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This six-hour nature experience combines a motorised canoe ride through the mangroves and a visit to a cacao farm. Begins with a serene paddle through the estuary, where you'll have the chance to observe various bird species and the intricate ecology of the mangroves.
After the canoe ride, the focus shifts to the cacao farm, where participants can sample fruits directly from the trees and learn about the chocolate-making process from fruit to paste. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, ensuring that the experience is informative and engaging. Remember to wear comfortable shoes appropriate for walking in a natural setting.
Reviews
Eduardo was an outstanding guide, highly knowledgeable and skilled at spotting and identifying birds and wildlife in the jungle. He has numerous contacts, and the home-cooked lunch at the cocoa farm owner's house (his friend) was a delightful highlight. Overall, it was a first-rate tour.
Among the many remarkable experiences in Ecuador, the day spent in the Churute Mangroves, followed by a walk in the Dry Monkey Forest and a visit to a cocoa farm, stood out as a highlight. Our guide, Eddie, shared his extensive knowledge and passion for nature with great enthusiasm and humor. Every moment was enjoyable, enriched by the beauty of the Guayaquil area and his captivating stories. We gained valuable insights into the mangroves, the stunning birds, the playful monkeys, and the lives of the hardworking locals. We are thankful to the young family at the cacao farm for welcoming us into their home, providing delicious food, and educating us about cocoa and chocolate. Choosing Eddie as our guide was a stroke of luck; his tour deepened our understanding of Ecuador's nature, culture, and people, igniting a desire to return to this wonderful country. Thank you, Eddie!
For anyone looking to explore the stunning nature near Guayaquil while connecting with the local culture, this day trip with Eduardo is a must. It begins with a scenic boat ride in a nature reserve, where you can spot a variety of beautiful birds among the mangroves. Eduardo followed up a few days later by sharing a cloud link to all the photos he took during the trip. We also ventured into a forest inhabited by monkeys. For lunch, we enjoyed delicious authentic local cuisine prepared by a family running a cocoa farm, where we learned about cocoa cultivation and the chocolate-making process. Our guide provided a wealth of knowledge in an engaging and considerate manner, making this experience truly memorable.
We enjoyed an incredible experience with Eddie and his team. The wildlife sightings were amazing, and we captured numerous fantastic photos. Our time at the chocolate farm featured an exceptional meal and a fun chance to sample various fruits. The highlight was definitely learning about chocolate making and indulging in it. Our hosts were lovely. Another memorable moment was interacting with the howler monkeys, whose sounds are unforgettable. Eddie's extensive knowledge and pride for his country were evident. He has the right connections to ensure you visit the best spots. Our day exploring the Ecuadorian countryside was perfect, with a friendly driver and engaging hosts. I would gladly do it all over again.
In January 2025, we participated in two full-day tours led by Eduardo Meneses: the Churute Mangroves Reserve, which included the cacao experience at Finca Cumandá, and a customized trip to the El Morro Estuary & Playas. Both experiences were superb. Eduardo conducted the tours in both English and Spanish, which worked perfectly for our diverse group. He was punctual, professional, very knowledgeable, and adaptable; one time he even extended the tour without additional charges. The cacao experience at Finca Cumandá was particularly memorable, with hosts who mirrored Eduardo's warmth and expertise, allowing us to learn extensively about cacao and other fruits. His excellent relationships with local guides ensured smooth dolphin watching and bird spotting activities. As an unexpected bonus, Eduardo proved to be a skilled photographer, capturing stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and our group during the tours, which he later shared with us. These photos are a fantastic keepsake from our trip. I would highly recommend Eduardo to anyone traveling to Ecuador — he is trustworthy, professional, and makes each outing enjoyable and significant.
Eduardo (Eddie) Meneses, our guide, was outstanding. He was friendly, engaging, humorous, and incredibly knowledgeable. He had an impressive ability to spot birds quickly. The entire tour was exceptional, and we highly recommend him for any adventure.
Eddie (Eduardo Meneses) provided us with an exhilarating day. Our motorized canoe trip through the estuary showcased stunning bird sightings and incredible views. Eddie excelled as a guide, quickly spotting howler monkeys and various birds. The lunch was fantastic, especially the chocolate dessert at the cacao farm. The entire process of harvesting and processing cacao was captivating, and making and tasting our own chocolate bars was a true delight. I highly recommend this tour, which lasts over 8 hours, and particularly Eddie for his wealth of information, knowledge, and sense of humor. We cherished every moment.
Eddie took us on an incredible educational journey through the lesser-known paths just outside Guayaquil. The birdwatching was remarkable, and his expertise and photography skills enhanced the experience. We left with a deeper understanding of mangroves and chocolate production. Eddie's warm personality makes him a fantastic representative of his community and country.
My family and I took a tour of the Mangroves with Eddie this November, and I highly recommend this full-day experience. Eddie’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the Churute Mangroves and the chocolate-making process are exceptional. He identified every bird we encountered, many of which were new to me. He was articulate and accommodating; when one group member needed to join later, Eddie arranged a car to facilitate her pick-up and drop-off. Thanks to Eddie's local connections, I felt truly immersed in Ecuadorian culture. We enjoyed an authentic Ecuadorian meal at a family's farm, met “the Captain,” and harvested cacao fruit with a traditional saw. You can rely on Eddie to provide an informative, engaging, and memorable adventure in the Mangroves. Thank you!
I had a fantastic experience with Eddie on a private tour that included the mangroves and chocolate making. He is friendly and knowledgeable, and communication was top-notch. Both he and the driver were very accommodating. I appreciated that he supports local families through these activities, such as partnering with a local business for the chocolate making and using a local guide for the mangrove tour.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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