Hafen
Manta

Our tour today begins with a drive along Manta’s “malecón” or promenade. Our guide enlightens us on the history of this area, which was home to pre-Columbian peoples such as the Valdivia culture, whose fragments of pottery are the oldest found anywhere in South America.

The archaeological site of Cerro Jaboncillo is unique because it allows observation of a distinct and complex society that was established in the area between 900 and 1500 AD. This developed society controlled large areas of Guayas and Manabi provinces in Ecuador. The Cancebí-Manteños acquired highly developed levels in their society practices and with their control of the sea extended their culture to the California Gulf, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

Visiting this place is an experience that mixes culture, tourism and nature. Located on the eastern slope of Cerro Jaboncillo, the area around the archaeological site features a variety of plants and animals that survive in a unique ecosystem that depends on water cycles, especially in the summer fog.

Immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture at an afternoon tea and traditional dance performance at the lovely Montecristi Golf Club. Depart from the pier for a brief drive through downtown Manta to Montecristi Golf Club or similar venue. While the canapés and sweets will vary depending on which ingredients are freshest, take your time savoring the flavors, which are representative of Ecuadorian cuisine. Following the tea, an Ecuadorian dance troupe will perform a variety of modern and traditional dances that reflect the multicultural character of the country. You'll notice the influence of African rhythms and Andean beats as the performers gracefully dance across the stage in brightly colored costumes. It's a captivating experience, so much so that you may be encouraged to try these ethnic Ecuadorian dances yourself. Feel free to step out on the stage after the show, as the dancers will be happy to teach you some of the steps. Afterwards, you'll drive back to the pier.

We depart the quayside and drive north to Bahía de Caráquez, where we board launches that will take us to Isla Corazón (Heart Island). This heart-shaped island (hence its name – “corazón”, meaning heart in Spanish) is located a few kilometers upstream in the Río Chone estuary and is a must-see for birdwatchers. There is an estimated number of 60 bird species on the island including native, migratory and congregational species during different periods of the year. Isla Corazón is part of an eco-tourism project, in which local fishermen have nurtured the mangroves and expanded their habitat on the island. This has been done to prevent further eradication of the mangrove swamps by the industry of shrimp farming. This private initiative, which was started by the local fishermen, is now a protected area by the government, the island can be visited on a guided tour led by the local fishermen. The Frigate bird colony has moved to a smallest islet called "Isla Fragatas" and it is only possible to be seen from the boat.

We return to the mainland to enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

With the pounding waves of the Pacific on one side, and the tranquil Río Chone River with its estuary on two other sides, Bahía has long lured visitors eager to be near the water. In 1998 this changed when the city was devastated by two natural disasters. Landslides caused by the intense El Niño storms of that year damaged -many homes. Shortly thereafter, a major earthquake struck, damaging more of the city's homes and businesses. More than simply rebuild, however, the community decided to reinvent itself, and in 1998 Bahía was proclaimed one of the world's first eco-cities. With a focus on sustainable development and tourism, recycling and reforestation, the city has won plaudits from around the world.

Explore the delightful sites, culture and people of Manta during this visit to picturesque Montecristi. Depart the pier for an introductory tour of Manta. Begin with a 10-minute visit to the Cancebi Museum, which highlights the local culture and ethnic origins of the area. Next, you'll drive along the scenic seaside promenade and through the suburbs to Montecristi's central square where you will find many artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewelry, colorful handicrafts and Panama hats. This beautiful little town is one of the highlights of the tour, it still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. Here we will have a demonstration of how the toquilla hats are made and then have some free time for shopping.

We proceed to a Cabuya plant weaving factory. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience as this traditional art is, unfortunately, quickly dying out. In the past, a vibrant industry existed where approximately 4,000 Cabuya plant bags were produced per day in the Manta area. Today there remains only this last remaining factory, producing 200 bags per week. After a short demonstration of the process, we are presented with our small natural bag – a unique reminder of beautiful Ecuador, and a perfect eco-friendly bag for carrying our items of our choice. Before returning to the ship, you'll visit a Tagua workshop. Tagua phytephas equatorialis is the nut of a 15-18 foot tall palm tree found in the tropical rain forests on the coast and Amazon lowlands of Ecuador. Tagua nuts were originally used as buttons because they have a color and consistency very similar to ivory, and could be dyed. Although button manufacturing is still the main source of income for the workshop, this unusual natural material is now fashioned by skilled craftsmen into a variety of small, reasonably-priced sculptures that provide a distinctive and unusual souvenir of your day.

Enjoy a fun-filled bus ride during this transfer via Chivas Bus to the sites and shops of picturesque Montecristi. The brightly-painted Chivas Bus was the most important means of transportation used by the local populace. They crisscrossed the country,offering reasonably-priced transportation between the towns along the coast and interior sections of Ecuador. Most will know a Chivas because of the small ceramic models sold in craft stores that are typically depicted overflowing with produce, suitcases and the odd basket of chickens tied to the top.

Today, a local band will ride atop one of the buses as you set off in a convoy for the short, 30-minute ride to fascinating Montecristi, home of the famous Panama hat. This beautiful little town is indeed the highlight of the tour, and still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. At Montecristi's central square, visit a Toquilla Hat workshop to learn about the hat making process, then we will visit many artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewelry, colorful handicrafts and Panama hats.

Coastal Ecuador is largely covered in dry forest, which makes the lush green Pacoche Forest all the more unique and ecologically complex. Forests such as Pacoche once covered vast areas of the coastal region and were home to an enormous wealth and diversity of species. Now they have been reduced to a dispersed chain of forest remnants under constant threat and facing an uncertain future.

We depart the quayside and travel via the coastal route to the Pacoche trailhead. Along the way, we take note of the predominant dry forest and the stark contrast between the dry and wet forest areas delineated by what looks like an invisible boundary, the change is so radical.

The Pacoche Lodge, located next to the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, offers a private glimpse into this fascinating ecosystem. During our guided hike through the forest around the lodge, we’ll keep our eyes out for howler monkeys and dozens of bird species.

We will also see a “trapiche”, the machine used to extract juice from sugar cane, enjoy a quick demonstration of Panama Hat weaving techniques and see how the Ivory nut is used to produce a number of different eco-friendly end products – from traditional handcrafts, jewellery to shirt buttons.

After this visit we return to the ship.

Relax on magnificent San Clemente Beach, a pristine stretch of sand where you are free to do whatever you please, from beach combing to simply lying in the sun.

Although San Clemente Beach is close to the equator, the temperatures here usually remain in the 70's and 80's because of the cooling Humboldt Current, which runs up the west coast of South America from Antarctica. During your time at this pristine beach, you might sunbathe, read, swim or do nothing more energetic than sip a cool drink.

While there isn't much natural shade on the beach itself, you will have access to the Palmazul Hotel, whose property is dotted with palm trees. On the beach, shaded lounge chairs are provided by the hotel, or if you prefer you may relax on the sand or next to the pool. Three complimentary soft-drinks will also be provided. After your time at San Clemente Beach, you'll transfer back to the pier.

Depart the pier for a ride deep into the province of Manabi, away from the ocean, to a place where the mountain supports one of the most ancient products of the Ecuadorian history: The Cacao. Visit a local cacao farm where you will be able to walk through the plants, learn about the importance of this fruit on the Ecuadorian history and economy, and have the chance to taste a bit of the origins of the chocolate.

After this visit, continue to a chocolate workshop and store, where you will prepare your own chocolate bar, mixing the different elements with the delicious Ecuadorian chocolate. Take the bar with you as a souvenir from Ecuador.

Finally, take the bus to return to the ship.

Discover the archeological and natural site of Cerro Jaboncillo during this half-day excursion.

Manta City Drive

Begin with a drive along Manta's "malecón" or promenade. Your guide will enlighten you on the history of this area, which was home to pre-Columbian peoples such as the Manteña culture, whose fragments of pottery are the oldest found anywhere in South America.

Continue with an approximately one hour scenic drive to Picoazá, where the archeological site of Cerro Jaboncillo is located.

Cerro Jaboncillo

The archaeological site of Cerro Jaboncillo is unique because it allows observation of a distinct and complex society that was established in the area between 900 and 1500 AD. This developed society controlled large areas of Guayas and Manabi provinces in Ecuador. The Cancebí-Manteños acquired highly developed levels in their society practices and with their control of the sea extended their culture to the California Gulf, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

Private Director's Lecture

Upon arrival at the site, take part in an enriching private lecture, hosted by the Archeological site project´s Director, who will share his experience. At Cerro Jaboncillo, they are making huge efforts to promote and keep the pre-Hispanic cultural treasure, as well as leading many projects to keep developing and spreading their ideas in similar areas of Ecuador´s Coastal region.

Hiking through the archeological site

Visiting this place is an experience that mixes culture, tourism and nature. Located on the eastern slope of Cerro Jaboncillo, the area around the archaeological site features a variety of plants and animals that survive in a unique ecosystem that depends on water cycles, especially in the summer fog. Enjoy an approximately one hour hike through the site.

Following your visit, depart Cerro Jaboncillo and drive approximately 20 minutes to Portoviejo.

Portoviejo

Portoviejo houses over 200,000 inhabitants and is the capital of the Manabi Province, in the country is known as the city of the "Royal Tamarind Trees" for the trees found in the area. The city is a large commercial center for the province. It is the opportunity to enjoy delicious tastes, the diversity of ingredients is one of the keys to Manabi cuisine, though undoubtedly green plantains are the stars among the preparations including combinations with many local ingredients such as crushed and/or roasted peanuts, corn, cassava, pumpkin, seafood, pork etc.

Local snack

Stop for a  snack at a local restaurant which includes traditional manabita dishes such as: cheese or chicken turnovers, green plantain dumplings, corn pie, cooked green plantain rolls stuffed with seafood or pork and tamales.

Finally drive approximately 75 minutes back to the ship.

Depart the pier for the approximately one hour drive to the south of Manta to reach Santa Marianita, an open beach with clear blue sea.

Enjoy the warm waters of Santa Marianita Beach. Admire the unique landscape, including Punta Cangrejo and Tarima. Spot birds such as seagulls, pelicans, frigates, among others.

Sip one of the author-cocktails and join a delicious cooking demonstration where you will learn how to use plantain and manioc in the manabita diet. Experience the Manabi gastronomy and prepare your own snack.

Experience picturesque Montecristi, Ciudad Alfaro Memorial Museum and the first Ecuadorian railroad´s story, it all on board a unique and fun new way during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion by Chivas bus. A private Panama hat weaving demonstration included.

Chivas Bus   

Depart the pier aboard a Chivas bus for scenic, approximately 60-minute ride to Montecristi and Ciudad Alfaro Memorial Museum. Montecristi is wide known as home of toquilla straw hats, or 'Panama' hats. En route, a local band rides atop one of the brightly-painted Chivas buses, the most important means of transportation used by the local people.

Ciudad Alfaro

It´s a cultural symbolic park with Historical and Ethnographic museums, created in homage to the greatest national and Latin American historical hero, General Eloy Alfaro Delgado (1895 - 1912). The complex is located on the slopes of the Montecristi's hill at about 240 meters above sea level, from which we will have beautiful a view of town and the coastal bandage over the horizon.

But Ciudad Alfaro is more than a Memorial Museum. In fact, it was built up to preserve Eloy Alfaro´s most iconic and unprecedent work that still endures over time, the first Ecuadorian railroad, carried out during the early 1900´s.

You will find a classic engine and a telling story of the Devil´s Nose Pass, one of the most unique train routes in the world, and certainly one of the best known in South America. While constructing the Quito-Guayaquil train line in the early 20th Century, the engineers were faced with a major obstacle - The Andes. With no clear path into and out of the forbidding range, the engineers finally decided to tackle the problem head on. They created a series of switchbacks that allow the train to navigate a 45-degree rock slope while descending over 2,600 feet. It´s one of the most spectacular journeys through one of Ecuador's most scenic landscapes.

Panama Hat Waving Demonstration

Next, have a glance of the Panama hat weaving demonstration, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Reboard the Chiva bus to return to the quayside.

Discover the flavours of Ecuadorian and Manabita coffee during this memorable, half-day excursion to an organic coffee hacienda.

Coffee Farm and Plantation Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive from the warm coast to the humid inland forests of Manabi, which offer the ideal weather in which a third of the nation's coffee is grown. A manager greets your arrival at the hacienda, and escorts you on a guided walking tour of the farm and its coffee plantation. Along the way, learn about the different types of coffee cultivation, seed classes, colours and sizes, how coffee beans are collected directly from the plant, and selecting the finest beans.

Coffee Tasting

Following your guided tour, proceed for a tasting of artisanal coffee.

Toquilla Hat Demonstration

Afterwards, continue to the Toquilla hat demonstration venue. A demonstration is held in real time and space: You will witness the preparation of the toquilla straw to get the fine strands that will become hats. Then take part in a demonstration of the world's finest weaving techniques, in which you will be able to participate. The visit will allow you to observe and analyze all spatial, symbolic and functional characteristics of straw-hat weaving.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Manta, the fishing capital of Ecuador, is ready to show you the large amount of fish species available in the area.

Fish Market

Travel from the pier to the Manta´s fish market. The fish market of the city brings together all the fishing boats that after a long night at sea, are selling their catches. First, watch how the locals move the fish from the boat the stalls.

Fish Factory

Continue to the Manta´s fish factory, where technology, structure and processes bring together quality and control. See how the fish is cleaned, processed and packaged to be exported to the international market.

Casa Rosada Restaurant

Finally, reach Casa Rosada, the most historic restaurant of the city, where a nice view, a great environment and delicious snack are waiting for you.

Experience the amazing biodiversity and flavours of Ecuador during this immersive, full-day S.A.L.T. Program organic farm excursion with an exclusive lunch at Bocavaldivia.

Manta, Manabí Coast, Puerto La Boca, Machalilla National Park, Bocavaldivia

Your S.A.L.T. Program experience begins with a scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive south along the picturesque Manabí Coast en route to Puerto La Boca, a fishing village bordering Machalilla National Park. From here, head for a visit to Bocavaldivia, a vast, oceanfront agroforestry project and tropical forest reserve located on the coast of Manabí amidst some of Ecuador's richest biodiversity.

Beach-Fishing with Nets, Tropical Forest Hike

Upon arrival, wearing your swimming suit, proceed for a beach fishing experience with nets, accompanied by local fishermen. Change into hiking clothes and continue with a guided hike through the tropical forest, exploring exotic flora and fauna, edible and medicinal plants, and more.  

Six-Course Lunch Paired with Wines

Following your tour, proceed for the highlight of your visit, an exclusive, seven-course Ecuadorian-style lunch with wine pairings personally prepared by Chef Pacheco. The menu encapsulates the chef's understanding and concern for the eco-system through his award-winning gastronomy, and utilises the fish, shellfish, and various vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs found on the property. At the conclusion of your S.A.L.T. Program excursion, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

About Bocavaldivia Owners, Chef Rodrigo Pacheco & Dayra Reyes

Chef Rodrigo Pacheco is the UN FAO Ambassador for Latin America & the Caribbean, an environmentalist, and a staunch advocate for the urgent restoration of our world's ecosystems. An award-winning, French-trained chef who honed his skills at several Michelin-starred restaurants in France and starred in the Netflix special, 'The Final Table', Chef Pacheco also runs the Foresta restaurant in Quito, Ecuador. After returning to his native Ecuador from France, Chef Pacheco created Bocavaldivia with his wife, Dayra Reyes. Together, they have spent the past decade transforming this idyllic property into an almost entirely self-sufficient food jungle.

Extending from the ocean to the cloud forest, everything at Bocavaldivia is rooted in sustainability, from the artisanal fishing techniques Rodrigo and Dayra utilise to the organic gardens they have built. At any given moment, they employ more than 80 different types of flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, and vegetables to create elaborate meals that reflect the edible story of this impressive landscape.

Explore Manta at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Manta at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the rich history, culture and people of Manta during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Manta and Archaeological Museum

Depart the pier for a short drive around Manta en route to the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank of Manta. The museum boasts a small but excellent collection of ceramics of the Manteño-Huancavilca culture that flourished here between 800 and 1550 A.D. Other local art expositions can also be found on display.

Chorrillo and Cabuya Plant-Weaving

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to a cabuya plant-weaving factory in Chorrillo. Your visit is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as this traditional art is, unfortunately, rapidly dying out. In the past, this vibrant local industry prompted the production of approximately 4,000 cabuya plant bags per day in the Manta area. Today, this is the last remaining factory and produces 200 bags per week.

Montecristi Golf Club and Private Artisan Fair

Your tour continues with a drive along the picturesque seaside promenade, and a visit to a Private Artisan Fair at the Montecristi Golf Club. Observe artisans demonstrating the weaving of toquilla straw hats, or 'Panama' hats, and meet taqua nut carvers demonstrating their skills. The versatile tagua nut is used to produce a number of different eco-friendly products, from traditional handicrafts to jewellery and shirt buttons.

Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair can explore the rich history and traditions of scenic Manta during this half-day, ADA-friendly sightseeing excursion.

Manta, Archaeological Museum, Ceramics, Local Art

Depart the pier in an ADA-approved vehicle for a short orientation drive around Manta en route to the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank of Manta. This museum boasts a small but superb collection of ceramics of the Manteño-Huancavilca culture that flourished here between 800 A.D. and 1550 A.D. Other local art expositions can also be found on display.

Chorillo, Cabuya Plant-Weaving Factory Tour & Demonstration, Seaside Promenade

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to a cabuya plant-weaving factory in Chorrillo. Your visit is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as this traditional art is, unfortunately, rapidly dying out. In the past, this vibrant local industry prompted the production of approximately 4,000 cabuya plant bags per day in the Manta area. Today, this is the last remaining factory and produces 200 bags per week. Following your guided tour and a cabuya plant-weaving demonstration, your tour continues with a drive down the picturesque seaside promenade.

Golf Club, Private Artisan Fair, Panama Hat-Weaving, Taqua Nut-Carving, Shopping

A final stop is made at a private artisan fair at the Montecristi Golf Club. During your visit, observe artisans demonstrating the weaving of toquilla straw hats, or 'Panama' hats, and taqua nut carvers demonstrating their skills. The versatile tagua nut is used to produce a number of diverse, eco-friendly products, from traditional handicrafts to jewellery and shirt buttons. Following the demonstrations, some free time is made available to browse the Panama hats and tagua-nut handicrafts available for sale. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.