In a nutshell

Step into Ecuador’s culture and history by exploring two of its most iconic cities: Montecristi, where the local artisans will braid straw objects and hats in front of your eyes, and Quito, the nation’s capital and the world’s first UNESCO heritage site, where traces of five civilizations merge into one. Discover this land’s customs amidst folk dances and walks on the equator.

Main stops

Day 1 * Sightseeing bus tour in the port of Manta and shipyard * Transfer to Montecristi * Visit to the local artisan market with a demonstration of braiding straw Panama hats * Flight from Manta to Quito * Overnight stay in an exclusive Quito hotel with dinner and traditional dance show

Day 2 * Sightseeing walking tour of Quito: colonial district; historic monuments, buildings and squares; the “middle of the world” monument, between the two hemispheres * Visit to the Intiñan Solar ethnographic museum * Flight to Manta and return to ship

The programme

Day 1 – From Montecristi’s straw artisans to Quito’s dancers * Your discovery of the cities that symbolize Ecuador starts at the seafront of Manta, one of the country’s most important shipping hubs. * But that's only the beginning. Montecristi awaits, a city founded by the indigenous people midway through the 1500s and the birthplace of the Panama hat. That’s right, it was invented here! * In the central square, you’ll see the local artisans braid the fibers of the paja toquilla, a plant considered to be “the gold of the Andes”, using a technique passed down over the centuries: amidst baskets, jewelery and straw hats you’ll be increasingly immersed in the local culture. * And you’ll also get a taste of it at dinner. After the flight to Quito, in your exclusive hotel you’ll witness a show featuring traditional dances from different parts of Ecuador.

Day 2 – Quito: journey through cultures to the “middle of the world” * Founded by the “Quitu” tribes, as well as its Ecuadorian history, Quito has an earlier Inca, Spanish and Colombian past: it’s this mix of roots and architecture that made it the first UNESCO world heritage site in history. * On foot, among the religious and political buildings of the colonial district, and the towers and public squares, you come to the 'mitad del mundo', the monument that symbolizes the line of the equator, which crosses the city. * Enjoy walking between the two hemispheres then relive the lifestyle of the pre-Colombian people in the Intiñan Solar ethnographic museum, before your flight to Manta.

Good to know

All meals are included.
Bring your passport: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
The experience can be canceled up to 90 days prior to the start date of the land excursion.
Minimum age: 7 years.
To enable you to enjoy an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.