2010
ECUADOR
Quito The 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
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 Diving friends with Rafael 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.
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Cayambe summit with Rafael
More friends at Oriente with Luis
Otavalean dancers
Ecuador is divided in 4 main regions, the Galapagos Islands or Insular region, the Pacific Coast (Costa), the Andes Highlands (Sierra) and the Amazonian Jungle (Oriente). Each region has unique and different characteristics that make Ecuador a perfect destination full of diversity and activities to do.
Otavalean culture is considered one of the most influential indigenous cultures in Ecuador.
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.
Mals Family
Shaman
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 butterflies, 8th in reptiles and over 35% of the world’s hummingbird species. There are over 14 different nationalities of indigenous cultures in Ecuador.
Peguche waterfall
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Quito
Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
A city of legends and myths. Quito hosts one of the most beautiful colonial historic centers in South America. 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.
Historic Center at night
La Ronda
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.
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Iglesia de la compania
Otavalo
Otavalean dancers
Otavalean culture is considered one of the most influential indigenous cultures in Ecuador.
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.
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Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi volcano
With a 5897 mts (19347 ft) height. The Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes on the planet. 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 Sunrise at summit 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.
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Horseback riding to Ruminahui
Mindo
Gallito de la Pena
Considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the world. Mindo is an exciting rainforest destination.
Hummingbirds
Nambillo waterfall
Tubbing down the river
Mindo holds over 500 dierent 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 buttery farm and for the adventurous ones we will tube down the river. Birding guides on request.
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Quilotoa
Quilotoa Crater
A volcanic crater at 3800 mts. The Quilota and its turquoise waters is an imponent sight within the Andes. Prepare for a beautiful hike around an active volcanic crater that during the past 1200 years has ďŹ lled to become one of the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador. The Quilotoa gets its particularly colored waters from the dierent minerals disolved in them. The community has just started to develop tourism as an activity, most of the hostels are owned by indigenous locals Down at the lake 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.
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Down at the lake
View to Quilotoa crater
Baños
Manto de la Novia
A beautiful waterfall trail surrounded by rainforest, an active volcano, luxurious spas, adrenaline filled rivers and more!
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.
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Riobamba
Chimborazo
A scenic train ride through the Andes and the Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest volcano with 6310 masl. (20702ft) 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 Devil’s Nose 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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Train ride
Chimborazo from train
Cuenca
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Ecuador’s most traditional city, the most important incan ruins and a National park with 235 lakes. 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.
Ingapirca
Parque Nacional Cajas
San Blas
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.
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Puerto Lopez
Humpback whale
Within the Machalilla National Park, Puerto Lopez is an ideal spot for whale watching and Isla de la Plata. 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.
Blue footed Booby
Humpback whale breaching
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.
From June to September, humbpack whales give us one of natures most incredible displays. After lunch, we enjoy some snorkeling on the famous reefs.
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Los Frailes
La casa del Suizo
Located near Tena, this lodge is a perfect nearby location to experience the rainforest at its fullest. 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 different 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.
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Altos del Pastaza
Conveniently located at the shores of the Pastaza River in the Puyo Province. Shamans, waterfalls and rainforest. 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.
Mals Family
Activities include walks to the reserve to two beautiful waterfalls, hikes into primary forest and visits to the nearby Shaman indigenous communities. Peguche waterfall
Other custom activities like rafting are available on request.
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Napo Wildlife Center
One of Ecuador’s most awarded lodges, it is located on the incredibly diverse Yasuni National Park. 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.
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La Selva Lodge
Located on the Yasuni National Park, a perfect combination of luxury, incredible activities and wildlife. 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.
Mals Family
Peguche waterfall
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!
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Yachana Lodge
Winner of the Geo-touristic project award by National Geographic. Yachana means a place for learning. 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 ďŹ rst hand interaction with the Kichwas and enjoy some local cuisine! An experience to remember in the heart of the jungle!
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Sacha Lodge
Sacha’s 5000 acre private ecological reserve hosts one of Ecuador’s most reknowned lodges. The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience.
Mals Family
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.
Peguche waterfall
Featuring a 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. At Shaman approximately 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground, imagine exploring the rainforest up in the treetops!
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Kapawi Lodge
Located in the heart of the Amazonian Jungle, deep into the Achuar territory. Only accessible by small planes. 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 oers a multitude of activities, so that with your Aschuar guides and your group you can design a exible 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.
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Tapir Lodge
Located on the Cuyabeno Reserve, one of the most biodiverse and exotic places in our planet.
Mals Family
Tapir Lodge is located in the northeastern Province of SucumbĂos, 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 ďŹ shing, cultural encounters, taking a canoe on the lake, visiting the famous Cuyabeno lake, birdwatching and more! Shaman
If you are looking for an authentic rainforest journey, we invite you to come and visit Tapir Lodge.
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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 ora. 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. 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.
