Introduction
Nature lovers have the opportunity to explore unique dry forests with their two contrasting seasons, cloud forests and their rare fauna and flora, to dive within coral reefs surrounded by exotic sea life, to admire the numerous bird species of the region, and submerge in isolated and exotic beaches.
The unique ecosystems with an amazing diversity of endemic plants and birds: one can climb from very dry forests at the coast to lush cloud forests at the top of the hills, only a few kilometers away.
This route guides us through the nature, history, entertainment, water sports and excellent hospitality service of Red Mangrove Galapagos & Ecuador Lodges.
Day 1: Ride to Samai SPA Hotel
AM
Pick up at Hotel or airport of Guayaquil or Manta to Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
For you to begin feeling the flavor of this region, we will take you on a 2-hour drive through picturesque fishing villages, along white sand beaches, and through amazing landscapes.
Check in at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
"At 330 feet above sea level there emerges this oasis amid the ivory nut, tangerine, and orange groves. Built with natural materials, the cabins call to mind the countryside and its sweetness rather than the beach. Tapping the strong energy that steams from the encounter of mountain and sea, the lodges have been set up after a mixture of Feng Shui, Andean and Amazonian cosmogonies. Safeguarded by sounds of the jungle and lightened up by the ocean breeze, Samai is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation and healing".
Enjoy the beauty and tranquility at this oasis of peace.
Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
PM
Around 7:00 pm prepare for dinner at local restaurant down in Montañita town. Besides the amazing local gastronomy Montañita is widely known as the best place to party!
Arts and crafts shopping
Return to Samai for a good night sleep.
Day 2: Red Mangrove Samai Lodge A la Carte
AM
Breakfast at the lodge
Activities a la carte, feel free to choose from:
* Lear how to dive: take a discover/resort scuba diving experience in order to explore the world under the water, our professional team of experts will teach step by step how to became lover of the beauty below the water. Full day, lunch included.
* Hike and horse ride to explore the dry forest ecosystem, great activity for birdwatcher , nature lovers or for people willing to capture amazing pictures. Full day, lunch included.
* Or walk down San Jose Hill, about 10 to 15 minutes to the San Jose beach; connect with the local community, swim, sun and sand, amazing views. This relaxing time to enjoy the beautiful shores. Full day, lunch included.
* Hike and horse ride to explore the dry forest ecosystem, great activity for birdwatcher , nature lovers or for people willing to capture amazing pictures. Full day, lunch included.
* Isla de La Plata, a favorite spot for scuba-diving because it is surrounded by Coral Reefs so the marine life is exciting and plentiful. The Island has two guided hiking routes, both with awesome sights. You will encounter an interesting colony of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigate birds, and albatrosses. Full day, lunch included.
* Spectacular hang gliding experience to see the hold area Ocean, Cordillera and more.
Half day, lunch included.
* Surfing Lessons, learn with locals how to handle the waves of San Jose. Half day, lunch included.
PM
At the middle of the afternoon, return Samai to enjoy the sunset and coffee, bear, or soft drinks and to prepare ourselves to experience one of the most amazing ancestral activities.
At Samai, holistic healing and spa, techniques are promoted to rejuvenate you on every level: mind body and spirit. The facilities will blend the tranquility of the mountain, the soft breeze of the beach and the sound of the ocean will embrace you giving the opportunity to deeply relax and take the strength from the mother nature.
The activities in Samai Center are extensive and you can chose from:
* Shamanic Healing and Ceremonies
* Aromatherapy.
* Rain-Drop Technique
* Salt & Oils Scrub
* Meditation Instruction private session
* Feng Shui Support and Class
* Tarot Card
* Prices for this alternative healing techniques and activities varies, please ask us about them.
Dinner at Samai Lodge.
Late night optional Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
Day 3: Culture and Ancestral Healing and Spa
AM
Breakfast at SAMAI
Visit "Agua Blanca Community" site museum run by the local people, is a great opportunity to see archeological sites while hiking and bird watching, iguanas, etc, and end up in a pond of magical healing waters and mud.
The Agua Blanca Community. The small village is located 7.5 miles to the north of Puerto López and 3 miles off the main highway. The people of this community live in a very similar way to their ancestors, the Manteña Culture that inhabited this land from 800 to 1532 DC.
PM
Late lunch in a local restaurant prepared from locals and with their best recipes to offer lobster, langoustines, perserbes, and other local delicatessens.
* Farewell Dinner at Samai, candles and music.
* Optional Jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa treats.
Day 4: Guayaquil
AM
Breakfast at the hotel
* Ride back to Guayaquil.
* On our way we will stop at Propueblo NGO - San Antonio 15 minutes north of Montanita and Manglaralto, visit arts and crafts first class creations by local people.
Transfer to Guayaquil , on the way we will stop at Propueblo NGO - San Antonio 15 minutes north of Montanita and Manglaralto, visit arts and crafts first class creations by locals.
By noon time, arrival to Guayaquil and check in at Oro Verde Hotel.
PM
Depart for Guayaquil City tour.
Visit the city starting with Centennial Park on 9 de Octubre Avenue. Continue along this avenue to see how the city has been renovated, past the first fire station, the Masonic temple and some buildings from the beginning of the 20th century. Opposite the Cathedral you can go into Seminario Park, also known as Iguana Park, which is famous for its iguanas lounging in the sunshine.
Our next stop will be at the Southern Market at Malecon 2000, to visit Integration Plaza and the artisan market, the Union Club and the first fort in Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (first mayor of Guayaquil ) stands in front of the Guayas River.
The tour continues along Malecon Simon Bolivar to our next stop: Civic Plaza, where you can visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and the Rotonda monument. Continue by car to Las Peñas, the old neighborhood where the city was born, located at the foot of Santa Ana Hill.
Then to we will take you on a yacht tour by the Guayas River, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city at night.
Farewell dinner and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel.
Day 5: End of Services.
AM
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer out to airport, end of services.
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