Machalilla National Park and Whale Watching

This is the only coastal park in the country, created in 1979 to protect one of the last remaining habitats of its kind. Covering approximately 60.000 hectares, it combines many different climatological zones: desert, tropical dry forest, matorral and mountain wilderness areas and two off-shore coral islands that have some similarities to the Galapagos.

It is populated by a large variety of endemic flora and fauna like, guantas, iguanas and pumas, parrots, pelicans, frigates and a wide range of cacti, succulent bromeliads and flowering trees. Several natural bays and wide sandy beaches curve between the many rocky cliffs of its shores, the most famous being “Los Frailes”, a virgin, white-sanded beach with clear blue water. During our Machalilla national park tours we also show you the important archaeological sites such as Agua Blanca, the ancient seat of successive cultures, Valdivia, Guangala, Bahía, Chorrera and Manteña.

Day 1: Morning flight to Manta or Portoviejo. Private bus to lodging. Lunch. Visit archaeological museum and animal sanctuary at Salango. Return to lodge for swim and overnight accommodation. (L)

Day 2: Breakfast. Boat ride to Isla de la Plata, a 2-hour journey. From June to September we offer unique viewing of the Humpback whales off the coast of Machalilla accompanied by a naturalist guide. Hundreds of whales come up from the Antarctic to breed in the tropical waters of the Ecuadorian coast. On the islands one sees a multitude of sea birds: Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate birds, Pelicans and Petrels.  After disembarking on our Ecuador whale watching tour, we walk from Drake Bay to Playa Escondida, possibly seeing Albatross and Sea Lions on the way. Picnic lunch en route. Snorkeling to see the coral marine life. Return to lodge late afternoon. (B/L)

Day 3: Hike through tropical dry forest to see the characteristically bottle shaped trees (Prosopsis Juliflora), Kapok trees, Figs, Laurels and Palo Santo trees. In this strange-looking forest, 119 species of birds, deer, Guantas, Anteaters, Iguanas and Lizards, among others, have been recorded. If time allows, visit the beach of Los Frailes for a refreshing bath before returning to the lodge. (B/L)

Day 4: Visit Montecristi, a town famous for its Panama hat manufactory. Late afternoon/evening arrival in Quito. (B)

• Location:Nature and Wildlife Tours
• Duration:4 days / 3 nights
• Start / End:Quito / Quito
• Activities:Whale watching (from June to September), hikes and walks, snorkeling
• Highlights:Machalilla National Park, Agua Blanca archeological site, large variety of endemic flora and fauna
• Season:All year. Whale watching from June to September
• Included:Meals mentioned in itinerary, accommodation, transportation, all visits mentioned in itinerary
• Not Included:Tips, meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, personal expenses, airfare Quito-Manta/Portoviejo – Quito