GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR (3 hours)

Welcome to the Pacific and the largest of its cities, Guayaquil!

Crossing Avenue 9 d’Octubre you will arrive at Centenario Park which is the largest in the city. Afterwards, you will visit the Seminario Park which is better known as: “Iguana Park”, home of many iguanas. Visit to the City Museum and the Malecon 2000 which is the pride of Guayaquil. Then, you will go up to Santa Ana hill to reach the “Las Peñas” neighborhood, where there are some houses from the colonial era.

GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR AND VISIT TO HISTORICAL PARK – Full day.

Crossing Avenue du 9 d’Octobre, you will arrive at the “Centenario” Park which is the largest in the city. Afterwards, you will visit the “Seminario” Park which is better known as: “Iguana Park”, home of many iguanas. Visit the City Museum and the “Malecon 2000” which is the pride of Guayaquil. Then, you will climb the hill of “Santa Ana” to reach the neighborhood of “Las Peñas”, where there are some houses from the colonial era. At the end, lunch in a typical restaurant to taste fresh seafood from the ocean. And afterward, visit the Historical Park. This is an interesting attraction that gives you the feeling of walking through the jungle to see the animals. It is possible to take a very pleasant walk enjoying the view of the local fauna, plants and vegetation, at this natural “zoo”. You will be able to spot a large number of animals such as different types of parrots, birds, as well as, flamingos, crocodiles, monkeys, and other mammals, too. Your guide will explain more about the atmosphere of the place. We recommend tasting one of the typical fresh fruit juices that they sell along the promenade. Enjoy the historic architecture, and, also, the banana and cocoa plantations. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

DISCOVERY OF COCOA PLANTATIONS – Full day

From March to June, it is cocoa season, across the meadows of the southern coast of Ecuador. The pods are ripe for picking, some turning from green to yellow, like bananas. Although the cocoa harvest is not limited to a short period, it is spread over several months, once or twice a year. Cocoa harvest time varies by country, depending on climate and cocoa variety. In countries with a marked wet and dry season, the main harvest takes place 5-6 months after the start of the rainy season. In Ecuador you can actually visit the plantation all year round, despite the harvest, because there are quite a few things to see and learn. Some people, when they visit cocoa plantations, feel like they have seen trees unlike anything you have seen before; their precious cargo does not grow on the branches, but, directly, on the tree trunk, generally, the shape of the cocoa tree.

For chocolate lovers, this is a trip not to be missed, since this small equatorial country produces one of the best cocoa beans, the best for its aroma. As a result, the country’s chocolate producers have recently gained international recognition in most of the prestigious chocolate tasting events around the world. Across the grasslands of Guayaquil, cocoa is grown on family plantations, each generally owning a few hectares. Small plots of land are passed down from generation to generation, and some farmer associations have also joined in selling and producing cocoa beans. With global demand for cocoa easily outstripping supply, the finest Ecuadorian beans are increasingly valuable to major global chocolate companies.

Enjoy a lovely day of fine chocolate, learning the process and having a delicious experience.

CERRO BLANCO, NATURAL RESERVE – Mid-day program

This place is a little gem, located in the close surroundings of Guayaquil. Nature abounds in this place with forests, streams, tropical birds and small wildlife. If you like hiking in the woods and seeing lots of tropical birds, then this place is not to be missed. “Cerro Blanco” has it all! Tropical dry forest and trail system. It is an excellent place to enjoy nature and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, wildlife sightings are limited, but the pleasure of walking on this greenery is always a big bonus!

In just a few hours of easy hiking, you can see a multitude of fascinating and colorful insect species, plants, butterflies and birds. Several hikes are available, the length and difficulty of which will depend on you. On the shorter trail, there is a new and excellent cliff-top birdwatching station where you can find several types of hummingbirds, tanagers, woodcreepers, and other families of birds. There are “Ceibo” trees which are magnificent and exotic.

Day 1: Quito – Manta – Canoa Beach

We take a short 35 minute morning flight from Quito to Manta on the Pacific coast, pick you up from the airport and take you for a 45 min drive to the beautiful town of Bahia de Caraquez, located in the Chone River Delta. Bahia, like other ocean towns in Ecuador, has primarily vacation homes and rentals, usually occupied from April to August. Bahia is proud to have called itself an eco-city thanks to people’s efforts in recycling, reforestation programs and an eco-oriented community. From there we cross the bay to the small fishing village of San Vicente, then to Canoa.

Canoa has something for everyone: surfing, paragliding, hiking, festivals and shopping, Canoa has almost everything!.

Day 2 Canoa Beach

Today we will enjoy the beautiful beach, the resort or enjoy alternative options (payable on site) for your leisure, such as paragliding, surf lessons, or explore the surroundings at your own pace. The rest of the day for leisure. Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the Canoa Beach Hotel

Day 3 Canoa – Manta – or continue to your next destination

Early breakfast and transfer to Manta in time to catch your flight to Quito or continue to your next destination. Note: Depending on your flight schedule, we can arrange a day trip to Manta to relax by the beach and explore nearby beaches such as Santa Marianita, famous for Kite Surfing, explore the Tarqui fish market and the artisanal shipyards. El Murcielago beach, each beach is located in the Manta area and near the airport. Lunch.

