Kontiki Wayra

AM: 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 Yacht Club, from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail. Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 4 days.

PM: Lunch will be served on board with amazing views, our executive chef will host a culinary experience using fresh local products and ancestral cooking. After lunch we will take a bus that will take us to the small town of Pile, known for its community of artisan weavers who make the finest toquilla straw hats in the world. Incorrectly known as Panama hats, our straw hats were designated by UNESCO in 2012 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. We will visit the artisan’s homes which serve as shops and we will learn how their expert hands weave these beautiful handcrafts.

After this visit we will get back to the yacht to relax and later on enjoy a dinner in our gourmet salon. Overnight sailing to Puerto Lopez.

AM: What better way to start the day than alfresco breakfast? After, we will disembark in the harbor of Puerto Lopez where a bus 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 ceibos. At the end of the walk, we can swim in a natural sulfurous lagoon believed to have wellness properties. Return to the yacht for lunch.

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Los Frailes beach, a crescent-shaped beach believed to be one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand, warm waters, and a great spot to snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or kayak. We will go back to the yacht to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner on the main deck. Overnight sailing to Puerto Bolivar.

AM: Early-bird breakfast on board and posterior disembark in Puerto Bolivar. There two minivans will take us to the private Natural Reserve of Buenaventura managed by the Jocotoco Foundation. This private reserve expands over 1500 hectares of cloud forest, with four different microclimates and it is home to over 320 species of birds, 255 species of butterflies, over 30 species of hummingbirds, and a variety of marsupials, amphibians, and reptiles. A guided walk through its trails will immerse us in a subtropical forest adorned with exotic orchids. A small display of Ecuador’s biodiversity.

From Buenaventura, we will ride to Zaruma, a coffee-lover paradise that preserves intact architecture from the early 1900s. Get ready for an unusual experience in Zaruma as we put on our miners’ hats and boots to walk into a gold mine. El Sexmo is the oldest mine in the area and the last few years has changed its activity from extraction to tourism. After visiting the mine, we will have lunch at an old traditional house in Zaruma and will enjoy the local flavors of a coastal city greatly influenced by the flavors of the highlands. 

PM: After lunch, we will have some time to walk around the small picturesque streets of Zaruma. In the afternoon we will return to the yacht for our farewell dinner. Overnight sailing to Guayaquil.

AM: Our last day starts with breakfast overlooking the Guayas River in the Santa Ana harbor. After saying goodbye to our crew members, we will have our last disembark, but the expedition is not quite over. We will visit the city of Guayaquil also known as Pacific’s Pearl for an exploration of its vibrant lifestyle.

Despite being a fast-paced and modern city, Guayaquil preserves several beautiful historic areas, such as the Las Peñas neighborhood, which has become the bohemian center of the city showcasing small traditional coffee shops, bars and restaurants, art galleries, and handcrafts’ shops.

After a walk around the neighborhood, we will climb 444 steps to the top of Cerro Santa Ana where we will find the Lighthouse of Guayaquil and the small Chapel of Cerro Santa Ana, which crown las Peñas with amazing views of the city. The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice where your suitcases will be waiting for you.

AM: 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 Yacht Club, from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail. Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 4 days.

PM: Lunch will be served on board with amazing views, our executive chef will host a culinary experience using fresh local products and ancestral cooking. After lunch we will take a bus that will take us to the small town of Pile, known for its community of artisan weavers who make the finest toquilla straw hats in the world. Incorrectly known as Panama hats, our straw hats were designated by UNESCO in 2012 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. We will visit the artisan’s homes which serve as shops and we will learn how their expert hands weave these beautiful handcrafts.

After this visit we will get back to the yacht to relax and later on enjoy a dinner in our gourmet salon. Overnight sailing to Isla de la Plata.

AM: After breakfast on board, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Also known as Small Galapagos, Isla de la Plata holds natural treasures similar to those of the Galapagos. A walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigates.

After our land exploration, we will go back to the yacht for a light lunch al fresco with amazing views of the island.