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Tip Top II & III
Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days. Type: Tourist superior Yacht Capacity: 16 PAX
Mals Family
Shaman
Peguche waterfall
Friday : Santa Cruz Island and Highlands Saturday: Rabida Island and Bartolome Island. Sunday: Genovesa Island, Prince Phillip’s steps and Darwin Bay Monday*: 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 Bay Friday: Santa Cruz Island and Charles Darwin Research Station. * Night in Puerto Ayora. ** Itinerary for disembarking paxs
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Tip top IV
Tour Lenght: 8 and 15 days Type: First Class Yacht Capacity: 16 PAX 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.
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Coral I and II
Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days. Type: First Class Yacht Capacity: 32 to 40 PAX
Mals Family
Shaman
Peguche waterfall
Sunday: Santa Cruz and Highlands Monday: Española, Suarez Point and Gardner Bay Tuesday: Floreana, Cormorant Point and Post Office Wednesday: North Seymour and Baltra Wednesday*: Santa Cruz , Dragon Hill and Venice Thursday: Rábida, Jervis and Santiago, Egas Port Friday: Fernandina, Espinosa Point Saturday: Bartolomé Sunday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station *For passengers embarking for 5 days/4 nights
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Legend
Tour Lenght: 4,5,8 days Type: First Class cruise Capacity: 100 PAX Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation Center Wednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner Bay Thursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay Friday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas Plaza Saturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome Island Sunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa Point Monday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa Roja Tuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT
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Mary Anne
Tour lenght: 8 days. Type: First Class Sailboat Capacity: 16 PAX
Mals Family
Shaman
Peguche waterfall
Wednesday: Baltra Island - North Seymour Island Thursday: Charles Darwin Station, El Chato - Santa Cruz Island Friday: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez - Española Island Saturday: Punta Cormorant, Post Office - Floreana Island / Devils crown. Sunday: Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay - Isabela Island Monday: Urbina Bay - Isabela Island, Punta Espinoza - Fernandina Island. Tuesday: Puerto Egas - Santiago Island, Bartolome Island Wednesday: Black turtle cove - Santa Cruz Island, Baltra Island.
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Nina
Tour Lenght: 8 days Type: Luxury Cormorant Capacity: 16 PAX Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation Center Wednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner Bay Thursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay Friday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas Plaza Saturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome Island Sunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa Point Monday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa Roja Tuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT
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Athala
Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days. Type: Luxury Cormorant Capacity: 16 PAX
Mals Family
Shaman
Peguche waterfall
Tuesday: San Cristobal, Galapaguera or Interpretation Center Wednesday: Española, Suárez Point and Gardner Bay Thursday: Floreana, Champion, Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay Friday: Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station and Islas Plaza Saturday: North Seymour Island and Bartolome Island Sunday: Isabela Island, Vicente Roca Point and Fernandina Island, Espinosa Point Monday: Santiago Island, Puerto Egas and Rabida Island, Playa Roja Tuesday: Isla Lobos, transfer OUT
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Anahi
Tour Lenght: 4,5,8 days Type: Tourist Superior, Catamaran. Capacity: 16 PAX Friday : Baltra airport, Galapagos, Plaza Island Saturday : 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 Bay Tuesday : Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station - Highlands Wednesday : Chinese Hat - Santiago Island - Puerto Egas Thursday : Santiago Island - Bahia Sullivan - Bartolome Island Friday : Santa Cruz Island - Bachas Beach
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Archipel
Tour lenght: 4,5 or 8 days. Type: Luxury Cormorant Capacity: 16 PAX
Mals Family
Shaman
Wednesday: Baltra airport, Galapagos, Bartolome Thursday: Fernandina Island – Espinoza Point, Isabela Island Urbina Bay Friday : Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay – Moreno Point Saturday : Floreana Island - Devils Crown & Punta Cormorant – Post Office Bay Sunday : Santa Cruz Island - Highlands - Charles Darwin Research Station Monday : Espanola Island – Suarez Point– Gardner Bay Tuesday : Santa Fe Island, South Plazas Island Wednesday : North Seymour Island, Baltra
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Grace
Tour Lenght: 8 days Type: Luxury Yacht Capacity: 16 pax Saturday: San Cristobal Island: Playa Ochoa and Kicker Rock Sunday: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps, Darwin Bay Monday: Isabela: Tagus Cove, Fernandina : Punta Espinosa Tuesday: Isabela: Urbina Bay, Punta Vicente Roca Wednesday: Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock & Overlook, Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill Thursday: Santa Cruz: Highlands, Charles Darwin Research Station Friday: Hood (Espa単ola) Island: Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay (kayaking optional) Saturday: San Cristobal: Interpretation Centre
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PADI diving courses
Puerto Lopez
Diving made right. The only PADI 5 stars IDC center in Ecuador. The best equipment and the best instructors. 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 ďŹ t 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.
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Machalilla National Park
Mantaray Isla de la Plata
Considered to be the best diving spot in continental Ecuador. The isla de la plata holds a diverse marine ecosystem.
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.
Pacific Box Fish
School of surgeon fish
small green turtle
Photo Courtesy of Mark Harding, Eyemocean
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.
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Galapagos
Photos Courtesy of Juan Carlos Moncayo
The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the top diving destinations in the world.
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.
Sea lion, by J.C. Moncayo
Hammerhead shark, by J.C Moncayo
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.
Sea horse, by J.C. Moncayo
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