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Coastal Ecuador Spondylus Expedition - Kontiki Wayra
This intimate, eco-conscious expedition along Ecuador's coast is the perfect way to explore the country's wide array of flora, fauna, and phenomenal foods.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.4*
ECO SCORE
18
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Ecuador: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Kontiki Wayra
Experience a new concept in luxury ocean vacations focusing on conscious travel and immersive experiences, both under-the-water and on-land. This itinerary travels along the Ecuadorian coast and takes full advantage of the country’s wealth of flora, fauna, indigenous foods and cultural traditions while adhering to a philosophy of sustainability and giving back to communities. The programs are led by 13 experienced crew members committed to providing prime service for an unforgettable stay. Onboard, naturalist guides, a concierge, local chefs, and the crew add to the distinctive experience that will let you discover Ecuador’s Coastal region like no one has ever before.
- • Witness the intricate process of making the UNESCO-designated, world-renowned Toquilla straw hats by local artisans in Pile, offering a unique glimpse into Ecuador's craft traditions
• From an ancestral ritual to a hands-on pottery experience, this incredibly unique itinerary allows you to be truly immersed in the local culture.
• Enjoy a rich blend of land and marine wildlife exploration, snorkeling with giant stingrays and sea lions, and walking among Blue Footed Boobies and Frigatebirds.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
20% off all bookings now through February 2025, plus kids get 15% off! Ask us about other family friendly offers.
Rates:
From $8,628 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Departs weekly on Sundays from mid-August to mid-November;
Please inquire with your preferred dates.
August - November;
Hover here for specific dates.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Food
Onboard gastronomy showcases local flavors, with local ingredients sourced from small producers
Education
Partnered with the Real Madrid Foundation to provide academic support to local children
Conservation
Collaborating with "Mingas por El Mar", dedicated to preserving Ecuador's coastline
Itinerary
Day 1: Manta
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 8 days. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our executive chef onboard. Overnight sailing to Ayangue.
Day 2: Ayangue
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 at the beach of Ayangue and after a short beachwalk we will arrive at a charming place where we will learn about the Valdivia culture. This is a millenary culture that maintains an intact 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.
Day 3: Machalilla National Park
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 on the main deck. Sailing to Isla de la Plata.
Day 4: Isla de la Plata
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 a 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.
Day 5: Pacoche / San Lorenzo
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.
In the afternoon we will return to the yacht and enjoy some relaxing time and dinner onboard. Sailing to Bahía de Caráquez.
Day 6: Bahía de Caráquez
We start day 6 with breakfast onboard, before departing aboard our dinghies to Puerto Amistad in Bahía de Caráquez, where a land transfer will take us to Iche in San Vicente.
A gastronomic lab led by Fuegos Foundation, Iche was founded to educate local chefs in creating ‘haute cuisine' using ancestral techniques of food preparation. A gastronomic farm to table experience hosted by local chefs that will reveal a mix of history, tradition and the unique flavors of coastal cuisine. Cacao, salprieta, corviche, and chillangua are some of the local flavors that will add to our foodies' lexicon.
In the afternoon, we will get back to the yacht to relax at the sundeck and later on in the evening guests will enjoy a chocolate tasting and dinner. Sailing to Jaramijó.
Day 7: Jaramijó
We will start our day with a hearty breakfast onboard. Our last day of activities is designed for guests to enjoy the coastline, marine activities, and to do some local handicraft shopping. After breakfast we will disembark in the port of Jaramijó and head off to Montecristi, cradle of Liberalism in Ecuador and an important production center for toquilla handcrafts and home goods.
In Montecristi we will visit Ciudad Alfaro, a historic building dedicated to General Eloy Alfaro, one of the most important political figures in the republican era of Ecuador. After this visit to ciudad Alfaro, we will walk around Montecristi and their dozens of little shops featuring toquilla goods, such as tableware, bags, hair accessories, souvenirs, etc. This is a nice opportunity to do some local shopping. We will go back to the yacht for lunch and in the afternoon we will have free time to enjoy marine activities, relax at the hot tub, enjoy some spa treatments, and participate in an onboard cooking class with our chef. Farewell dinner and cocktail onboard. Overnight sailing to Manta.
Day 8: Manta
We will say our goodbyes early in the morning, as your transfer to the airport will be awaiting at Manta’s Port Authority (TPM). Check out and transfer to Manta’s airport or hotel of your choice.
Kontiki Wayra
M/Y Kontiki Wayra and her all-around elegance take savvy travelers into an extraordinary voyage of exploration and luxury. Her outdoor and indoor spaces transport guests to a haven of serenity and relaxation where one can easily connect with the surroundings and disconnect from the routine.
Waking up to panoramic views of the mesmerizing coastline while holding a cup of freshly ground local coffee, is just how a perfect day starts. Laying down to feel the ocean breeze and the equatorial sun while reading a book at the Chill Parlour is pure bliss. The bartender awaits, with a warm smile, at the Organic Bar in the sundeck displaying a tasting of his signature cocktails and local artisan beers, ready for guests to chill and enjoy the perfect sunset to the beat of live music.
Adventurers can be sporty kayaking or paddle boarding; can discover the underwater world snorkeling or scuba diving, and those who like a spike of adrenaline can slide down our colossal water slide from the sundeck or glide and dive in the open waters behind a Seabob.
Our “farm-to-table” and “dock-to-table” epicurean experiences can be enjoyed in our elegant dining area or al fresco in the sundeck. Organic local products sustainably sourced and tastefully prepared are the key ingredients for an unforgettable gastro-cultural escapade.
Capacity: 18 Guests
Cabins: 9 Cabins
Specialists: 13 crew including a wellness specialist and 2 expert guides
ACHIEVEMENTS
B Corp Certified
Member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection
"The Kontiki Wayra combines rustic elegance with immersive exploration, offering an extraordinary getaway for travelers eager to veer from the beaten path. She offers the comfort and amenities of a luxury voyage, but with an exclusive intimacy. Inside, guests will find warmly decorated cabins equipped with cutting-edge technology. The thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces offer perfect spots for relaxation, while the impressive array of water activities cater to the adventurous spirit. Whether you're lounging or exploring, this yacht promises an unforgettable journey!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
VERANDA LUXURY STATEROOM
19-sq.mt, upper deck; access through outdoor gallery; sliding glass door overlooking stern; king size bed or two twins; small outdoor living room; closet & storage space; automated lights; air conditioning; spacious bathroom with rain shower, hairdryer, & amenities.
From in USD:
$10,295pp
Travel way off the tourist path on this unique expedition up and down the Ecuadorian coast. The stunning Kontiki Wayra yacht is ready to satisfy all your top tier requests while you travel into some very remote and rarely visited regions. Fabulous on its own or add a shorter version to a Galápagos trip.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S 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 on- board 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 entertainment and automated lighting, shades and audio systems in each stateroom.
• All land and sea expeditions led by our two expert naturalist 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.
• Shuttle from hotel to port of Manta for check in and boarding.
• Check-out shuttle from the port of Manta to the hotel or airport.
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 Galápagos and neighboring countries.
• Gratuities to crew and guides.