PM: In the afternoon we will do a guided underwater snorkeling expedition to learn about the marine ecosystem on the island. We will be able to see a variety of marine species including giant stingrays, whale sharks, and during the mating season, we will be able to see humpback whales in the distance. Scuba diving is available by request at the time of booking.

Between June and November, our travelers will be able to see large groups of humpback whales as we sail along the coast. In the evening we will enjoy a Teppanyaki sunset party with the freshest seafood in the area. Overnight sailing to Puerto Lopez.

AM: The day will start in our sundeck with a breakfast. After, we will disembark in the harbor of Puerto Lopez where a bus will take us to Agua Blanca. This small community is home to archeological pieces from one of the oldest civilizations in South America, the Manteño Culture, which dates back to the year 1500 B.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 ceibos. At the end of the walk, we can swim in a natural sulfurous lagoon, which is believed to have wellness properties. Then we will go to Los Frailes beach. This crescent-shaped beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Ecuadorian coast with white sand, warm waters, and a great spot to snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or kayak. At the end of the visit in Los Frailes, we will return to the yacht for lunch on board.

PM: In the afternoon we will go to Salango Island for a guided snorkeling expedition. Salango Island has a 4 km beach and a spectacular view of the native birds and typical flora. During the excursion, we will be able to observe colorful fishes at the coral reef.

Once we finish these activities, we will return to the yacht to enjoy a cooking class on a traditional coastal recipe. Dinner will be served in our main deck with fresh local products. Overnight sailing to Manta.

AM: Our last day starts with breakfast while we observe the Pacific Ocean. After saying goodbye to the crewmembers, we will have the last disembarking at the city of Manta but that does not mean that the trip is over, a bus will take us to Santa Marianita beach.

Santa Marianita is a small coastal town located 15 minutes from the city of Manta. The community life is related to the fishing activity, however, in recent years the town has become popular among adventure lovers since, due to the characteristics of the area, it is possible to practice extreme sports such as kitesurf or windsurf. During our excursion, we will visit the beach and from there we will be able to observe Punta Cangrejo and Tarima hills, we will also be able to find birds such as pelicans, seagulls, and frigates. If you are interested in kitesurfing or paragliding, you can coordinate these activities with us before the trip.

The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice or to the airport where your luggage awaits you.

PM: 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 Yacht Club, from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail.

Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 8 days. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef Cecilia Cedeño. Overnight sailing to Mompiche.

AM: We start our second day with breakfast in the main deck’s gourmet salon as we approach Mompiche in Esmeraldas province. This province is known for being home to the most important afro-Ecuadorian community in the country. This area is also inhabited by 3 different indigenous communities: Cayapas, Épera, and Awá.

Once we hit the shore, we will be able to see the lifestyle of artisanal fishermen and we will understand why this destination is famous for its beautiful beaches, exuberant landscape, and tropical weather. After a short walk along the beach, a bus will take us to Portete harbor, where a small “panga” (dinghy) will take us for a ride in the mangroves where we will stop for “concheo” a local activity to collect shellfish from the mangrove that will later on become fresh ingredients for a “dock to table” culinary experience onboard.

PM: We will return to the vessel at noon for lunch and in the afternoon, we will have time to walk around the beach or snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard around Jupiter Island. Afterward, we will go back to the yacht to enjoy the sunset at the sundeck with a cocktail from the organic bar. Dinner will be served aboard in the evening, with an offering of local flavors. Overnight sailing to Bahía de Caraquez.

AM: We start day 3 with breakfast at the gourmet salon, before departing aboard our dinghies to the Natural Reserve Isla Corazon, where two local guides await to lead us into exploring this mangrove island in the shape of a heart. Isla Corazon is a nesting site for one of the largest frigate colonies in the Pacific Ocean. This area also counts with over 60 species of native and migratory birds.

