Day 1: Quito to Manta city by plane and to Machalilla

Early in the morning we depart by plane from Quito to Manta. Pick up at the airport and continue to Montecristi, where the famous Panama Hats are actually made, Yes! Panama Hats actually originate from Montecristi, where they are hand made by local trades people, in the stores you can see how people make the hats from raw materials and its preparation and then woven into the iconic shape. Good opportunity to get your own fine handmade hat. Next, we will stop at “La Pila”, where we can find some archeological pieces of a pre-Incan culture. In the afternoon, we continue to the fishing village of Puerto Lopez. Visit the Salango museum. Overnight in the area.

Day 2: Machalilla National Park – Los Frailes beach and Agua Blanca eco-village

In the morning we will visit the secluded white sands at the beautiful Los Frailes beach. You can walk along the beach on the far side where there is a trail up to the lookout point with gorgeous views. Lots of wildlife and Sunshine, the water temperature, the scenery, the quiet environment, all of this makes it a wonderful retreat from everything. For sports enthusiasts you can snorkel, jog along the 2 mile coast and, or swim the 1.5 miles line between each side of the peninsula.

After having a local lunch in the area we can visit the eco-village and archeological site of Agua Blanca, located on the Spondylus Route/Trail which is all along the coast and follows the tracks of the Indigenous civilizations that once lived here. If you’re not into archaeological sites or community projects, you can always go to the sulfur baths for a natural spa treatment in the natural surroundings of the dry forest. This is a peaceful excursion. Enjoy the feeling of walking in the shade of trees and feeling the breeze on a hot day. Fences made out of tree trimmings complete the picturesque scenery. Return to Puerto Lopez. Overnight in the area.

Day 3: Machalilla National Park – Isla de la Plata

Full day excursion to the island “La Plata” which is considered by many a small version of the famous “Galapagos Islands” -whale watching can be done from July through September – Here we find many species of birds such as blue and red – footed boobies, frigates and tropical birds can be spotted on the trails of the Isla de la Plata. Snorkeling activities are included. Return to Puerto Lopez and overnight in the area. – Navigation time is approximately two and a half hours from Puerto Lopez one way in speed boats.

Day 4: Machalilla – Salinas beach

In the morning we will continue, following the sun’s path heading south west, passing by the many villages known for their surfing all around the world such as Manglar Alto, Montañita, Engabao among others. We arrive in the afternoon to Salinas. Time to relax in this nice place. Overnight in Salinas.

Day 5: Salinas to Guayaquil half day city tour

Departure to Guayaquil, the most important city on the Pacific shore of Ecuador. We visit the main attractions such as the lookout point of the “Barrio Las Peñas”, the spectacular Guayas river boardwalk, Parque de Las Iguanas, famous for the playful and always curious green iguanas. Afternoon, transfer to the airport, return to Quito or continue to your next destination.