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Kontiki + La Selva
11 DAYS PROGRAM QUITO, KONTIKI CRUISE & LA SELVA LODGE
“Kontiki + La Selva”
Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms.
The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries.
11 DAYS PROGRAM QUITO, KONTIKI CRUISE & LA SELVA LODGE
ITINERARY
DAY 1 TRANSFER IN
Upon arrival to the city of Quito, you will be met by one of our representatives, who will transfer you to your hotel to settle in.
DAY 2 CITY TOUR & MIDDLE OF THE WORLD MONUMENT + INTIÑAN MUSEUM & CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE (B,L)
Your guide will pick you up from the hotel to discover one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito will charm you with its beautiful colonial district and welcoming residents. You will visit some of the most amazing places the city has to offer. Independence Square, or Plaza de La Independencia, is surrounded by the central powers of government, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Presidential Palace, and the Cathedral. This beautiful square is very much the cultural heart of Ecuador.
Along the way, you will visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesus. This Jesuit temple is perhaps one of the most impressive temples in Latin America. Built-in a baroque style, it is one of the finest examples of art in Latin America. There isn’t a single space that is without ornamentation, and all of the pieces are delicately crafted. You will be amazed by the main altar and the gold leaf used throughout the entire church. Continuing our tour of the colonial district you will visit San Francisco square. Once the most important place of commerce in the city, now the square is a quiet place to reflect on Quito’s colonial splendor nestled within the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Here you will find the church and monastery of San Francisco, one of the oldest Catholic complexes in Latin America. Our next stop on this tour has gone by many names. First known as “Yavirac” by Quito’s ancient original residents, it was renamed “Panecillo” by the Spaniards since its perfect shape resembles a small bun. Here, a replica of renowned sculptor Bernardo Legarda’s Virgin watches over the city and protects it from the heights.
Lunch Local Restaurant.
After a delicious meal, you will continue a visit to Pacari where you enjoy a chocolate experience.
Later witnessing the panoramic view of the city we will continue towards the “Mitad del Mundo”, the Middle of the World. A monument dedicated to the French geodesic mission that visited Ecuador in the 18th century and determined the point where the equatorial line divided the two hemispheres. Don’t miss this unique chance to get a selfie while in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. After visiting the Mitad del Mundo city, we will visit the Intiñan Museum where you will learn more about the indigenous culture of Ecuador and you will be able to participate in some unique experiments that can only be done at latitude 0°.
Finally, you will be driven back to your hotel.
DAY 3 TRANSFER OUT – FLIGHT TO MANTA (B,D)
KONTIKI CRUISE – SPONDYLUS PROGRAM 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS
A private transfer will be arranged from the hotel to the airport to connect with your flight to Manta city.
Transfer with guide. At Quito International Airport, you will be met by one representatives in the National departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey.
Manta – Ayangue
Begin your unforgettable journey of coastal Ecuador in Manta, a significant port and tourism hub known for its world-renowned tuna fishing industry. Our shuttle takes you to Manta’s Port Authority (TPM), where you’ll board the M/Y Kontiki Wayra. After a warm welcome and introduction to the crew, you’ll be shown to your staterooms, your home for the next five days. The day concludes with a sumptuous welcome dinner prepared by our onboard executive chef. Overnight, we set sail for Ayangue, marking the start of this extraordinary exploration.
Overnight sailing to Ayangue
DAY 4 KONTIKI CRUISE ON BOARD (B,L,D)
Ayangue – Machalilla National Park
Day 2 unfolds in Ayangue, known as the Pacific’s Pool. After breakfast onboard, we’ll snorkel around nearby islet El Pelado, swimming with local sea lions and exploring underwater marvels. Between June and October, you might spot humpback whales.
After lunch on the yacht and some ocean club activities, we’ll land on Ayangue’s beach. A short walk leads us to a pottery workshop where we’ll learn about the ancient Valdivia culture and create our own clay handcraft. The day ends with dinner back on the yacht.
Overnight sailing to Machalilla National Park
DAY 5 KONTIKI CRUISE ON BOARD (B,L,D)
Machalilla National Park – Isla de la Plata
Post-breakfast, we’ll visit Agua Blanca in Machalilla National Park, home to archaeological relics from the ancient Manteño Culture. A short forest walk reveals local flora and fauna, and we’ll partake in a purifying ancestral ritual guided by community shamans.
After lunch on the yacht, we’ll spend the afternoon enjoying marine activities at the private beach of Machalilla National Park’s islets. The day concludes with a beautiful sunset and dinner on the yacht’s main deck*.
Overnight sailing to Isla de la Plata.
DAY 6 KONTIKI CRUISE ON BOARD (B,L,D)
Isla de la Plata – Pacoche / San Lorenzo
Following breakfast, we’ll visit Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park, home to various bird species. After lunch on the yacht, we’ll snorkel to explore the island’s marine life including stingrays, whale sharks, and turtles. From June to October, we might spot humpback whales. Scuba diving is available upon request. We’ll end the day with a sunset party*, enjoying fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
Overnight sailing to Pacoche / San Lorenzo.
