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 a hearty breakfast onboard, followed by a departure aboard our dinghies to Puerto Amistad in Bahía de Caráquez. From there, a land transfer will whisk us away to Iche in San Vicente.

Iche, led by the Fuegos Foundation, serves as a gastronomic laboratory aimed at educating local chefs in the creation of 'haute cuisine' using ancestral food preparation techniques.

We'll indulge in a gastronomic farm-to-table experience curated by local chefs, offering a blend of history, tradition, and the distinctive flavors of coastal cuisine. From cacao to salprieta, corviche, and chillangua, we'll discover a myriad of local flavors that will enrich our culinary journey.

In the afternoon, we'll return to the yacht to unwind on the sundeck. Later in the evening, guests will have the opportunity to savor a chocolate tasting session followed by dinner.

As the day draws to a close, we'll set sail for Jaramijó.

Our final day begins with a hearty breakfast onboard, setting the tone for a day dedicated to coastal exploration, marine activities, and local handicraft shopping. Following breakfast, we'll disembark at the port of Jaramijó and make our way to Montecristi, renowned as the birthplace of Liberalism in Ecuador and a significant hub for the production of toquilla handcrafts and home goods.

In Montecristi, our first stop will be Ciudad Alfaro, a historic edifice honoring General Eloy Alfaro, a pivotal political figure in Ecuador's republican era.

After our visit to Ciudad Alfaro, we'll leisurely stroll through Montecristi, exploring its myriad of small shops brimming with toquilla goods, including tableware, bags, hair accessories, and souvenirs—a perfect opportunity for some local shopping.

Returning to the yacht for lunch, the afternoon offers free time to indulge in marine activities, unwind in the hot tub, pamper oneself with spa treatments, or partake in an onboard cooking class with our chef.

As the day draws to a close, we'll gather for a farewell dinner and cocktail onboard, cherishing the memories created during our coastal journey.

Our voyage concludes as we set sail for Manta.

We bid our farewells early in the morning, as your transfer to Manta's Port Authority (TPM) will be ready to take you to the airport.

Check-out will be arranged, and you'll be transferred to Manta's airport or to the hotel of your choice.

This marks the conclusion of our services.