SPONDYLUS EXPEDITION

THE SPONDYLUS EXPEDITION
Full Itinerary (8 days / 7 nights)

Sea expeditions through five provinces of the Coast of Ecuador that will make us float away even with our feet on the ground. Unique places, pristine beaches, ecological reserves and natural treasures await at every stop. A seldom-traveled cultural route, curated along destinations marked by sustainability.
The Spondylus Route, or the southern route, starts in Guayaquil every other Sunday. Spondylus takes its name from the spondylus shell that served as local currency due to its rare value. Guayaquil, Puerto Bolívar, Playas, Isla de la Plata, Puerto Lopez, San Mateo and Manta are some of locations that we will explore during our sea adventure.

DAY 1 - Sunday
Guayaquil

Our exploration journey along the Ecuadorian Coast begins in Guayaquil. A short walk from Puerto Santa Ana to 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 handcrafts’ 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 artistic show on the yacht.

DAY 2 - Monday
Guayaquil/Naranjito – Puerto Bolívar

We start the day with a breakfast onboard 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 land 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.
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.
In the afternoon we will relax while we elaborate our own personalized chocolate bars with the guidance of an expert chocolatier. At the end of the day, we will return to the yacht to enjoy a dinner on board.
Overnight sailing to Puerto Bolívar.

DAY 3 - Tuesday
Puerto Bolívar – Playas

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 than130 species of birds and animals such as deer, small leopards, squirrels, foxes, armadillos, amphibians and reptiles.
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 the organic production of bananas, the most exported fruit from Ecuador.
After this visit, we will return to the yacht for dinner in 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.

DAY 4 - Wednesday
Playas – Isla de la Plata

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 wine making, 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.
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 to 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.

* Visits to the vineyard are restricted from February to April. 
This activity is subject to weather conditions. In case the weather is not appropriate for the visit, it will be replaced by other activities.

DAY 5 - Thursday
Isla de la Plata – Puerto Lopez

After breakfast onboard, 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 a light lunch al fresco with amazing views of the island.
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 afternoon we will enjoy a Teppanyaki sunset party with the freshest seafood of the area.
Overnight sailing to Puerto Lopez.

DAY 6 - Friday
Puerto Lopez – San Mateo

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 of 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.
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 of a traditional coastal recipe.
Dinner will be served in our main deck with fresh local products.
Overnight sailing to San Mateo.

DAY 7 - Saturday
San Mateo – Manta

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 in two. 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.
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.

DAY 8 - Sunday
Manta

Our last day stars with a 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 prior to the trip.
The expedition ends with a land transfer to the hotel of your choice or to the airport where your luggage awaits you.
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