After our dinghy ride, we will disembark in the port of San Vicente, where a bus will take us to a traditional farm in the community of San Miguel de Sarampion. This orchard farm grows some of the Cocoa heritage trees which are over 120 years old. These trees belong to the “Arriba Nacional” family and as we walk through the farm we will learn about the growth, harvest, fermentation, and drying of the cocoa beans that later on will yield the finest chocolate in the world. We will have a country lunch on-site using traditional cooking techniques over a wood oven for a delightful “farm to table” experience. The gastronomic experience will end with making our chocolate.

PM: In the afternoon, we will get back to the yacht to relax at the sundeck and later on dine in the gourmet salon, always enjoying authentic flavors of the destination visited. Overnight sailing to Isla de la Plata.

AM: After breakfast, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Also known as Small Galapagos, Isla de la Plata, holds natural treasures similar to those of Galapagos. A walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies and Frigates. After our land exploration, we will go back to the yacht for lunch.

PM: 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 during mating season we will be able to see humpback whales in the distance. Scuba diving is available by request at the time of booking. Between the months of June and November, our travelers will be able to see large groups of humpback whales as we sail along the coast. In the evening we will enjoy a Teppanyaki sunset party with the freshest seafood of the area. Overnight sailing to Manta.

AM: We will have the last disembarking in the harbor of San Mateo where a bus will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche. We will hike in Pacoche’s tropical forest’s trail to take a look at the community of howling monkeys who live in the middle of its exuberant vegetation.

Afterwards, we will visit the Reserve Lighthouse, where a short walk will take us through several lookout spots from which we will enjoy the amazing view of the coastal shoreline and neighboring beaches. San Lorenzo beach, next to the lighthouse is 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. The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice or to the airport where your luggage awaits you.

PM: Our exploration journey along the Ecuadorian Coast begins in Guayaquil. A short walk from Puerto Santa Ana to the Las Peñas neighborhood will show us a well-preserved historical site located in the heart of a modern and vibrant city. 

Las Peñas is one of the few old neighborhoods that has survived pirate attacks, fires, and changes related to population growth. This bohemian neighborhood used to be home to wealthy families, but houses were later on transformed into small cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries, and handicraft shops. After a walk around the neighborhood, we will climb the 444 steps to the top of Cerro Santa Ana where we will find the Lighthouse of Guayaquil and the small Chapel of Cerro Santa Ana with amazing views of the city. 

At the end of the visit, we will go to Puerto Santa Ana harbor from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail. Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will be your home for the next 5 days. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and an art show on the yacht.

AM: We start the day with breakfast on board and then, we will take a bus to Naranjito. The economy of Naranjito is based on agriculture, many export products are grown in its fertile lands such as bananas, coffee, pineapples, and cocoa. In this territory, we will visit a traditional Ecuadorian Coast hacienda. 

During our visit, a local guide will tell us why Ecuadorian cocoa is considered the best in the world and while we walk through the plantation we will learn about the characteristics of the different types of cocoa and the process of planting, harvesting, fermentation, and drying of the seed. Near the plantation we can find one of the three beautiful rivers that run through the property, we will float on a tube and go through the calm watercourse surrounded by beautiful trees, tropical flowers and if we are lucky, we will see three-toed sloths, iguanas, and many birds.

PM: In the afternoon we will have a gastronomic experience with organic ingredients produced in the property’s garden and our lunch will be complemented by a milking activity. Afterward, we will relax while we elaborate on our personalized chocolate bars with the guidance of an expert chocolatier. 

At the end of the day, we will return to the yacht to enjoy dinner on board. Overnight sailing to Puerto Bolívar.

AM: Early-bird breakfast on board, followed by disembarking in Puerto Bolivar where a bus will take us to Puyango Petrified Forest.

A walk through the forest is a travel in time. Once covered by the ocean,

Puyango Petrified Forest originated as a result of cataclysms and geological events from thousands of years ago which brought an incredible collection of marine fossils and petrified wood to the surface, believed to be the largest collection of petrified wood in the world.

By contrast, petrified fossils co-exist beautifully with live vegetation and animals in a tropical forest where you can see more than 130 species of birds and animals such as deer, small leopards, squirrels, foxes, armadillos, amphibians, and reptiles.

