serves as a place for leisure, as well as biological and agricultural studies within the Manabí region. It consists of a combined total area of 50 hectars, owned by the Technical University of Manabí, located in Portoviejo. The Parque Arqueológico Cerro Jaboncillo, an archeological site and museum is located outside of the city. Situated near the city center is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Jesus the Good Shepherd. A nearby village, Sosote, is known for its tagua workshops, a traditional Ecuadorian handicraft. Education The Technical University of Manabí (UTM) located in Portoviejo, was founded in 1952, having an estimated acceptance rate of 72%. It is locally known as Universidad Técnica de Manabí. The Private University of San Gregorio Portoviejo is the second university of the city, founded in the year 2000 with an estimated acceptance rate of 51%. Transportation The city is located on the E30 road connecting from Manta, Manabí to the capital of the Cotopaxi Province, Latacunga, as well as the 39A. In 2014, Portoviejo served a bus system of 129 buses on 12 routes throughout the entire city. The local airport was closed by order of president Rafael Correa in 2011. Currently it is only used for the city's police helicopter operations, as well as for artistic events and trade fairs at Christmas time. In 2016, the airport served as a shelter for those affected by the April 16 earthquake. The nearest currently operating airport, Eloy Alfaro International Airport is instead located in the city of Manta 26 kilometres (16 mi) to the west. Notable people Vicente Amador Flor (July 19, 1903 - December 3, 1975), a poet known for writing poems about the city. Nathalie Cely (28 December 1965- ), the former Minister of Production of Ecuador and former Ecuadorian Ambassador to the United States. Lucila Santos Trujillo (1925/1928 – 4 May 2020), former first lady of Ecuador. Gallery Climate Portoviejo has a