DAY 7 KONTIKI CRUISE ON BOARD & FLIGHT TO QUITO (B, L)
Pacoche / San Lorenzo – Manta
Post breakfast onboard, we’ll visit the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, hike through its tropical forest and observe howling monkeys. We’ll then head to San Lorenzo, a significant marine turtle nesting site in Ecuador. After a unique culinary experience in a Manabita ancestral oven, we’ll learn about the weaving of the world-renowned Toquilla straw hats in Pile. The day ends with a transfer to Manta’s airport or your chosen hotel.
Upon arrival to the city of Quito, you will be met by one of our representatives, who will transfer you to your hotel to settle in.
DAY 8 TRANSFER OUT – FLIGHT TO COCA
LA SELVA 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS (B,BL,D)
A private transfer will be arranged from the hotel to the airport to connect with your Amazon flight. Transfer with guide. At Quito International Airport, you will be met by one of La Selva representatives in the National departure area. Here they will assist you with the check-in process and give you a short briefing about the journey.
After a 30 minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, the representative will transfer you by private transportation to the city’s main dock at the Napo River.
The next two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon.
At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva’s main dock and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins and the final leg of the trip to the lodge will be completed in a paddle canoe. The only thing you must take care of during this part of the trip is your carry-on and camera equipment, all other luggage will be transported by La Selva staff. The manager will be waiting to greet you with a refreshing juice, snacks and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva.
Intro to the Rainforest, one of the Naturalist Guides will give you basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived to.
Matapalo Trail was given the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of many remarkable trees that you can find on this short walk. Mahogany trees over 400 years old can be seen and your guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. Due to the time of day there is great natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.
The dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course.
DAY 9 LA SELVA LODGE FULL DAY (B,L,D)
We will walk into to the forest, after a 20 minute walk the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.
On the way back from the tower there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
There is also the option of visiting the beautiful lagoon of Mandi Cocha. A hike of about 1 hour takes you to the lagoon where an Igapo Forest is present, meaning that the forest is temporarily flooded by black water. Different species of birds and even giant otters can be seen here. Charapa trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys and birds can been seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.
At the night you will have a canoe ride with the help of a spot light your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!
DAY 10 LA SELVA LODGE FULL DAY (B,L,D)
Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment.
After the clay licks we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share their life of the Kichua’s in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.
Garzacocha Lagoon is one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here there are many chances to see monkeys and birds and sometimes families of squirrel monkeys join capuchin monkeys looking for food. The tremendous calls of the Howler monkeys can be heard in the afternoon and the smallest monkey in the world, the Pigmy Marmoset can be seen here too. Plenty of birds like the Hoatzin, toucans or macaws can also be seen flying overhead. On a night walk we give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon Jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience.
Our manager will provide you all the necessary information about your departure procedure for the next morning.
DAY 11 LA SELVA LODGE – FLIGHT TO QUITO (B)
In accordance to your briefing the night before, you will have an early wake up call, breakfast and departure from the lodge.
The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage and the motorized canoe ride will head upstream back to Coca, where our representatives will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.
End Services
11 DAYS PROGRAM QUITO, KONTIKI CRUISE & LA SELVA LODGE
Prices 2025
Prices per Person
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Starting From |
USD 4,889
|
- All prices are subject to availability. Rates must be reconfirmed before booking.
- Rates are not applicable for holidays Easter, Christmas, and New Year.
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
TripAdvisor Reviews
What our customers say
Karen
We had a wonderful time in the Galapagos and are recommending it to our friends.
Karen
March 2023
Read more “Karen”
Terri Grant
Gabriela,
Thank you for your great planning for our entire almost 3 week trip! Loved the personal care we received in Peru. Tours, hotels and restaurants were all excellent. Thank you so very much!
Terri Grant
Terri Grant
September 2023Read more “Terri Grant”
Sharon Berg
Dear Pablo,
Now that I’ve been home a few days, it’s time to write and say thank you for arranging a wonderful trip to Ecuador for us. The few days spent in Quito were interesting and we learned a lot about Ecuador and its history. We were happy that changes we wanted to make to the itinerary were done to our complete satisfaction. The visit to the mercado Santa Clara was very special. We enjoy seeing all the unusual fruits and vegetables we don’t have in Israel. Visiting the Oswaldo Guayasamin Chapel of Man was wonderful and I think it should be on most itineraries. Arranging for us to visit the home and studio of Trude Sojka is very much appreciated. The cooking class was fantastic. Our visit to Yumbos chocolate was a delicious treat and should also be on most itineraries. I think it’s safe to say that most people like chocolate and Ecuadorian cacao is supposedly the best in the world. Jonathan bought a beautiful Panama hat at Bigalli. Miryam and Patricio were great. If you are allowed to give restaurant recommendations, I’d suggest sending everyone to La Gloria. The food there was amazing!
The Galapagos cruise was a big success. The boat was very comfortable and spotless, and the crew was helpful and efficient. We were blessed with Fabian Sanchez, our excellent naturalist guide. There was a good mix of hiking, panga tours, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Every day was full of activity and we had a wonderful group of fellow travelers. For many of us it was a trip of a lifetime.
Sharon Berg
February 2024Read more “Sharon Berg”
John K Review
It was a fantastic experience, even better than we expected! Sofia and the Columbus team were excellent; they were very responsive, quickly answered any questions we had, and were available to help us navigate the logistics of our trip. They even helped coordinate some travel logistics outside of those they booked for us and solved a few issues while on our trip. I would highly recommend Columbus and this trip to the Galapagos to anyone!
John K.
Abril 2021
Read more “John K Review”
