5-Day Luxury Ecuador Coast Cruise Expedition

Itinerary

• DAY 1 Manta - Ayangue
  

  Your 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 Yacht Club, from where you will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail. 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, you will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef onboard.

  • Activity:Arrival.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Single or Double stateroom.
• DAY 2 Ayangue - Machalilla National Park
  

  Welcome to Ayangue, the “Pool of the Pacific,” boasting calm waters perfect for exploration. After a delightful onboard breakfast, you set sail to the nearby El Pelado islet on your tenders for an extraordinary snorkeling expedition. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim with a lively community of sea lions, unveiling the submarine secrets of this remarkable area. From June to October, be awe-struck as humpback whales make this privileged location their playground.

  Noon brings you back to the yacht for marine activities in the ocean club, followed by a delectable lunch onboard. After lunch, you will disembark on Ayangue’s beach for a short beach walk leading to a charming cultural experience. Immerse yourself in the millenary Valdivia culture, preserving its ancient pottery tradition inherited from the pre-Inca Valdivia civilization (4500 B.C.). Delve into the techniques and materials used in crafting ancestral pieces, and create your own masterpiece in a hands-on “experience in clay.” A day filled with coastal wonders and cultural discoveries awaits you in Ayangue!

  • Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Single or Double stateroom.
• DAY 3 Machalilla National Park - Isla de la Plata
  

  After a hearty breakfast, our land transfer will transport us to Agua Blanca, a small community preserving the legacy of the Manteño Culture, dating back to 1500 A.C. Marvel at the archaeological treasures, from temples to ancient squares, which have stood the test of time. A serene forest walk unveils a world of butterflies, hummingbirds, and Algarrobo trees, connecting us with nature’s wonders.

  Join in a soul-stirring ancestral ritual of purification and gratitude, guided by the revered shamans of the community. The experience will leave you in awe as you forge a deeper bond with nature and yourself.

  Return to the yacht for a delightful lunch, and in the afternoon, revel in a private beach extravaganza within the islets of Machalilla National Park. Engage in thrilling marine activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming in our beach club, featuring an oceanic pool, water slide, and SeaBobs for added excitement. Culminate this unforgettable day with a sumptuous dinner onboard, surrounded by the beauty of the sea.

  • Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Swimming. Snorkeling.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Single or Double stateroom.
• DAY 4 Isla de la Plata - Pacoche - San Lorenzo
  

  Embark on a captivating adventure after breakfast, with a wet landing on Isla de la Plata. Discover the island’s natural treasures as you stroll through its trails, unveiling nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigatebirds.

  Back on the yacht, savor a delectable lunch before diving into the afternoon’s excitement. Join a guided underwater snorkeling expedition to witness the thriving marine ecosystem, encountering majestic giant stingrays, graceful whale sharks, and gentle turtles. For those seeking deeper exploration, scuba diving is available upon request at the time of booking.

  As the afternoon unfolds, revel in a magical sunset party featuring the freshest seafood in the area and our signature cocktails. A day of natural wonders, thrilling marine encounters, and unforgettable moments await you on this exhilarating journey. Join us in creating cherished memories in the heart of Ecuador’s stunning coastline!

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Wildlife Watching. Snorkeling.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Single or Double stateroom.
• DAY 5 Pacoche - San Lorenzo - Manta
  

  Embark on a captivating land transfer to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche, immersing in Ecuador’s natural wonders and vibrant traditions. Your first stop takes us to the tropical humid forest, where you will hike through enchanting trails to witness a lively community of howling monkeys amidst exuberant vegetation.

  Next, you go to San Lorenzo, a nesting paradise for marine turtles in Ecuador. During hatching season, luck may grant you the sight of baby turtles making their way to the ocean.

  Indulge in a gastronomic delight, savoring an authentic manabita ancestral oven experience in San Lorenzo. After lunch, you delve into the toquilla straw hat tradition, learning from skilled local weavers in Pile. The town’s renowned artisans create the finest and most coveted Toquilla straw hats in the world, designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  As your journey concludes, check out and transfer to Manta’s airport.

  • Activity:Exploring.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Single or Double stateroom.