Are Panama Hats really made in Ecuador?

I bought my Panama hats, finally. These are made in Montecristi, Ecuador and each one is made by Modesto Mero Pachay, proprietor of Modesto Hats.
The guy that was in the Facebook post I did on this adventure is the man mentioned here and he's been making hats, the Panama hats for 27 years.
I really enjoyed my experience with him and I encourage anyone visiting the Manta area to take a half day trip to meet this man and look at his hats. And buy one!
If you can't walk on water, freeze it

Видео Are Panama Hats really made in Ecuador? канала Don Shader - Grumpy Old Gringo