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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingEight hours by road — forest hike to watch howler monkeys, followed by a hands-on chocolate-making experience and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch outdoors.
This full-day tour takes you an hour and a half from Guayaquil to the Churute Forest, where you’ll engage with the local community to learn about traditional red crab fishing and agriculture.
The trekking portion follows the Howler Monkey Trail through a protected dry tropical forest, offering the chance to spot howler monkeys alongside various exotic birds and reptiles. In the afternoon, the tour shifts to a hands-on experience with chocolate, covering the entire process from cacao to chocolate-making. You’ll visit local plantations, taste several types, and have the chance to create your own handmade chocolate before enjoying a traditional Ecuadorian lunch outdoors, surrounded by nature.
Reviews
This journey was incredible. We spotted numerous Howler Monkeys on our hike with outstanding guides Jamil and Roberto. It's wise to heed their advice: bring ample bug spray and dress in long sleeves and pants for a more pleasant hike. Jamil treated us to the finest mangos and pineapple I have ever had. The cacao and mango experience was the trip's highlight. Young Jamil and his family prepared a tree-to-table meal that could easily earn Michelin Stars, featuring the freshest ingredients and beautiful presentation. The cacao was the best chocolate I've ever tasted, from the pods we collected to the roasted ones we peeled. They smelled and tasted like brownies! Don’t miss out on this trip; it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I booked this incredible experience primarily for the nature aspect but found the tour of the cacao farm equally captivating. It was outstanding. Our English-speaking guide, Simon, who is from the area, possesses deep knowledge of the local environment and its people. The walk through the dry forest, complemented by the sounds of howler monkeys, was enriched by Simon’s insights into the connections between various plants and animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. His tour provided a fascinating overview of cacao production, covering everything from planting and grafting to processing, along with making our own hot drink and chocolate bar, guided by Don Alberto. There’s also a small shop where you can purchase cacao souvenirs to take home. The tour company, Viasam, was fantastic. They reached out to confirm my dietary needs as a vegetarian and provided a delicious lunch featuring Ecuadorian ingredients, many sourced from the farm. They were flexible enough to adapt the itinerary to help me explore as much of the Guayaquil area as possible during my short stay.
This day trip was ideal, showcasing nature, agriculture, and wildlife, all led by a kind and passionate guide. The private tour exceeded all my expectations.
This experience was truly unforgettable, set amidst beautiful nature and complemented by the welcoming hospitality of our guide and the hosts at the cacao and mango farm. It was a magical time spent in harmony with the environment, highlighting the significance of appreciating our country and the hard work of local producers.
The day was fantastic. From the moment we were picked up, Yamil made the entire trip engaging. We discovered Ecuador's history and learned a lot about chocolate. Our visit to Cerro Blanca included a pleasant hike on an easy trail where our guide highlighted fascinating plants and wildlife. We then visited a chocolate plantation, where we sampled chocolate and explored the area. To top it off, we enjoyed a delightful lunch with excellent food. I strongly recommend a tour with Yamil; you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
The guide was fantastic, and we encountered numerous howler monkeys. The chocolate-making and tasting was an outstanding experience, with a lot to learn about cacao and fruit trees. The farm lunch was delicious. Just be aware of mosquitoes during the hike; wearing thick clothing and using a strong repellent is advisable. I'm really pleased we didn’t overlook this incredible opportunity.
Jamil was wonderful and had a wealth of knowledge to share. We gained a lot from the experience. The only letdown was that we didn't spot any Howler monkeys, although that's not the guides' fault. I would certainly suggest this to anyone visiting Guayaquil before heading to the Galapagos.
The trip was truly fantastic thanks to the caring and knowledgeable guides. Yamil was exceptionally considerate in modifying the itinerary for a group member with mobility challenges while ensuring we still enjoyed all our desired experiences. Daniel provided a wealth of valuable information. I loved it and would definitely book with them again.
We had a fantastic day with Yamil from Viasam Day Trips and Daniel from Daniel Falcon Photography. Before our trip, Yamil updated us on options to avoid the peak mosquito season at the jungle and farm. After a timely hotel pick-up, we visited Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, a tropical dry forest near Guayaquil. Although we didn't see any howler monkeys, we encountered a large hairy spider and several birds, thanks to Daniel's extensive knowledge and impressive bird and monkey calls. We then enjoyed a boat ride to Isla Santay eco village, opting for this over the Cacao Museum, and found it to be a fascinating destination. The community lives among mangroves and palm trees, with farm animals, occasional blue butterflies, crabs, and various birds present on the island. To top off the experience, Yamil made us feel at home, and we savored a delicious traditional Ecuadorian meal prepared by Liz and Wendy. It truly was an unforgettable day.
I had an excellent experience with Yamil and his companions. We visited a private reserve where we spotted howler monkeys along with various birds, insects, and flowers. Then, we went to a working farm to pick mangoes and learn about cacao farming and chocolate processing. The day concluded with a delightful surprise as Yamil invited me to his home for a cooking demonstration featuring some of his family recipes, which were truly delicious. I highly recommend this tour and look forward to sharing the photos.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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