PM: After this visit, we will go to a nearby resort for a countryside-style lunch, and later we will go to an organic banana plantation in Hacienda Celia María, where we will learn the methods for organic production of bananas, the most exported fruit from Ecuador.

After this visit, we will return to the yacht for dinner on the main deck. For those who want to enjoy the peacefulness of the night, our guides will be in charge of carrying out a constellation observation activity on the sundeck after dinner. Overnight sailing to Playas.

AM: After breakfast, we will have a wet landing in the town of Playas in the province of Guayas. When we reach shore, we will observe some traditional rafts or “balsas” which are part of the tradition inherited from the Huancavilca Culture, skilled navigators who traded products such as cotton textiles, spondylus shells, and gold.

In Playas, we will visit a bodega (vineyard) that 13 years ago started experimenting in limestone soils where marine fossils are still found. One of the regions where viticulture was non-existing and now are re-writing all rules about winemaking, starting a revolution of New Latitute Wines.

We will have a guided tour with a local agronomist who will explain the crop production and will later visit the bodegas where wine is aged. The bodega’s premium wines will be the perfect pairing for the tasting menu that our chefs will prepare.

PM: In the afternoon we will go by bus to El Morro Wildlife Refuge, home of bottlenose dolphins and seabirds, where we will board small boats to navigate through the mangrove canals. Sea lions arrive in this area during the coldest time of the year, which usually runs from June to late October.

At the end of the day, we will return to the yacht to enjoy a delicious dinner and sail to Manta at night.

AM: We will have the last disembarking in the harbor of San Mateo where a bus will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche. We will hike in Pacoche’s tropical forest’s trail to take a look at the community of howling monkeys who live in the middle of its exuberant vegetation.

Afterwards, we will visit the Reserve Lighthouse, where a short walk will take us through several lookout spots from which we will enjoy the amazing view of the coastal shoreline and neighboring beaches. San Lorenzo beach, next to the lighthouse is 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. The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice or to the airport where your luggage awaits you.

PM: 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 Yacht Club, from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail.

Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will become home for the next 8 days. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef Cecilia Cedeño. Overnight sailing to Mompiche.

AM: We start our second day with breakfast in the main deck’s gourmet salon as we approach Mompiche in Esmeraldas province. This province is known for being home to the most important afro-Ecuadorian community in the country. This area is also inhabited by 3 different indigenous communities: Cayapas, Épera, and Awá.

Once we hit the shore, we will be able to see the lifestyle of artisanal fishermen and we will understand why this destination is famous for its beautiful beaches, exuberant landscape, and tropical weather. After a short walk along the beach, a bus will take us to Portete harbor, where a small “panga” (dinghy) will take us for a ride in the mangroves where we will stop for “concheo” a local activity to collect shellfish from the mangrove that will later on become fresh ingredients for a “dock to table” culinary experience onboard.

PM: We will return to the vessel at noon for lunch and in the afternoon, we will have time to walk around the beach or snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard around Jupiter Island. Afterward, we will go back to the yacht to enjoy the sunset at the sundeck with a cocktail from the organic bar. Dinner will be served aboard in the evening, with an offering of local flavors. Overnight sailing to Bahía de Caraquez.

AM: We start day 3 with breakfast at the gourmet salon, before departing aboard our dinghies to the Natural Reserve Isla Corazon, where two local guides await to lead us into exploring this mangrove island in the shape of a heart. Isla Corazon is a nesting site for one of the largest frigate colonies in the Pacific Ocean. This area also counts with over 60 species of native and migratory birds.

After our dinghy ride, we will disembark in the port of San Vicente, where a bus will take us to a traditional farm in the community of San Miguel de Sarampion. This orchard farm grows some of the Cocoa heritage trees which are over 120 years old. These trees belong to the “Arriba Nacional” family and as we walk through the farm we will learn about the growth, harvest, fermentation, and drying of the cocoa beans that later on will yield the finest chocolate in the world. We will have a country lunch on-site using traditional cooking techniques over a wood oven for a delightful “farm to table” experience. The gastronomic experience will end with making our chocolate.

