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..The warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of "Ever wet Tropical Forest". Normal daytime temperature highs are 32C (90F) and nighttime lows are 23 C (74F). The average annual temperature is 24C (76F).

The Amazon Region contains the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the world’s largest river, and perhaps the greatest diversity of wildlife to be found anywhere. More than 4000 species of birds, 2000 species of fish, 60 species of reptiles, including the Caiman and the Anaconda, the world's largest non-venomous snake, and a great variety of mammals such as the Jaguar, Peccary, Giant Anteater, Tapir, Capybara and Pink River Dolphin.

The three-rainforest ecosystems that are commonly found are the igapó (flooded by black water), terra firma, and varzea (flooded by white water). The igapó and varzea forest have seasonal variations in water depth of as much as 12 m (39 ft). To adapt to this enormous fluctuation, plants and animals have evolved some of the most bizarre shapes and behaviors. Also due to these seasonal floods, the wildlife is constantly changing and in every trip we may see new and unusual creatures.

The terra firme forest is found just above the high water line and is most people’s vision of the rainforest. On the hills and stretching for thousands of kilometers away from the riverbanks, giant trees dominate the firm land with buttress-like roots well above ground. Along the shaded forest

Package includes:

• Meet & Greet at Quito airport
• Transfer to hotel in Quito 4
• Cotopaxy Volcano, horseback riding
• Airfare to the Amazon, 4 days/3 nights Manatee Amazon Explore Cruise, tours to Indian Community, bird watching, flora & fauna (chance of observation of the Pink Manatees) 3 daily meals
• Airfare to Manta, 4days/3 nights Machalilla National Park (called the Little Galapagos), at Mantaraya Lodge
• Visit to Isla de la Plata, observation of the closest to Galapagos flora & fauna whale watching (May – Sep)
• 3 daily meals at Mantaraya
• 3 nights hotels in Quito
• All transfers & hotel taxes. Not included: National Park fee

Machalilla National Park
Is physically and biologically very similar to the Galapagos, as several books have described it. It is the only place in the world, besides the Galapagos, where Waved Albatrosses nest (April to November). Other birds also nest here, such as the red billed tropic bird and the largest colony of frigate birds. In addition, the waters around the Isla de la Plata are a playground for more than eleven different species of marine mammals, including a small colony of sea lions.

From June to October, Humpback Whales from Antarctica congregate here to bear their young and court, with spectacular displays of breaching and spy-hopping, while competing for the females' attention. Several species of resident porpoises can be observed year around. The Coral Reef.

The coral reef around the Isla de la Plata and on the adjacent coast is the only coral reef off mainland Ecuador. This coral reef can be explored with scuba or snorkel gear. A spectacular biodiversity of underwater marine life exists because the Humboldt Current flowing from the south meets the northbound warm El Niño current. "Machalilla" takes its name from one of the pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited this area. The Valdivia, Chorrera and Manteña Cultures also inhabited this land of a template climate and extraordinary landscape where arqueological remains are still found within the park, and can be admired in situ especially at Agua Blanca and Salango. The park occupies 136,000 acres. It has an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and by the influence of the Humboldt Current in the Pacific conserves the amazing tropical humid and tropical dry forests.

Isla de la Plata
From Portoviejo to Puerto López and the surrounding areas, where you can stay at ecological hostels, it takes approximately two and a half hours by car. At Puerto López, you take a two hour boat ride to Isla de la Plata. On this route, during the navigation you have a high possibility of viewing dolphins and whales.
The locals tell that the name ISLA DE LA PLATA (Silver Island), was given to the Island because the pirate Francis Drake at the end of the XIV century, took treasures from the Spanish ships and hid them on this island. According to the legend, much of this treasure was never claimed and is still hidden there.
Isla de la Plata is a favorite spot for scuba-diving this time of the year, because even though the temperatures are at a cool 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the sea temperature is higher than 68 ºF. The Island is surrounded by Coral Reefs so the marine life is exciting and plentiful.

Agua Blanca Community
Fifty two families make up 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 Indian Culture that inhabited this land from 800 to 1532 DC.