The Spondylus Expedition - Ecuador Tour

The exploration journey along the coast of Ecuador commences in Manta, a pivotal port in the nation and a prime spot for tourism in Manabí. This coastal town holds global renown for its thriving fishing industry, particularly for its prized export, tuna.

Upon arrival, transportation will be provided to Manta's port authority (TPM), where we'll embark on M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a refreshing welcome drink. The concierge will acquaint you with the crew, tour the yacht facilities, and allocate the staterooms that will serve as our accommodation for the next 8 days.

In the evening, we'll relish a welcome dinner hosted by the ship's executive chef.

We'll then set sail overnight to Ayangue.

Following a satisfying breakfast, we'll disembark at Machalilla National Park and transfer by land to Agua Blanca. This quaint community holds archaeological treasures from one of South America's oldest civilizations, the Manteño Culture, dating back to 1500 A.C. Temples, rustic homes, traditional squares, and other archaeological remnants await exploration in Agua Blanca.

A brief forest stroll will reveal indigenous flora and fauna, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and local trees such as algarrobos. During our visit, we'll partake in an ancient ritual of purification and gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with nature and ourselves under the guidance of the community's shamans.

We'll return to the yacht for a delectable lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll indulge in a private beach experience on the islets of Machalilla National Park, engaging in various marine activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply swimming in our beach club, equipped with an oceanic pool, water slide, SeaBobs, and more.

As the day winds down, we'll head back to the yacht to relish a picturesque sunset and dinner on the main deck.

Next, we'll set sail for Isla de la Plata.

Following breakfast, our day kicks off with a wet landing on Isla de la Plata, an enchanting part of Machalilla National Park. Exploring its trails will lead us to nesting grounds of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigatebirds, offering captivating encounters with these magnificent avian species.

Upon concluding our island exploration, we'll return to the yacht for a delightful lunch.

In the afternoon, a guided snorkeling expedition awaits, providing insight into the island's marine ecosystem. Expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, from giant stingrays and whale sharks to turtles. During the mating season from June to October, we may even catch a glimpse of humpback whales in the distance, as they migrate to warmer waters for mating and birthing. Scuba diving arrangements can be made upon prior request during the booking process.

Later in the day, we'll relish a sunset party featuring the freshest seafood from the region alongside our signature cocktails.

As evening approaches, we'll set sail for Pacoche/San Lorenzo.

Following breakfast aboard, we'll disembark at the harbor of Manta for a land transfer to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche. Our first stop will be the tropical humid forest, where we'll embark on a hike along one of its trails, immersing ourselves in the lush vegetation and encountering the community of howler monkeys that inhabit the area.

Next, we'll proceed to San Lorenzo, renowned as one of Ecuador's largest nesting sites for marine turtles. If we're fortunate, we may witness baby turtles making their journey to the ocean during hatching season.

A special culinary experience awaits us in San Lorenzo, featuring the use of the ancestral manabita oven. Following lunch, we'll delve into the tradition of the Toquilla straw hat with a local family of weavers from Pile. This small town is renowned for its community of artisans who craft the finest and most prized Toquilla straw hats in the world. We'll have the opportunity to observe firsthand the intricate process of hat-making. Although commonly referred to as Panama Hats, the Toquilla Straw Hat was recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World in 2012.

In the afternoon, we'll return to the yacht for some relaxation time before enjoying dinner onboard.

Our next destination is Bahía de Caráquez as we set sail.

Day 6 commences with breakfast on board, followed by our departure via dinghies to Puerto Amistad in Bahía de Caráquez. From there, we'll take a land transfer to Iche in San Vicente.

Iche, overseen by the Fuegos Foundation, serves as a culinary laboratory aimed at instructing local chefs in the art of haute cuisine, utilizing traditional methods of food preparation.

Prepare for an authentic farm-to-table dining experience led by indigenous chefs, showcasing a fusion of historical narratives, cultural traditions, and the distinctive flavors of coastal cuisine. Delicacies such as cacao, salprieta, corviche, and chillangua will expand our culinary vocabulary.

Following this experience, guests will check out and be transferred to either Manta's airport or their preferred hotel.

This concludes our services.