ECUADOR

2010

QuitoThe Ecuador experience

“Not only did you showed me your incredible country, I gained true friends in you guys. Thank you EC Travel” Goeril Pietikanen - Finland

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Cayambe summit with Rafael

Diving friends with Rafael

More friends at Oriente with Luis

We couldn’t have put it better. At EC Travel we believe that travelling is so much more than sightseeing, it is about truly understanding and knowing Ecuador’s true richness: Its culture and its people. Travelling can’t get any better than when you have a local friend to show you around. We don’t believe in big group travelling, we believe in friends sharing an amazing trip in a beautiful country.On our tours we try to involve the communities as much as possible. In Otavalo, for example, over 40 indigenous people from Iluman are directly involved in our tour. In our offices, we do our best to hire the best guides and staff to assist you. And on your tour, we will do our best so you can have the most rewarding and fun trip ever.

Otavalean culture is considered one of the most in�uential indigenous cultures in Ecuador.

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Otavalean dancers

Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Ecuador is divided in 4 main regions, the Galapagos Islands or Insular region, the Paci�c Coast (Costa), the Andes Highlands (Sierra) and the Amazonian Jungle (Oriente).

Each region has unique and di�erent characteristics that make Ecuador a perfect destination full of diversity and activities to do.

It is considered the most biodiverse place on the planet per sq.km.

The Highlands of Ecuador have over 11 mountains over 5000 mts (16400 ft).

Over 24 tropical life zones are found in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Amazon Basin with only 2% of the Amazonian Basin hosts over 1/3 of the bird species in the world.

With only 0.19% of earth’s surface, Ecuador holds the 2nd place in the wold with most bird species, 3rd in amphibians, 7th in butter�ies, 8th in reptiles and over 35% of the world’s hummingbird species.

There are over 14 di�erent nationalities of indigenous cultures in Ecuador.

QuitoQuito

A city of legends and myths. Quito hosts one of the most beautiful colonial

historic centers in South America.

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Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

Historic Center at night

La Ronda

Iglesia de la compania

During our Quito day tours we start by visiting the main churches that are truly a masterpiece of art and architecture in the famous Centro Historico. We will walk around the main streets and parks talking about the legends and stories that took place here. We will also visit the TeleferiQo for a spectacular view of the city and afterwards the Middle of the World monument.

On our night tours, we will walk around the Historic Center which is beautifully lit at night. We will visit the traditional “La Ronda” neighborhood, where romantic poets and singers made beautiful melodies to sing to their loved ones. Optionally, we can end our tour with a perfect dinner in one traditional restaurant in the city.

Otavalo

Otavalean culture is considered one of the most in�uential indigenous cultures in Ecuador.

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Otavalean dancers

Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Home to the biggest and most colorful folkloric handicraft market in Ecuador, Otavalo is one of the most visited destinations in the

Andean region. On our way there we will stop at the small town of Cayambe, for some traditional “Queso de hoja and bizcochos” breakfast. We continue to stop in a beautiful viewpoint of San

Pablo lake and the Imbabura volcano.Our day in Otavalo starts with a visit to the market, and continues with a visit to the Peguche waterfall, considered as a portal by the

Otavalean. We will then head to the Iluman community.

For groups an afternoon with the Mals family awaits, dancers, music and shamans. For small groups we will enjoy a family lunch and continue to the volcanic lake of Cuicocha.

Cotopaxi

With a 5897 mts (19347 ft) height. The Cotopaxi is one of the highest

active volcanoes on the planet.

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Cotopaxi volcano

Sunrise at summit

Horseback riding to Ruminahui

Our Cotopaxi tour is packed with adventure and beautiful landscapes of the Andean Mountains. We begin our day by entering the National Park and climbing from the parking lot 300 mts up to the Jose Rivas shelter at 4800mts of altitude. We can descend by bikes or by car to the Limpiopungo lake for a small mountain picnic, to continue our way to one of our cozy haciendas where we will enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards we prepare ourselves in ponchos and chagra outfits for a horseback ride around the hacienda. Others can stay enjoying a nice coffee by the fireside or doing small hikes around the Andean moorland. Downhill biking tours and Climbing options are available. This tour is extendable to Banos.

Mindo

Considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the world. Mindo is an exciting rainforest destination.