PM: In the afternoon, we will get back to the yacht to relax at the sundeck and later on dine in the gourmet salon, always enjoying authentic flavors of the destination visited. Overnight sailing to San Mateo, Manta.

AM: After breakfast onboard, we will disembark in the harbor of San Mateo where a bus will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche. This visit is divided into two. The first visit is to the tropical 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. The second visit takes place in the Reserve Lighthouse, where a short walk will take us through several lookout spots from which we will enjoy the amazing view of the coastal shoreline and neighboring beaches. San Lorenzo beach, next to the lighthouse is 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. Lunch will be served on-site with amazing views of the beach, and once again our executive chef will host a culinary experience using fresh local products and ancestral cooking.

PM: After lunch, we will take a bus that will take us to the small town of Pile, known for its community of artisan weavers who make the finest toquilla straw hats in the world. Incorrectly known as Panama hats, our straw hats were designated by UNESCO in 2012 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. We will visit the artisan’s homes which serve as shops and we will learn how their expert hands weave these beautiful handcrafts.

After this visit, we will get back to the yacht to relax and later on enjoy a dinner in our gourmet salon. Overnight sailing to Puerto Lopez.

AM: What better way to start the day than alfresco breakfast? After, we will disembark in the harbor of Puerto Lopez where a bus 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 ceibos. At the end of the walk, we can swim in a natural sulfurous lagoon believed to have wellness properties. Return to the yacht for lunch.

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Los Frailes beach, a crescent-shaped beach believed to be one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand, warm waters, and a great spot to snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or kayak. We will go back to the yacht to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner on the main deck. Overnight sailing to Isla de la Plata.

AM: After breakfast, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Also known as Small Galapagos, Isla de la Plata holds natural treasures similar to those of the Galapagos. A walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigates.

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 on the island. We will be able to see a variety of marine species including giant stingrays, whale sharks, and during the mating season, we will be able to see humpback whales in the distance. Scuba diving is available by request at the time of booking. Between June and November, our travelers will be able to see large groups of humpback whales as we sail along the coast.

PM: In the afternoon we will enjoy a Teppanyaki sunset party with the freshest seafood in the area. Overnight sailing to Puerto Bolívar.

AM: Early-bird breakfast on board and posterior disembark in Puerto Bolivar. There two minivans will take us to the private Natural Reserve of Buenaventura managed by the Jocotoco Foundation. This private reserve expands over 1500 hectares of cloud forest, with four different microclimates and it is home to over 320 species of birds, 255 species of butterflies, over 30 species of hummingbirds, and a variety of marsupials, amphibians, and reptiles. A guided walk through its trails will immerse us in a subtropical forest adorned with exotic orchids. A small display of Ecuador’s biodiversity.

From Buenaventura, we will ride to Zaruma, a coffee-lover paradise that preserves intact architecture from the early 1900s. Get ready for an unusual experience in Zaruma as we put on our miners’ hats and boots to walk into a gold mine. El Sexmo is the oldest mine in the area and the last few years has changed its activity from extraction to tourism. After visiting the mine, we will have lunch at an old traditional house in Zaruma and will enjoy the local flavors of a coastal city greatly influenced by the flavors of the highlands. 

PM: After lunch, we will have some time to walk around the small picturesque streets of Zaruma. In the afternoon we will return to the yacht for our farewell dinner. Overnight sailing to Guayaquil.

AM: Our last day starts with breakfast overlooking the Guayas River in the Santa Ana harbor. After saying goodbye to our crew members, we will have our last disembark, but the expedition is not quite over. We will visit the city of Guayaquil also known as Pacific’s Pearl for an exploration of its vibrant lifestyle.

Despite being a fast-paced and modern city, Guayaquil preserves several beautiful historic areas, such as the Las Peñas neighborhood, which has become the bohemian center of the city showcasing small traditional coffee shops, bars and restaurants, art galleries, and handcrafts’ shops.

