Excursion S.a.l.t. sustainable organic farm experience with exclusive lunch tour at Manta

Experience the amazing biodiversity and flavours of Ecuador during this immersive, full-day S.A.L.T. Program organic farm excursion with an exclusive lunch at Bocavaldivia.

Manta, Manabí Coast, Puerto La Boca, Machalilla National Park, Bocavaldivia

Your S.A.L.T. Program experience begins with a scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive south along the picturesque Manabí Coast en route to Puerto La Boca, a fishing village bordering Machalilla National Park. From here, head for a visit to Bocavaldivia, a vast, oceanfront agroforestry project and tropical forest reserve located on the coast of Manabí amidst some of Ecuador's richest biodiversity.

Beach-Fishing with Nets, Tropical Forest Hike

Upon arrival, wearing your swimming suit, proceed for a beach fishing experience with nets, accompanied by local fishermen. Change into hiking clothes and continue with a guided hike through the tropical forest, exploring exotic flora and fauna, edible and medicinal plants, and more.  

Six-Course Lunch Paired with Wines

Following your tour, proceed for the highlight of your visit, an exclusive, six-course Ecuadorian-style lunch with wine pairings personally prepared by Chef Rodrigo Pacheco. The menu encapsulates the chef's understanding and concern for the eco-system through his award-winning gastronomy, and utilises the fish, shellfish, and various vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs found on the property. At the conclusion of your S.A.L.T. Program excursion, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

About Bocavaldivia Owners, Chef Rodrigo Pacheco & Dayra Reyes

Chef Rodrigo Pacheco is the UN FAO Ambassador for Latin America & the Caribbean, an environmentalist, and a staunch advocate for the urgent restoration of our world's ecosystems. An award-winning, French-trained chef who honed his skills at several Michelin-starred restaurants in France and starred in the Netflix special, 'The Final Table', Chef Pacheco also runs the Foresta restaurant in Quito, Ecuador. After returning to his native Ecuador from France, Chef Pacheco created Bocavaldivia with his wife, Dayra Reyes. Together, they have spent the past decade transforming this idyllic property into an almost entirely self-sufficient food jungle.

Extending from the ocean to the cloud forest, everything at Bocavaldivia is rooted in sustainability, from the artisanal fishing techniques Rodrigo and Dayra utilise to the organic gardens they have built. At any given moment, they employ more than 80 different types of flowers, fruits, roots, seeds, and vegetables to create elaborate meals that reflect the edible story of this impressive landscape.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Manta, Coastal Drive, Puerto La Boca, Bocavaldivia, Sea, Tropical Forest, Flora & Fauna, Traditional Fishing with Nets, Organic Gardens, Edible & Medicinal Plants

Note

Please note: This S.A.L.T. Program tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 15 steps at the house. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with food allergies, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimming suit underneath lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe hiking boots and bring sun protection, a towel and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests choosing to take part in the fishing experience are expected to get wet. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The driving time between the pier and Bocavaldivia is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.