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Gallito de la Pena

Hummingbirds

Nambillo waterfall

Tubbing down the river

Mindo holds over 500 different bird species from which 32 are endemic. Of the 32 Bird World Life Zones, 26 are found in Ecuador

and Mindo is one of them. It is a paradise not only for birdwatchers but also for the nature and adventure lovers. Mindo holds a

beautiful waterfall trail, amazing rivers and extreme adventures.On our tour we will explore the vast and beautiful rainforest that

surrounds this prime location. We will visit the Nambillo waterfall and bathe in the natural river or jump to the base from over 12mts!

We will hike around the rainforest and enjoy a delicious lunch.

On the afternoon we will visit the butterfly farm and for the adventurous ones we will tube down the river. Birding guides on request.

Quilotoa

A volcanic crater at 3800 mts. The Quilota and its turquoise waters is an

imponent sight within the Andes.

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Quilotoa Crater

Down at the lake

Down at the lake

View to Quilotoa crater

Prepare for a beautiful hike around an active volcanic crater that during the past 1200 years has filled to become one of the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador. The Quilotoa gets its particularly colored waters from the different minerals disolved in them.The community has just started to develop tourism as an activity, most of the hostels are owned by indigenous locals and are humble and very cozy places to stay. We start the day by visiting the Latacunga fruit market, and continue our way through the Andes. On the Quilotoa, a delicious pic nic with a perfect view of the lake awaits. After a 5 hour loop around this crater, you will understand why the locals believe that the god of the volcanoes lives on this lake.

Baños

A beautiful waterfall trail surrounded by rainforest, an active volcano, luxurious spas, adrenaline �lled rivers and more!

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Manto de la Novia

Canyoning

Pastaza River

Manto de la Novia

Baños in an incredible eco-touristic destination. Our tours starts from Quito, travelling down the Andes into the rainforest. Soon

after your arrival to Baños, we take our bikes or van and head down the waterfall sanctuary trail.

We will first visit the Manto de la Novia waterfall, where we will descend to its base. From there we visit the Pailon del Diablo, one

of the most important waterfalls in the world. On the afternoon we will head for a nice coffee in the skirts of the

Tungurahua and watch as the sun falls in this small town.

On the next days, options for rafting, canyoning (rapelling down a waterfall), horseback riding are available. Volcanic spa treatments and luxury spa stays on request.

Riobamba

A scenic train ride through the Andes and the Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest

volcano with 6310 masl. (20702ft)

Chimborazo

Devil’s Nose

Train ride

Chimborazo from train

Riobamba is a small little town South of Ecuador. We usually arrive from Baños. On our arrival we will visit the Museo de las Conceptas and enjoy a little night tour on this quiet Andes town. Depending on our time of arrival we can also visit the community of Guano, famous for its handicrafts, or the Chimborazo volcano, considered to be the highest on earth considering the distance from the center of the earth. On the next day, we depart early for one of the most beautiful train rides in Ecuador (Only available Wed, Sat and Sun), towards Alausi and the Devil’s Nose. The last consists on a series of zig-zag movements that the train does down a steep mountain. The sights on this train ride on a clear day are unforgettable.

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Cuenca

Ecuador’s most traditional city, the most important incan ruins and a National park with 235 lakes.

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Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion

Ingapirca

Parque Nacional Cajas

San Blas

Cuenca is one of the most colonial and traditional cities in Ecuador. Our tours start on the historic center, taking you to the Cathedral

one of the most iconic churches in Latin America. We continue our way towards the main streets, parks and museums. At night a visit

to the viewpoint of El Turi, for a fantastic view of the city at night.

On the next days we will visit Ingapirca, the most important incan ruins in Ecuador. We will also visit the El Cajas National Park, an

Andean moorland paradise with over 235 lakes.

Cuenca was also declared Cultural Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO on 1999.

Puerto Lopez

Within the Machalilla National Park, Puerto Lopez is an ideal spot for whale watching and Isla de la Plata.

Humpback whale

Humpback whale breaching

Los Frailes

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Our tours in Puerto Lopez start on the Los Frailes beach, considered to the most beautiful one in continental Ecuador. After enjoying a relaxing morning we head to the community of Aguablanca. Where we will visit a small archeological site and the famous sulfur pool.

On the next day we will visit the Isla de la Plata or “Little Galapagos” where we can see blue footed boobies, majestic frigatess and more in their natural habitat. Blue footed Booby

From June to September, humbpack whales give us one of natures most incredible displays. After lunch, we enjoy some snorkeling on the famous reefs.