After a walk around the neighborhood, we will climb 444 steps to the top of Cerro Santa Ana where we will find the Lighthouse of Guayaquil and the small Chapel of Cerro Santa Ana, which crown las Peñas with amazing views of the city. The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice where your suitcases will be waiting for you.

PM: Our exploration journey along the Ecuadorian Coast begins in Guayaquil. A short walk from Puerto Santa Ana to the Las Peñas neighborhood will show us a well-preserved historical site located in the heart of a modern and vibrant city. 

Las Peñas is one of the few old neighborhoods that has survived pirate attacks, fires, and changes related to population growth. This bohemian neighborhood used to be home to wealthy families, but houses were later on transformed into small cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries, and handicraft shops. After a walk around the neighborhood, we will climb the 444 steps to the top of Cerro Santa Ana where we will find the Lighthouse of Guayaquil and the small Chapel of Cerro Santa Ana with amazing views of the city. 

At the end of the visit, we will go to Puerto Santa Ana harbor from where we will board M/Y Kontiki Wayra for check-in and a welcome cocktail. Our concierge will introduce you to our crewmembers, go over the yacht areas and assign the staterooms that will be your home for the next 8 days. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and an art show on the yacht.

AM: We start the day with breakfast on board and then, we will take a bus to Naranjito. The economy of Naranjito is based on agriculture, many export products are grown in its fertile lands such as bananas, coffee, pineapples, and cocoa. In this territory, we will visit a traditional Ecuadorian Coast hacienda. 

During our visit, a local guide will tell us why Ecuadorian cocoa is considered the best in the world and while we walk through the plantation we will learn about the characteristics of the different types of cocoa and the process of planting, harvesting, fermentation, and drying of the seed. Near the plantation we can find one of the three beautiful rivers that run through the property, we will float on a tube and go through the calm watercourse surrounded by beautiful trees, tropical flowers and if we are lucky, we will see three-toed sloths, iguanas, and many birds.

PM: In the afternoon we will have a gastronomic experience with organic ingredients produced in the property’s garden and our lunch will be complemented by a milking activity. Afterward, we will relax while we elaborate on our personalized chocolate bars with the guidance of an expert chocolatier. 

At the end of the day, we will return to the yacht to enjoy dinner on board. Overnight sailing to Puerto Bolívar.

AM: Early-bird breakfast on board, followed by disembarking in Puerto Bolivar where a bus will take us to Puyango Petrified Forest.

A walk through the forest is a travel in time. Once covered by the ocean,

Puyango Petrified Forest originated as a result of cataclysms and geological events from thousands of years ago which brought an incredible collection of marine fossils and petrified wood to the surface, believed to be the largest collection of petrified wood in the world.

By contrast, petrified fossils co-exist beautifully with live vegetation and animals in a tropical forest where you can see more than 130 species of birds and animals such as deer, small leopards, squirrels, foxes, armadillos, amphibians, and reptiles.

PM: After this visit, we will go to a nearby resort for a countryside-style lunch, and later we will go to an organic banana plantation in Hacienda Celia María, where we will learn the methods for organic production of bananas, the most exported fruit from Ecuador.

After this visit, we will return to the yacht for dinner on the main deck. For those who want to enjoy the peacefulness of the night, our guides will be in charge of carrying out a constellation observation activity on the sundeck after dinner. Overnight sailing to Playas.

AM: After breakfast, we will have a wet landing in the town of Playas in the province of Guayas. When we reach shore, we will observe some traditional rafts or “balsas” which are part of the tradition inherited from the Huancavilca Culture, skilled navigators who traded products such as cotton textiles, spondylus shells, and gold.

In Playas, we will visit a bodega (vineyard) that 13 years ago started experimenting in limestone soils where marine fossils are still found. One of the regions where viticulture was non-existing and now are re-writing all rules about winemaking, starting a revolution of New Latitute Wines.

We will have a guided tour with a local agronomist who will explain the crop production and will later visit the bodegas where wine is aged. The bodega’s premium wines will be the perfect pairing for the tasting menu that our chefs will prepare.

