Alandaluz

Itinerary
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Highlights

Located right on the sea, this magnificent and innovative “Hostería” is built mainly of bamboo; it has a large private beach which you can enjoy and is surrounded by magnificent flower and organic vegetable gardens as well as small bamboo forests.

“Alandaluz” has even become an alternative development center through the implementation of agro-ecologic systems, bio-architecture techniques, the development of gardening and landscaping, recycling systems, the use of appropriate technologies, the management of natural areas, the recovery of craftsmanship, etc., etc.

Close by is the Cantalapiedra Wild Life Sanctuary, populated by howling monkeys, ant bears, “yaguarundis”, wildcats and other species. It is located in the heart of the beautiful “Ayampe” river, near the “Machalilla” National Park. One of the best tropical rain forests of the Chongon-Colonche range of mountains is also to be found in the area.

Reserve here
"This has been an experience of a lifetime for me. Everything which I have been involved with has been of the highest order. It is a credit to your organization. I must also mention the unfailing courtesy of your guide who made a considerable difference to our experience. "

- Major Ken Gordon
New Zeland

Day 1

We head first from Quito to the pacific coast port of Manta; where our bus will pick us up for a 3 hour ride along the ‘sun route’, well know for its spectacular views of the pacific ocean. Alandaluz, a beach front eco-lodge and eco-village constructed primarily of bamboo will be the base from which we will explore the Machalilla National Park, Los Frailes beach and Isla de la Plata where many Galapagos bird species can be found. The island also provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving and whale watching during the summer months. After a warm welcome from our hosts in the famous Bamboo Restaurant, and having settled in our rooms we will visit the eco-lodge and experience all the different bio-climatic constructions it has to offer: the organic farm, its exotic gardens with an extensive collection of palm trees, bamboo, fruit trees and ornamental flowers. And of course we must not forget the beach. On our way back from the tour a delicious ‘criollo’ style lunch will be served. Late in the afternoon we will visit the only bamboo church to have been built in Ecuador and then enjoy the beach; that night we will have dinner and enjoy the original Alandaluz cocktail.

Day 2

We will travel to the small fishing port of Puerto Lopez, here a boat will take us to Isla de la Plata, where in June, July and August you can watch the humpback whales which gather in the area at that time of year. It is a truly spectacular sight. As we walk on one of the two trails you will see why the island offers the best opportunity to see much of the same wildlife present on the Galapagos islands.
A box lunch will be served and snorkelling and diving is available as alternative activities.
Dinner and later a fire on the beach or music can be arranged.

Day 3

After breakfast we will leave early in the morning for Los Frailes beach in the Machalilla National Park one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

A box lunch will be provided at the beach and later we will visit the community of Agua Blanca. The local museum and archeological site will give us insights into the Manteña and Valdivia cultures which flourished there so many centuries ago.

In the afternoon we will return to Manta to catch our flight back to Quito.

Day 4

If you whish to continue your journey for a couple of days more, your journey today starts early (6:30am) to the Ayampe river, the rout of the birds. Today we will have the chance to spot easily more than 300 bird species including some endemic birds.

This is a wild life Sanctuary populated by howling monkeys, ant bears, “yaguarundis”, wildcats and other species.

Cantalapiedra is crossed by a clean waters river and it possesses a rich and highly endemic flora and fauna species. Its more than 300 bird species, bamboo forests, magic gardens and a rich sampling of exotic palm trees, native fruit gardens, bamboos and heliconias have to be highlighted.

After our traditional lunch we will walk to Cerro Llovido with views of our primary forest, later back to the lodge for another fabulous dinner.

Day 5

Today we will leave at 8 am from Alandaluz to the prehistoric city of “Agua Blanca”. This is an “in situ” museum where very well maintained archeological ruins can be appreciated.

These ruins formed a solar calendar to celebrate the rites of the hiemal (winter) or vernal (summer) solstices. Additionally the funeral urns of the “Manteña” culture can be observed.

We will enjoy a bath in the sulphur water lagoon and try the medicinal mud, “the natural SPA of the area, box lunch and return to the lodge. In the afternoon we will start our journey back home to Manta and then fly to Quito.

Isla de la Plata
Frailes, Playita and Tortuguita beach
San Sebastian Forest
Cantalapiedra Organic farm and wildlife sanctuary
Baboo Church in Puerto Rico
Valdivia and Manteña Culture remains
Machalilla Culture
Manteña - Huancavilca Culture
Francis Drake Legend
Concha espondilus jewellery

Responsible travel

Alandaluz, (‘winged city of light’), is inspired by the idea of living in a healthy alternative community, made self-sufficient through organic agriculture, with a close working relationship and dedication to neighboring communities. The centre has many projects and ecological alternatives as well as social programs. It constantly works to for local development, encourages self-esteem, and encourages reinvestment in the area by promoting human capital and the strengthening of rural communities.

Alandaluz is part of EcuadorVerde Ecological Tourism Network -Green Ecuador – which was formed to promote conservation and sustainable travel and offer the engaged traveler the very best of Ecuador, a small country with a truly astounding variety of cultural and natural attractions and resources.

Alandaluz

Itinerary

Highlights

Responsible travel

Prices