La casa del Suizo

Located near Tena, this lodge is a perfect nearby location to experience the rainforest at its fullest.

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The Casa del Suizo gives a perfect combination of adventure and luxury in the Amazonian jungle. Once in the lodge you can choose for a wide variety of activities such as visiting the Misicocha lake hiking through primary and secondary forest, along paths where you will be able to appreciate di�erent bird and bug species.

You can also visit an indigenous family and learn from ancient traditions like the use of the blow pipe and more. Or watch as local families show us the ancestral manner of seeking gold.

Other visits include the island and the Cosano reserve.

Altos del Pastaza

Conveniently located at the shores of the Pastaza River in the Puyo Province. Shamans, waterfalls and rainforest.

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

The lodge is located near the “Hola Vida” reserve in the Puyo province. Scattered on 96 ha of primary rain forest, this unique rainforest reserve and lodge is located on the upper Amazon basin overlooking the majestic Pastaza River, where you will appreciate Sangay national park, as well Sangay, Altar, and Tungurahua Volcanoes.

Activities include walks to the reserve to two beautiful waterfalls, hikes into primary forest and visits to the nearby indigenous communities.

Other custom activities like rafting are available on request.

Napo Wildlife Center

One of Ecuador’s most awarded lodges, it is located on the incredibly diverse

Yasuni National Park.

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The lodge itself is beautiful with local architecture, hardwood floors and well considered amenities. Nearby blinds built at parrot clay licks bring the action to you, a 120-foot canopy tower deep in the forest allows you to experience the life above the forest floor, and the natural attractions are simply unmatched in Amazonian Ecuador.

Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Monkeys, Parrots, and Giant Otters during the day. At the end of the day, the comfort of a hot shower, tasty dinner, and a cold beer . This is the way to see the rainforest in luxury.

La Selva Lodge

Located on the Yasuni National Park, a perfect combination of luxury, incredible activities and wildlife.

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Mals Family

Peguche waterfall

A socially and environmentally friendly lodge. Most of the employees are native folks from the region that have been involved since 1986. The Yasuni National Park offers one of the most diverse locations in the world and its yours to enjoy with a broad variety of activities and hikes.

Explore the Amazon jungle through primary forests, get to know local cultures and discover everything that this paradise has to offer with the best comfort, fine cuisine and the best local guides!

Yachana Lodge

Winner of the Geo-touristic project award by National Geographic. Yachana

means a place for learning.

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As you embark on your journey deep into the Amazon, you can be proud that your visit is helping to address education, conservation and sustainable development in a unique way in this environmentally sensitive region. The Yachana project tries to involve the Kichwa community with tourism.

The lodge is located on the shores of the Napo River. During your stay here you will hike around primary forest, visit the Yachana community college for some first hand interaction with the Kichwas and enjoy some local cuisine!

An experience to remember in the heart of the jungle!

Sacha Lodge

Sacha’s 5000 acre private ecological reserve hosts one of Ecuador’s most reknowned lodges.

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience.

Imagine hiking on the rainforest and something unidentified crashes off into the underbrush, and you catch a glimpse of two magnificent Blue and Yellow Macaws startled into flight.

Featuring a 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. At approximately 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground, imagine exploring the rainforest up in the treetops!

Kapawi Lodge

Located in the heart of the Amazonian Jungle, deep into the Achuar territory.

Only accessible by small planes.

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Located in the territorial lands of an indigenous nation (6,000 people in 64 communities) still living as they have for generations and in intimate harmony with nature, Kapawi provides guests a range and depth of cultural experiences unmatched by any other rainforest lodges.

The lodge offers a multitude of activities, so that with your Aschuar guides and your group you can design a flexible program to suit your interests and activity level. Most itineraries include a visit to an Achuar community, where you will be invited into a home to experience Achuar hospitality and taste the famous manioc beer.

Tapir Lodge

Located on the Cuyabeno Reserve, one of the most biodiverse and exotic places in our planet.

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Mals Family

Shaman

Tapir Lodge is located in the northeastern Province of Sucumbíos, in the upper Ecuadorian Amazon region, within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, and was built in partnership with the family members of the local Siona Community.

Your activities in the lodge can be chosen to your preference and include: hiking in the rainforest, piranha fishing, cultural encounters, taking a canoe on the lake, visiting the famous Cuyabeno lake, birdwatching and more!

