Spondylus Route – Ecuador Pacific Coast

DAY 1:

We will fly from Quito to Manta, Ecuador ́s principal deep water port and the home of its tuna fishing fleet, then from Manta we will travel south to Machalilla National Park like 2 hours drive. On the way we will visit the town of Montecristi, where the world renowned ́Panama ́ hats are actually made, and where the country ́s constitution was written. This town is the birthplace of one of Ecuador ́s most famous Presidents, Eloy Alfaro, the leader of the country ́s liberal revolution at the end of the eighteenth century and a celebrated moderniser.

For lunch you will be able to enjoy a delicious sea food meal, made with delightfully fresh sea food. In the afternoon we will take you to the Salango Museum where you can get a better idea of the historic importance of this region in the pre Hispanic era. Here you can see the remains of a number of local cultures that played an important role in the chain of coastal towns that dominated the region a thousand years ago. The community of Agua Blanca was the most important in the region stretching well to the North even to the present province of Esmeraldas.

In the evening we return to the Hosteria Mandala, for overnight stay.

Meals: L, D

DAY 02: Isla de la Plata and Whale Watching (August and September)

After breakfast we will leave for a full day tour to Isla de la Plata, often referred to as a Galapagos in miniature, where you will be able to see blue footed boobies, marine iguanas that can be seen on the famous Galapagos islands. Here you can walk on trails and explore the Island where Admiral Francis Drake is supposed to have hidden a treasure of silver. In the Plata Island you can do snorkeling to see reef or just swimming in the warm water of the Pacific.

A hearty box lunch is included. Later we sail back to Puerto López and return to the hotel, for a

meal and front beach.

Meals: B, BL, D

DAY 03: Los Frailes beach and Snorkelling

Today we will visit the beach at Los Frailes reputed to be one of Ecuador ́s most beautiful beaches where you will be able to snorkel, swim in the Pacific ocean, or just relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. After lunch we will leave for the city of Manta and the return flight to Quito.

Meals: B, L