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This full-day private tour departs from Guayaquil and takes you to a protected natural reserve, where howler monkeys and native wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. You'll also visit a traditional cacao farm to see the chocolate-making process from bean to bar.
The tour includes an interactive culinary experience, where you'll prepare local dishes using cacao as a key ingredient. Designed for those interested in Ecuador’s rich culture and ecology, this tour offers a unique blending of wildlife, gastronomy, and tradition. Expect a full day of activities, so wear comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor exploration.
Reviews
This was an exceptional day trip from Guayaquil. Initially, we were concerned about spending three days in the city, but this excursion allowed us to immerse ourselves in nature nearby. Our guides, Simon and Yamil, made it even more enjoyable—especially since Simon is a fellow Canadian. The day began with an on-time pickup from our hotel, and we headed to Cerro Blanco National Park to see the howler monkeys. A ranger joined us, guiding us on an exciting adventure through the forest where we spotted the monkeys, intrigued by our presence. After our hike, we returned to a car stocked with cold drinks and beer, then traveled to a cacao farm, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch of shrimp ceviche with fried plantains and fresh cacao juice, all in a stunning setting among the fruit, nut, and cacao trees. We experienced a guided walk through the groves with ample fruit tastings before heading back to the city. The tour was flawless, with Yamil and Simon sharing their extensive knowledge throughout. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. Guayaquil exceeded our expectations. We had concerns about being in such a large city, but it proved safe, vibrant, and full of activities. This trip was a perfect finale for our visit to Ecuador.
I enjoyed a delightful day filled with experiences. We began with white pineapple and bananas, followed by some corn muffins. The hike to see the howler monkeys was stunning, and my guides had a wealth of knowledge on locating them. Next, we visited the cocoa farm, where we savored a delicious lunch before engaging in a chocolate-making activity. It was incredible to pick cocoa pods from the tree and create hot chocolate. I also made two new friends from Ecuador, making my day truly perfect.
I couldn't have asked for a better tour. The guides were excellent and shared so much information about Ecuador. We enjoyed fresh white pineapple and corn muffins right out of the oven. Then, we headed to the mountains in search of howler monkeys, and the guides were adept at locating them. The walking path was nice, and the forest was stunning. Afterward, we visited a cocoa farm where we had an amazing lunch. The chocolate experience followed, allowing us to pick a cocoa pod, which I recorded. It was an unforgettable day, and I've gained two friends in Ecuador.
Simone and Yamil were fantastic guides for my son and me during our day in Guayaquil. Simone's expertise on cacao was evident as she led us through the farm tour. I was a bit uncertain about how my Autistic son would handle the howling monkey trek, but Yamil and Simone provided him with mosquito nets and spray, and we ventured for over 30 minutes in search of the monkeys. Although we could hear them and Yamil had a great call, they initially didn’t show themselves. However, Simone ensured we wouldn’t leave empty-handed, and right by the car, we spotted monkeys leaping from the treetops! It was incredible. The food at the cacao farm was delightful, and we enjoyed making chocolate bars and hot chocolate. I gained so much knowledge from both guides, and we had a wonderful time. I highly recommend this experience and suggest bringing bug spray, a hat, long sleeves, and a hearty appetite.
This experience is truly unforgettable. Jamil is an exceptional guide who brings enthusiasm to his role, making guests feel at ease through engaging conversation. Our hike in Cerro Blanco Forest allowed us to observe a variety of flora and fauna, including Mantle Howler Monkeys. Jamil also guided us through a Cacao Museum in the Old Downtown. Although we couldn’t visit his Grandfather's cacao farm due to the rainy season, he treated us to a traditional Ecuadorean lunch that felt like home. Jamil is not only a wonderful conversationalist, speaking in his second language, but also a passionate guide who enjoys sharing his knowledge. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Guayaquil. I wish Jamil and his family all the best and am thankful for the unique experience he provided for my mom and me.
We had an incredible experience that far surpassed our expectations. The trail was set in a wildlife reserve, where we encountered howler monkeys—a rare sight during the wet season—along with other wildlife. Although we couldn't visit the cacao farm due to road flooding, Yamil provided an excellent alternative by sharing insights on cacao history at the cacao museum, a hands-on workshop, and a taste of Ecuadorian cacao cuisine. We also explored Guayaquil's rich history and architecture. Yamil was an exceptional and dedicated guide. It was truly the best day we could have asked for in Guayaquil.
Yamil was a fantastic tour guide, showcasing his extensive knowledge of the city. He was also very friendly and accommodating, making for an incredible experience. I strongly recommend Yamil for your tour!
The walk through the mangroves was wonderful, allowing us to see howler monkeys resting in the trees and numerous spider species. Visiting the cocoa farm was fascinating as we learned the entire process from fruit to bean to chocolate. Yamil and his team were excellent and truly passionate about their work. We had the opportunity to sample local snacks, cocoa juice, and chocolate, even picking and tasting seeds directly from the fruit. Thank you, Yamil.
The guides were engaging, knowledgeable, and truly made the tour enjoyable. I gained insights into the dry forest ecosystem and the chocolate-making process while strolling through beautiful natural trails. The surroundings are stunning, perfect for photography, and provide a calm escape from city life. Chocolate is delightful, and understanding its background adds to the experience. I strongly recommend this for anyone who loves nature, wants to learn, and is interested in Ecuador’s culture and biodiversity.
The nature excursion turned out to be different from our expectations and what we primarily paid for, but we accepted the change in itinerary, which felt fair. Yamil was a courteous gentleman, and it was wonderful to see his enthusiasm at the cacao plantation. The visit there was genuinely captivating and a unique experience. The guide from the farm was exceptionally engaging and knowledgeable about the entire process from planting to chocolate production. After the day trip, Yamil treated us to a home-cooked meal at his place, featuring a delicious sea bass recipe from his grandmother that incorporated cacao. Daniel was an intriguing character, with impressive insights into wildlife and the patterns of climate and nature. Thank you for the memorable trip, Yamil!
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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