Mantaraya Lodge 3d/2n

Itinerary

Day 1

The journey begins with a 30-minute flight from Quito to Manta. You will be met by one of our qualified staff members and transferred by car to Machalilla National Park (a 3-hour drive). Along the road, we will stop to visit the legendary Panama hat makers of Montecristi, where you will learn about the fascinating history and art of this notable coast town weaving tradition.

We continue to Machalilla National Park through roads that offer splendid views of coastal Manabí, one of Ecuador’s largest and most spirited provinces. Upon your arrival at Mantaraya Lodge, a delicious lunch will be waiting.

After a well-deserved rest, our excursion leader will bring you to the small fishing village of Salango. This small town, located south of Puerto Lopez, has an interesting archaeological museum with samples collected at different sites inside and out of Machalilla National Park. In addition, the museum exhibits in chronological order the archeological ceramic vestiges of cultures that inhabited coastal Ecuador over 5,000 years ago. The community at Salango is involved in a project called the marine parcel, which is a shallow area located between Salango Hill and Salango Islet where you can snorkel, scuba dive, and practice fishing. After dinner, our excursion leader will offer a briefing on the activities that will take place the next day.

Day 2

We swap the mainland activities at Machalilla to explore the wonders at sea, as we head to Isla de la Plata. Isla de la Plata is an outstanding wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and other marine life. Our sea adventure begins at Puerto Lopez’s harbor where we embark on Mantaraya’s private yacht. Navigation to the island may last about one and half hours. There are several activities you can complete during this full day tour.

You can hike along trails on the island with our naturalist guide to learn more about the natural, geological and cultural history of Isla de La Plata. You can decide to take either the long or short trail. There is also plenty of time to go snorkeling and observe an interesting marine ecosystem around Drake’s Bay. If you just want to swim and relax on the beach, you will have the opportunity to do so as well. A box lunch and water is offered during the excursion. In the afternoon, our boat will take us back to Puerto Lopez where our private van will be waiting to transfer us back to Mantaraya Lodge. After dinner, our excursion leader will offer a briefing on the activities for the next day.

Day 4

This last day offers you the chance to visit the tropical forest, also known as a cloud forest On one trip, you may get a chance to see over 20 different bird species, learn about the local flora, and understand why this ecosystem is different from the others you have already visited. Venture into true tropical jungles along the Equator.

Lunch will be ready for you at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will have some time to pack and get ready to leave Machalilla National Park. The trip to Manta or Portoviejo Airport takes approximately 2 hours by car. On your arrival at the airport, our staff will take care of your ticket and boarding pass for your return to Quito.

Notes

  • These are optional excursions and activities not included in the cost of the program; please ask at the time of booking so that we can program these activities in advance.
  • After dinner, our excursion leader will give a briefing about the activities that will take place the next day, and if you are interested, a presentation regarding a special topic on Machalilla National Park.

  • If you are interested in scuba diving, please ask in advance, so we can make the necessary arrangements. Isla de la Plata has excellent locations for divers where you may see multicolored fish, rocky coral reefs, rays, and occasionally sharks. (This is an optional activity that is not included in the cost of the program. You will need to demonstrate your diving experience by presenting your PADI license).

Rates in 2018

 

double or triple

3d/2n program
$783/person
inquire

Single

3d/2n program
$1223/person
inquire

Children under 12 yrs

3d/2n program
$666/child
inquire
Quito, the capital of Ecuador is well connected to international destinations. The flight to Manta is a short 30-min local flight. A local transfer will meet passengers at the Manta airstrip for transportation to the lodge.
  • Transfers Manta – Lodge – Manta
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Meals described in the program
  • English-speaking Naturalist Guide
  • Daily activities as described in the program
  • Taxes included
  • Air tickets
  • Beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
Sustainable tourism is our commitment, as well as the protection of the environment and local communities are part of our daily tasks. Responsibility, ethics and good service is our best presentation card.

Certification in the tourism sector is a voluntary process, and as a tourism operator, we strive to maintain a base of suppliers that handle our same line of responsibility.

At Mantaraya Lodge, we manage good sustainable tourism practices which include a policy that communicates our commitment to the environment, a management plan of procedures and establishment resources, a training program and a raising level of employee awareness, as well as actions that involves local communities, the implementation of this philosophy has allowed us to certify our operations with: SMART VOYAGER – RAINFOREST ALLIANCE

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