PM: In the afternoon we will go by bus to El Morro Wildlife Refuge, home of bottlenose dolphins and seabirds, where we will board small boats to navigate through the mangrove canals. Sea lions arrive in this area during the coldest time of the year, which usually runs from June to late October.

At the end of the day, we will return to the yacht to enjoy a delicious dinner and sail to Isla de la Plata at night.

AM: After breakfast on board, we will start our activities with a wet landing in Isla de la Plata which belongs to Machalilla National Park. Also known as Small Galapagos, Isla de la Plata holds natural treasures similar to those of the Galapagos. A walk through its trails will take us to nesting areas of Blue Footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Frigates.

After our land exploration, we will go back to the yacht for a light lunch al fresco with amazing views of the island.

PM: In the afternoon we will do a guided underwater snorkeling expedition to learn about the marine ecosystem on the island. We will be able to see a variety of marine species including giant stingrays, whale sharks, and during the mating season, we will be able to see humpback whales in the distance. Scuba diving is available by request at the time of booking.

Between June and November, our travelers will be able to see large groups of humpback whales as we sail along the coast. In the evening we will enjoy a Teppanyaki sunset party with the freshest seafood in the area. Overnight sailing to Puerto Lopez.

AM: The day will start in our sundeck with a breakfast. After, we will disembark in the harbor of Puerto Lopez where a bus will take us to Agua Blanca. This small community is home to archeological pieces from one of the oldest civilizations in South America, the Manteño Culture, which dates back to the year 1500 B.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 ceibos. At the end of the walk, we can swim in a natural sulfurous lagoon, which is believed to have wellness properties. Then we will go to Los Frailes beach. This crescent-shaped beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Ecuadorian coast with white sand, warm waters, and a great spot to snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or kayak. At the end of the visit in Los Frailes, we will return to the yacht for lunch on board.

PM: In the afternoon we will go to Salango Island for a guided snorkeling expedition. Salango Island has a 4 km beach and a spectacular view of the native birds and typical flora. During the excursion, we will be able to observe colorful fishes at the coral reef.

Once we finish these activities, we will return to the yacht to enjoy a cooking class on a traditional coastal recipe. Dinner will be served in our main deck with fresh local products. Overnight sailing to San Mateo.

AM: After breakfast on board, we will disembark in the harbor of San Mateo where a bus will take us to the Refuge of Coastal Marine Wildlife Pacoche. This visit is divided into two. The first visit is to the tropical 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.

The second visit takes place in the Reserve Lighthouse, where a short walk will take us through several lookout spots from which we will enjoy the amazing view of the coastal shoreline and neighboring beaches. San Lorenzo beach, next to the lighthouse is 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. 

Lunch will be served on-site with amazing views of the beach, and once again our executive chef will host a culinary experience using fresh local products and ancestral cooking.

PM: After lunch, we will take a bus that will take us to the small town of Pile, known for its community of artisan weavers who make the finest toquilla straw hats in the world. Incorrectly known as Panama hats, our straw hats were designated by UNESCO in 2012 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. We will visit the artisan’s homes which serve as shops and we will learn how their expert hands weave these beautiful handcrafts. After this visit, we will get back to the yacht for our farewell dinner. Overnight sailing to Manta.

AM: Our last day starts with breakfast while we observe the Pacific Ocean. After saying goodbye to the crewmembers, we will have the last disembarking at the city of Manta but that does not mean that the trip is over, a bus will take us to Santa Marianita beach.

Santa Marianita is a small coastal town located 15 minutes from the city of Manta. The community life is related to the fishing activity, however, in recent years the town has become popular among adventure lovers since, due to the characteristics of the area, it is possible to practice extreme sports such as kitesurf or windsurf. During our excursion, we will visit the beach and from there we will be able to observe Punta Cangrejo and Tarima hills, we will also be able to find birds such as pelicans, seagulls, and frigates. If you are interested in kitesurfing or paragliding, you can coordinate these activities with us before the trip.

The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice or to the airport where your luggage awaits you.