Galapagos Last Minutes

Spondylus Itinerary (A)

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.

Overnight sailing to Ayangue.

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. Sailing to Machalilla National Park.

Valdivia Vulture in Ecuador

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*.

Sailing to Isla de la Plata.

Ancestral Ritual in Machalilla National Park

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.

Sailing to Pacoche / San Lorenzo.

Humpback Whale

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.

End of services.


Highlights

  • Interaction with local communties to get to know about their traditions.
  • Introduction to the gastronomy history.
  • Contact with nature

Travel Tips

What clothes to wear?

Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunblock, bathing suit, a hat, sandals, water shoes, a light sweater and insect repellent. Boho Beach casual attires are fine for dinner.

What is included?

This program includes accommodations, all meals, water, coffee and tea, english guidance, local land transfers and access to parks and natural reserves, equipment for marine activities.

What is not included?

Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, premium spirits, spa treatments, meals not specified in the program, personal expenses, gratuities or transfers others than detailed in the program.

Accomodation

Acommodation on board the ship.

Weather Preparedness

Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, hat and, insect repellent.

Fitness Requirements

We reccommend to be un a good health conditions, even the activities are very easy to perform.

Spondylus Itinerary A Map
Duration
5 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Age
12 - 80
Contact Us Itineraries

Included

  • Accommodation in the luxury stateroom of your choice with 2 twin beds or 1 king bed dressed with sustainably sourced cotton.
  • All meals and snacks prepared fresh daily by our onboard chefs with local organic produce using a balanced mix of traditional and modern techniques. Menu variations are available upon request.
  • All in land gastronomic experiences beautifully set up by our crew in unique natural locations, following the traditional cuisine of the destination.
  • All soft beverages, an assortment of wine, beer and other spirits, classic and signature cocktails, freshly ground local coffee and organic teas.
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi onboard, air conditioning, a/v entertain-ment and automated lighting, shades and audio systems in each stateroom.
  • All land and sea expeditions led by our two expert natural-ist guides, daily briefings about the excursions, tips and other valuable information.
  • Transfers and access to all natural reserves, beaches and protected areas.
  • All gear for water activities: wetsuits, kayaks, SUPs, snorkeling equipment.
  • All facilities on board: Jacuzzi, fitness center, sunbeds, and beach towels.
  • Kontiki shuttle from hotel to port of Manta for check in and boarding.

Not Included

  • International airfare to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE).
  • Internal transfer from Quito or Guayaquil to the port of Manta.
  • Hotel accommodation the night before the expedition in Manta, Quito or Guayaquil. However, we can assist with information, selection and reservation of 5 star properties.
  • Fine wine and spirits, available on demand at a cost.
  • Pre and Post experiences/stays are not included, but we can gladly assist with information, selection and reservation at partner properties in Ecuador, including Galapagos and neighboring countries.
  • Gratuities to crew and guides.
Additional Information

Family Accommodations

We count with 4 interconnected rooms for families with children. Our expeditions are family friendly, however, we strongly suggest children to be 6 years or older at the time of the departure.

Onboard Purchases

Any on board purchases from the gift shop, restaurant, or spa can be charged to your tab and paid at the end of the expedition in cash or credit card.

Special Requests

Special arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other celebration are available upon request. Please inquire with our customer experience team at the time of booking and at least 30 days prior to departure.

Drinking Water

Bottled water is complimentary on board and available in your stateroom and throughout the yacht. Drinking tap water is not possible.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the yacht. There is an outdoor designated area for smoking.

Currency

Ecuador has adopted the US Dollar as official currency. Power outlets and electricity Standard 120V and standard frequency of 60Hz. Power outlets are type A and B, similar to the ones used in the U.S. European plugs will need an adapter.

Luggage

Although rooms have plenty of space, please be prepared to bring a small to mid-size suitcase on board.

Time Zone

Ecuador is in the GMT -5 time zone, same as US Eastern Time. However, we have no daylight savings.

Language

Official language is Spanish, but most of the staff, the concierge, guides and the captains speak fluent Spanish and English.

Medical Facilities

The yacht is equipped with first aid kits for basic medical issues. In case of any medical emergencies, the yacht is close to mainland and count with permanent direct communications with all emergency lines.

Motion Sickness

There might be moderate movement of the yacht during navigation. Most passengers will not feel anything, but we strongly recommend that you bring motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.

Physical Limitations

Our expeditions require a reasonable level of health and fitness from our passengers. Most excursions take a few hours of moderate unassisted hiking at a relaxed pace in warm weather. Getting on and off the zodiacs also call for a certain balance. If you are unsure about any of the visits, please check with one of the guides before disembarking the yacht. Also, please inform our customer experience team of any physical limitation or health condition that may require special attention at the time of booking.

Connectivity and Entertainment

Free limited WiFi is available throughout the vessels in multiple devices. OK for social media and emails. Each stateroom is equipped with smart UHD TVs, speaker with Bluetooth technology, and automated a/c, shades and lightning.

Suggested Itineraries