Day 1: Manta - Ayangue
Our discovery journey of coastal Ecuador starts in Manta, one of the most important ports in the country and a strategic location for tourism in
Manabí. This beach city is internationally known for its fishing industry, whose star product, tuna, is exported all over the world.
Our shuttle will take you to Manta’s port authority (TPM), from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome drink. Our concierge will introduce you to our crew members, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 5 days.
In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef onboard.
Day 2: Ayangue - Machalilla National Park
We start day 2 at Ayangue, a small coastal town also known as the Pool of the Pacific because of its calm waters. After breakfast onboard, we will depart in one of our tenders to nearby islet El Pelado for a snorkeling expedition. This is a unique opportunity to swim with the local community of sea lions and explore the submarine secrets of the area. From June until October, this also becomes a privileged location to see humpback whales closely.
By noon we will return to the yacht for marine activities in the ocean club and lunch onboard.
After lunch we will disembark in the beach of Ayangue and after a short beachwalk we will arrive to a charming place where we will learn about the Valdivia culture. This is a millenary culture that maintains intact its pottery tradition, inherited from the pre-Inca Valdivia culture (4500 B.C.). We will learn about the techniques and materials used in making ancestral pieces as we make our own handcraft in a beautiful “experience in clay”.
We will return to the yacht for dinner
Day 3: Machalilla National Park - Isla de la Plata
After a hearty breakfast, we will disembark in Machalilla National Park where a land transfer will take us to Agua Blanca. This small community houses archeological pieces from one of the oldest civilizations in South America, the Manteño Culture, which dates back to the year 1500 A.C. Temples, country houses, typical ancient squares and other archeological remains are some of the treasures in Agua Blanca.
A short walk through its forest will show us butterflies, hummingbirds and local trees such as the algarrobos. During our visit, we will celebrate an ancestral ritual of purification and gratitude, that will connect us with nature and with ourselves, accompanied by the guidance of the shamans of
the community.
Return to the yacht for lunch.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a private beach experience in the islets of Machalilla National Park and will enjoy diverse marine activities such as snorkel, paddleboard, kayak or swim in our beach club which includes an oceanic pool, a water slide, SeaBobs, etc.
We will go back to the yacht to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner in the main deck*.
Day 4: Isla de la Plata - Pacoche / San Lorenzo
After breakfast, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata, which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Isla de la Plata holds beautiful natural treasures and a walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies and Frigatebirds.
After our land exploration, we will go back to the yacht for lunch.
In the afternoon we will do a guided underwater snorkeling expedition to learn about the marine ecosystem in the island. We will be able to see a variety of marine species including giant stingrays, whale sharks, and turtles.
During mating season, June to October, we will be able to see from the distance humpback whales that come to warmer waters to mate and give birth. Scuba diving is available upon request at the time of booking.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a sunset party* with the freshest seafood of the area and our signature cocktails.
Day 5: Pacoche / San Lorenzo - Manta
After breakfast onboard, we will disembark in the harbor of Manta where a land transfer will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche.
Our first visit is to the tropical humid forest where we will hike through one of its trails to take a look at the community of howling monkeys who live in
the middle of its exuberant vegetation.
Afterwards, we will go to San Lorenzo, one of the largest nesting spots for marine turtles in Ecuador, if we are lucky, we will get to see baby turtles on
their way to the ocean during hatching season.
We will enjoy a special gastronomic experience in San Lorenzo using the manabita ancestral oven. After lunch, we will learn about the toquilla straw
hat tradition with a local family of weavers from Pile. The small town of Pile is known for the community of artisan weavers responsible for making the
finest and most expensive Toquilla straw hats in the world. We will be able to see firsthand how the hats are made. Incorrectly known as Panama Hats,
the Toquilla Straw Hat was designated in 2012 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World.
Check- out and transfer to Manta’s airport or hotel of your choice.