Day 1: Manta – Pacoche – Howler monkeys hiking – Puerto Lopez

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, on a flight to the port city of Manta. Transfer from the airport to the “Pacoche” reserve, located approximately 45 minutes from Manta. Here we will explore the last remnants of the rainforest on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and also, we will have time to hike in the woods of this virgin forest. We will take the opportunity, in this beautiful forest, to also learn a lot about local plants and the Howler Monkeys who live in this magnificent place. Lunch in a typical restaurant along the beach which offers the best seafood. If time permits, we can also include a visit to the “San Lorenzo” house to marvel at a beautiful sunset. Afterwards, continue the day towards Puerto Lopez. Time to rest.

Day 2: Los Frailes Beach

Visit the beautiful and secluded white sand beach, “Los Frailes”. Time to stroll along the beach and enjoy the magnificent views, to relax. The wild animals on the beach, the sun, the water temperature, the landscape, the calm environment, make a wonderful beach, to forget everything. For sports enthusiasts, you can go diving, along the coast or swim.
As this is a pristine beach, there are no vendors, and there is no shade, so we recommend bringing something to eat and water. Return to Puerto Lopez, around noon. Afternoon, free. Night in the region.

Day 3: Isla de la Plata and Whale Watching – Full Day *

We recommend having a light breakfast, due to the day of sailing ahead of us. Depending on weather conditions, the estimated sailing time is approximately 2 hours. In Puerto Lopez, we will take a motorboat to go to “Isla de la Plata”, a beautiful uninhabited island. On the island of La Plata, you can do two hikes on well-designed trails, and also shallow diving or snorkeling. It’s wonderful to go snorkeling because you’ll see lots of fish, and even sea turtles if you’re lucky. The most common bird is the blue-footed booby, but you also see the red-footed, masked booby, frigate birds and a few other species, sometimes you see sea lions, gathered in the rocks near the shore. Enjoy a delicious lunch box. Nature is preserved on its own because it is part of the National Park and to visit it, you need a guide. Overall, it is a very beautiful island, and also, a nice substitute, for those who don’t have time to visit the Galapagos. Return to Puerto Lopez at the end of the day and overnight in the region.

During the whale season from July to September, this activity is done on the way to Isla de la Plata.

Day 4: Agua Blanca, eco-village!

After a delicious breakfast, departure to the ecological village and archaeological site of “Agua Blanca”, located on the “Spondylus” Route. If you are not interested in community projects or archaeological sites, you can always go to the sulfur baths for a natural treatment. This is a relaxing time! Enjoy the feeling of walking under the shade of trees and feeling the breeze on a hot day. Return to Manta, or continue to your next destination.

Day 1: Quito – Manta – Montecristi – Panama hats and howler monkeys

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, by plane, for the town of Manta to enjoy a beautiful day in the company of the men who make the hats called “Panama” in their houses, the same ones that are exported all over the world. Visit the Montecristi flea market to buy souvenirs and beautiful hats at very attractive prices. After Montecristi, we will travel to the “Pacoche” reserve, to take a short hike in the woods of this tropical forest. It is not only a beautiful walk but also the opportunity to learn a lot about local plants and the famous black howler monkeys that live here. Afterwards, we will have time to have lunch along the beach and eat delicious seafood in local restaurants. If time permits, we can also include a visit to the San Lorenzo house to marvel at a beautiful sunset. Return to Manta late in the afternoon. Night in Manta.

Day 2: Origin of Chocolate, Community Tourism Project – Full Day

After breakfast, we head south, along the ocean shore. Today is dedicated to local projects. We will visit the center of the Creole cocoa garden (the only ones authorized to cultivate cocoa, from Monday to Friday), then we will go to a cocoa plantation in the ecological community of “Rio Chico”. Along the way, you can also spot other tropical fruits, such as lemon, orange and coconut plantations. As part of this day, you will travel to the Cocoa Association, where you will learn about the post-harvest process (drying, fermentation, storage and export). And, finally, you will arrive at the community, where, they will show you how to make chocolate from cocoa beans. Return to Manta at the end of the afternoon. Night in Manta.

Day 3: The Coffee Route, Community Tourism Project, Full Day

Who doesn’t like coffee? This is a day of exploration and learning about the production process and quality of Arabica coffee.
We will visit a coffee farm, and, while walking through the coffee plantation, the owner will explain the coffee maturation process and other important information about coffee farming. An essential and well-deserved coffee break with coffee and typical local products (corn cake) will be served. We have the chance to taste the typical food of “Manabi” in a delicious lunch provided by the local communities, and, to know more about the regional economy. Our day continues to an export coffee company to see the post-harvest process (drying, storage and export). Return to Manta at the end of the day. Night in Manta.

Day 4: Manta

Last day in Manta area, depending on your flight schedule, we can organize a relaxing day on the beach, and, discover the proximity of beaches: like “Santa Marianita”, famous for Kitesurfing, explore the fish market, at “Tarqui” beach, and, the artisanal shipyards, or, simply, sunbathe on “El Murcielago” beach, all places are located in the Manta area. Transfer to the airport to return to Quito or continue to your next destination.

Day 1: From Quito to Esmeraldas

You will travel through a subtropical and tropical climate that will show you the beautiful colors of the province. Accommodation in a hotel or cabin of your choice. Afternoon on the beach. In the evening, Marimba show in the town of Esmeraldas.

Day 2: Beach Day

Excursion to Atacames, Punta Galeras, Muisne or Same. Free afternoon. In the evening, cocktail by the sea in Atacames and visit to the market.

Day 3: Return to Quito

Spend time at the beach to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast. In the afternoon return to Quito.