If you are looking for an authentic rainforest journey, we invite you to come and visit Tapir Lodge.

The Galapagos islands are located 972kms west from Ecuador, they are considered one of the most fascinating places in the planet and are unique to its kind for its rich fauna and flora.

Cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel. Usually 4 to 5 days itinearies visit the east or west and 8 days combine both.

Island hopping packages are also great options to travel the Archipelago.

Island Hopping

A perfect option to visit Galapagos in luxury without the need of taking a cruise. 4 lodges in 4 islands.

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Our Galapagos Island Hopping programs take you to four of the main islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana. These programs are a great option to enjoying some land time that cruises can’t offer on each of the islands.

Offering the highest standards in accommodation, your visit will begin in Santa Cruz visiting the main sights as the Charles Darwin Station, the highlands and La Loberia. On Floreana, a visit to Playa Negra and dinner with a local family await. At Isabela we will visit the Sierra Negra volcano. Our San Cristobal extension features visits to the Galapaguera, Interpretation Center, Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock.

Tip Top II & III

Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days.Type: Tourist superior YachtCapacity: 16 PAX

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Friday : Santa Cruz Island and HighlandsSaturday: Rabida Island and Bartolome Island.Sunday: Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip’s steps and Darwin BayMonday*: Santa Cruz Island, Bachas Beach and North Seymour.Tuesday**: Santa Cruz Is. and Charles Darwin Research Station.Tuesday: Plazas Island and Santa Fe Island.Wednesday: Española Island, Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez.Thursday: Floreana Island, Punta Cormorant and Post Office BayFriday: Santa Cruz Island and Charles Darwin Research Station.

* Night in Puerto Ayora.** Itinerary for disembarking paxs

Tip top IV

Tour Lenght: 8 and 15 daysType: First Class YachtCapacity: 16 PAX

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The Tip Top IV is the most luxurious and new of the Tip Top family. On Friday we will visit Baltra and North Seymour , on Saturday: Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps. Sunday: Point Vicente Roca and Point Espinoza and then on Monday: Urbina Bay and Elizabeth Bay. Tuesday we visit Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay and Wednesday to Suarez Point and Gardner Bay. Thursday: Charles Darwin Station and Santa Cruz Highland.

The second itinerary starts on Puerto Ayora and continues to Santa Fe. On Saturday: Cerro Brujo and Lobos Island. Sunday: South Plaza and Bartolome. From there on Monday we head to Black Turtle Cove and Bachas and continue Tuesday to Sierra Negra and Mosquera. On Wednesday: Sullivan Bay and Chinese Hat and Thursday: Puerto Egas and Rabida. We finish on Friday with Cerro Dragon and Baltra.

Coral I and II

Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days.Type: First Class YachtCapacity: 32 to 40 PAX

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Sunday: Santa Cruz and HighlandsMonday: Española, Suarez Point and Gardner BayTuesday: Floreana, Cormorant Point and Post OfficeWednesday: North Seymour and BaltraWednesday*: Santa Cruz , Dragon Hill and VeniceThursday: Rábida, Jervis and Santiago, Egas PortFriday: Fernandina, Espinosa PointSaturday: BartoloméSunday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station

*For passengers embarking for 5 days/4 nights

Legend

Tour Lenght: 4,5,8 daysType: First Class cruiseCapacity: 100 PAX

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Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation CenterWednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner BayThursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office BayFriday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas PlazaSaturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome IslandSunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa PointMonday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa RojaTuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT

Mary Anne

Tour lenght: 8 days.Type: First Class SailboatCapacity: 16 PAX

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Wednesday: Baltra Island - North Seymour IslandThursday: Charles Darwin Station, El Chato - Santa Cruz IslandFriday: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez - Española IslandSaturday: Punta Cormorant, Post Office - Floreana Island / Devils crown. Sunday: Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay - Isabela IslandMonday: Urbina Bay - Isabela Island, Punta Espinoza - Fernandina Island.Tuesday: Puerto Egas - Santiago Island, Bartolome IslandWednesday: Black turtle cove - Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island.

