9-Day Coast & Andes Luxury Cultural Experience

Itinerary

• DAY 1 Illa Cultural Night
  

  Get ready to start your 9-day cultural tour!

  Arrive at Quito’s Airport and transfer to the Illa Experience Hotel in the Historical Center. The hotel offers experiences with locals like making espumilla (an Ecuadorian version of meringue), learning watercolor painting, brewing coffee, and more.

  • Activity:Arrival.
  • Transport:Bus or car.
  • Accommodation:Illa Experience Hotel or similar.
• Day 2 Kontiki Expedition Cruise - Manta - Ayangue
  

  Embark on day two of your trip as you soar to Manta in a thrilling 40-minute flight. Your destination: the Manta Yacht Club, where luxury awaits aboard the Kontiki Wayra for an unforgettable coastal adventure.

  As you check in for your cruise, savor a delightful welcome cocktail. The captain personally introduces the skilled crew and guides you through a tour of your home for the next 5 days, the elegant yacht. Get ready for an enchanting overnight sail to Ayangue.

  • Activity:Exploring.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Kontiki Wayra Expedition Cruise.
• DAY 3 Ayangue
  

  Step into Ayangue, dubbed the “Pool of the Pacific“, where tranquil waters beckon exploration. After a delightful onboard breakfast, venture to El Pelado Islet for an unparalleled snorkeling escapade with playful sea lions. Keep an eye out for majestic humpback whales gracing the waters from June to October. Rejoin the yacht at noon for ocean club activities and relish a delectable onboard lunch.

  In the afternoon, disembark at Ayangue’s beach for a cultural immersion. Dive into the rich Valdivia culture, renowned for its ancient pottery tradition dating back to 4500 B.C. Engage in a hands-on experience as you craft your own clay masterpiece. Discover the coastal wonders and cultural treasures that Ayangue has to offer. Prepare for a captivating overnight voyage to Machalilla National Park.

  • Activity:Diving. Exploring. Crafting.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Kontiki Wayra Expedition Cruise.
• DAY 4 Machalilla National Park - Isla de la Plata
  

  After breakfast, transfer to Agua Blanca in Machalilla National Park, dedicated to preserving Manteño culture, dating back to 1500 A.C. Explore archaeological treasures, including ancient temples and squares that have endured the test of time. An enchanting forest walk exposes you to the wonders of nature, where butterflies, hummingbirds, and Algarrobo trees abound.

  Engage in an ancestral ritual of purification and gratitude led by community shamans, fostering a deeper connection with nature and oneself. Return to the yacht for lunch and enjoy a private beach experience in the islets of Machalilla National Park. Dive into thrilling marine activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming in the beach club with an oceanic pool, water slide, and SeaBobs. Conclude the day with a sumptuous dinner surrounded by the sea’s beauty.

  • Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Kontiki Wayra Expedition Cruise.
• DAY 5 Isla de la Plata - San Lorenzo
  

  Set out on an enchanting post-breakfast adventure with a wet landing on Isla de la Plata. Explore the island’s natural wonders, discovering nesting sites of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and frigatebirds along scenic trails. After a delightful lunch back on the yacht, dive into the afternoon’s excitement.

  Join a guided snorkeling expedition to witness the thriving marine ecosystem, encountering magnificent giant stingrays, graceful whale sharks, and gentle sea turtles. For deeper exploration, scuba diving is available upon request at the time of booking. As the afternoon unfolds, savor a magical sunset party with the freshest seafood and signature cocktails.

  This day guarantees natural wonders, thrilling marine encounters, and unforgettable moments along Ecuador’s stunning coastline. Join us in crafting cherished memories.

  • Activity:Birdwatching. Snorkeling.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Kontiki Wayra Expedition Cruise.
• Day 6 Pacoche - Manta - Otavalo
  

  Embark on a captivating journey to the Pacoche Coastal and Marine Wildlife Refuge after breakfast. Hike through a tropical forest, encountering lively howling monkeys. Continue to San Lorenzo, a nesting haven for sea turtles. Witness the mesmerizing sight of baby turtles during hatching season. Indulge in a manabita ancestral oven experience in San Lorenzo. In Pile, delve into the tradition of toquilla straw hats, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  Here, local weavers craft the finest Panama hats globally. Check out and transfer to Manta’s airport. Arrive in Quito and board your transfer to Otavalo. Explore the small village of Cayambe, known for its bizcochos (Ecuadorian biscuits), enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate paired with local cheese. Finally, reach your hotel in Otavalo, Hacienda Zuleta, for a restful night on a beautiful authentic farm.

  • Activity:Hiking. Wildlife Watching. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Airplane. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner
  • Accommodation:Hacienda Zuleta or similar.
• Day 7 Free Cultural Day
  

  Today, indulge in personalized leisure at Hacienda Zuleta. Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural activities, offering unforgettable experiences that will linger in your memories. Explore a rich tapestry of traditions and customs, providing a fascinating glimpse into a world that may be unfamiliar yet incredibly rewarding.

  • Activity:Walking. Sightseeing.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hacienda Zuleta or similar.
• Day 8 Otavalo and surroundings
  

  Get ready to explore the capital of handicrafts and artisans in Ecuador, a city rich in cultural heritage. Otavalo boasts numerous wonders, including the enchanting Peguche Waterfall, the majestic Cotacachi Volcano, and the impressive Mojanda Volcano. Consult with your destination expert to plan your visit to Otavalo and explore its highlights.

  As the day concludes, a seamless transfer will take you to the elegant La Palma Polo Club hotel in Quito. Here, luxurious suites await to provide you with a final, comfortable night in Ecuador. Take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking landscape of the mighty Andes and the star-filled sky, creating a magical atmosphere for your last night in this remarkable country.

  • Activity:Exploring. Transfer.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:La Palma Polo Club or similar.
• Day 9 Back to Quito and Farewell
  

  Enjoy a hassle-free departure with a pre-arranged transfer from your Quito hotel to Quito International Airport. The pick-up time will be confirmed in advance for your convenience.

  • Activity:Departure.
  • Transport:Car or bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast.