Amazon Adventures

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands / Jungle Lodges / Active Adventures
Traditional Tours & Hotels

Mantaraya Lodge - Machalilla National Park

Machalilla Park Is physically and biologically very similar to the Galapagos, as several books have described it. It is the only place in the world, besides the Galapagos, where Waved Albatrosses nest (April to November). Other birds also nest here, such as the red billed tropic bird and the largest colony of frigate birds. In addition, the waters around the Isla de la Plata are a playground for more than eleven different species of marine mammals, including a small colony of sea lions. From June to October, Humpback Whales from Antarctica congregate here to bear their young and court, with spectacular displays of breaching and spy-hopping, while competing for the females' attention. Several species of resident porpoises can be observed year around. The coral reef around the Isla de la Plata and on the adjacent coast is the only coral reef off mainland Ecuador. This coral reef can be explored with scuba or snorkel gear. A spectacular
biodiversity of underwater marine life exists because the Humboldt current flowing from the south meets the northbound warm El Niño current. Big game fishing is great too, with world records for marlins and other coastal species caught here.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

DAY 01: Flight from Quito to Manta or Portoviejo. Arrival and immediate departure by bus to Machalilla National Park, visiting on the way the Montecristi village, famous “Panama Hats” manufacturers. Accommodation at Mantaraya Lodge. Lunch, and in the afternoon, visit to the Salango Museum. Back to the hotel, briefing and dinner.

DAY 02: Breakfast. Full day visit to Isla de la Plata. Walk on trails. Box lunch. Swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back to Puerto López to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 03: Breakfast. Visit to the in situ archaeological Museum of Agua Blanca. Lunch. Visit to Los Frailes beach (snorkel). Back to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 04: Breakfast. Visit to the Ayampe River rain forest. Lunch. Visit to La Playita (snorkel).
Back to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 05: After breakfast, visit to Salango beach (snorkel). Lunch and early departure by bus
to Portoviejo or Manta to take the return flight to Quito.

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

DAY 01: Flight from Quito to Manta or Portoviejo. Arrival and immediate departure by bus
to Machalilla National Park, visiting on the way the Montecristi village, famous “Panama Hats” manufacturers. Accommodation at Mantaraya Lodge. Lunch and in the afternoon, visit to the Salango Museum. Back to the hotel, briefing and dinner.

DAY 02: Breakfast. Full day visit to Isla de la Plata. Walk on trails. Box lunch. Swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back to Puerto López to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 03: Breakfast. Visit to the in situ archaeological Museum of Agua Blanca. Lunch. Visit to
Los Frailes beach (snorkel). Back to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 04: After breakfast, visit to Ayampe River rain forest. Lunch and early departure by bus
to Portoviejo or Manta to take the return flight to Quito.

3 DAY / 2 NIGHTS

DAY 01: Flight from Quito to Manta or Portoviejo. Arrival and immediate departure by bus to Machalilla National Park, visiting on the way Montecristi village, famous “Panama Hats” manufacturers. Accommodation at Mantaraya Lodge. Lunch and in the afternoon, visit to the Salango Museum. Back to the hotel, briefing and dinner.

DAY 02: Breakfast. Full day visit to Isla de la Plata. Walk on trails. Box lunch. Swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back to Puerto López to Mantaraya Lodge, briefing and dinner.

DAY 03: Visit to Los Frailes beach (snorkel). Lunch and early departure by bus to Portoviejo
or Manta to take the return flight to Quito.

CLIMATE: The location and geographic configuration as well as the influence of the marine currents of Humboldt and El Niño are responsible for a climate with many local variations between the coast and the mountain area. The average prevailing temperature is 66°F (19°C) in the mountain area and 75°F (24°C) along the coast. Relative humidity varies between 75% and 98%, with more humidity in the highlands. The average annual rainfall varies between 300 mm on the coast and 1200 mm in the highlands.
LUGGAGE: One standard suitcase is recommended plus a handbag and reasonable suitcase and store additional luggage at the city’s hotels.
DOCUMENTS: Valid passports, Identification Cards for citizens and/or residents of Ecuador.
WHAT TO WEAR: Informal clothing at all times. Comfortable light cottons. Short and long sleeve blouses and shirts. Jeans, shorts and swim wear. A light jacket or sweater for cool nights. Good walking shoes for excursions. You should bring protective sun lotions, a light hat and insect repellent.
ACCESSORIES: Sunglasses, camera and plenty of film. Waterproof bags to protect
your equipment. Binoculars. Alarm clock. Flashlight. Maybe a small tape recorder.
Snorkeling equipment like mask, fins, snorkel.
CURRENCY: U.S. Dollars are needed for bar or handicraft shopping. Travelers checks or
Credit Cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at the hotel.
VACCINATIONS: Consult your doctor about preventive medication.
TIPPING: As in many places, gratuities are customary, but entirely at guest’s discretion.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. The programs described herein are subject to change without notice, and can be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of passengers interest and safety.
4. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay at the hotel, free of charge.
5. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
are available at extra cost.
6. Electricity is 110 volts AC at the hotel.

Mantaraya Lodge is located at the Machalilla National Park in the Province of Manabi, 15 minutes drive from Puerto Lopez. Its construction is a Mediterranean style. The hotel has capacity for 42 passengers, accommodated in 15 rooms, which can be used as Single, Double, Triple or Quadruple. Rooms are very ample and have either a balcony or terrace with a hammock, fan, as no air conditioning is needed due to its size, private bath with hot water. Passengers can enjoy the swiming pool and savor Ecuadorian and international food at the restaurant. There is also a living room with television and cable
Activities Available: Diving, Biking, Kayaks, Birdwatching, Fishing, Museums, Handcrafts