Nina

Tour Lenght: 8 daysType: Luxury CormorantCapacity: 16 PAX

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Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation CenterWednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner BayThursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office BayFriday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas PlazaSaturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome IslandSunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa PointMonday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa RojaTuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT

Athala

Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days.Type: Luxury CormorantCapacity: 16 PAX

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Mals Family

Shaman

Peguche waterfall

Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation CenterWednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner BayThursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office BayFriday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas PlazaSaturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome IslandSunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa PointMonday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa RojaTuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT

Anahi

Tour Lenght: 4,5,8 daysType: Tourist Superior, Catamaran.Capacity: 16 PAX

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Friday : Baltra airport, Galapagos, Plaza IslandSaturday : San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill , Isla Lobos.Sunday : Española island - Gardner Bay - Punta Suarez Monday : Floreana Island - Cormorant Point & Devils crown, Post Office BayTuesday : Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station - Highlands Wednesday : Chinese Hat - Santiago Island - Puerto EgasThursday : Santiago Island - Bahia Sullivan - Bartolome IslandFriday : Santa Cruz Island - Bachas Beach

Archipel

Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days.Type: Luxury CormorantCapacity: 16 PAX

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Mals Family

Shaman

Wednesday: Baltra airport, Galapagos, BartolomeThursday: Fernandina Island – Espinoza Point, Isabela Island - Urbina BayFriday : Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay – Moreno PointSaturday : Floreana Island - Devils Crown & Punta Cormorant – Post Office BaySunday : Santa Cruz Island - Highlands - Charles Darwin Research StationMonday : Espanola Island – Suarez Point– Gardner BayTuesday : Santa Fe Island, South Plazas IslandWednesday : North Seymour Island, Baltra

Grace

Tour Lenght: 8 daysType: Luxury YachtCapacity: 16 pax

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Saturday: San Cristobal Island: Playa Ochoa and Kicker RockSunday: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps, Darwin BayMonday: Isabela: Tagus Cove, Fernandina : Punta EspinosaTuesday: Isabela: Urbina Bay, Punta Vicente RocaWednesday: Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock & Overlook, Santa Cruz Island: Dragon HillThursday: Santa Cruz: Highlands, Charles Darwin Research StationFriday: Hood (Española) Island: Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay (kayaking optional)Saturday: San Cristobal: Interpretation Centre

PADI diving courses

Diving made right. The only PADI 5 stars IDC center in Ecuador. The best equipment and the best instructors.

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Puerto Lopez

Diving is one of our favorite things to do. Our divecenter in Puerto Lopez, within the Machalilla National Park is the only PADI 5 Star IDC center in Ecuador. We know that when it comes to diving, safety is your priority. Become a PADI diver with the best and most fun instructors in the country.

We own two yachts, Explora I and Explora II all fully equipped for diving with a capacity for 16 PAX (8 divers)

Diving courses are taught in Quito or in Puerto Lopez and schedules are made to fit your needs. E-learning options are also available. Courses from Open Water Diver to Divemaster are available throughout the year and Instructor Courses on request.

Machalilla National Park

Considered to be the best diving spot in continental Ecuador. The isla de la plata holds a diverse marine ecosystem.

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Mantaray Isla de la Plata

Photo Courtesy of Mark Harding, Eyemocean

Paci�c Box Fish

School of surgeon �sh

small green turtle

The Machalilla National park and Isla de la Plata have some of the most beautiful reefs in Ecuador. Most of the formations involve

sand bottoms with hard coral, gorgonian coral and various types of reef fish, moray eels, sting rays and more.

During June to September it is believed that a migratory population of Mantarays makes way to the cleaning stations on the island,

becoming on of the main attractions for divers since possibilities of spotting these magnificent creatures are relatively high.

Conditions in the island are variable with water temperature going from 14ºC up to 22ºC approximately. Visibility ranges from 15 to 45 ft. Most dives are between 45 and 100 ft.

Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the top diving destinations

in the world.

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The Galapagos seas hold some of the most diverse underwater habitats in the world. It is considered the best place in the world to see large pelagic species and shark diving. With over 300 different fish species from which 17% are endemic, 27 shark species, 31 non-reef builing corals, from which 30% are endemic, over 600 of mollusk species and more it’s no wonder why Galapagos is visited by thousands of divers each year.

Different options are available for exploring underwater Galapagos day trips from Puerto Ayora or San Cristobal, Island Hopping and on a live aboard diving cruise. Whichever is your need, we can provide you with the best options available.

Photos Courtesy of Juan Carlos Moncayo

Sea lion, by J.C. Moncayo

Hammerhead shark, by J.C Moncayo

Sea horse, by J.C. Moncayo