Snorkel and Kayak in Salango Islet

DAY 1: SEA KAYAK, SNORKELING, AND HIKE IN SALANGO ISLET

Today's destination is Salango, a small islet filled with cultural history and interesting wildlife, located approximately 3 km offshore. As we paddle through the Channel of La Plata to reach the islet, we will be on the lookout for Humpback whales, as they use this channel to migrate north during the months of June through October. Catching sight of them thrusting out of the water to breach acrobatically on the surface is a breathtaking memory that lasts a lifetime. Once we reach the islet, we paddle around the shore to seek out coastal wildlife along pristine beaches, and then trade in our kayaks for snorkeling gear to explore the underwater wildlife of Salango.

The islet is also the site of ancient burial grounds belonging to the Valdivia, Machalilla and Chorrera cultures, which date back up to 5,000 years ago. The Manteña culture used these shores when they sailed small rafts made of balsa wood up and down the southern Pacific Coast to conduct trade in Spondylus shells, which are now rare delicacies (both for their use in cuisine and art) that can still be found around Salango. We explore some of this rich cultural heritage as we hike around Salango, before departing to return to the mainland in the afternoon.