Coastal Ecuador
Galapagos Best offers these excursions in the coastal area of Ecuador:
Beach Communities and Montañita
Along the southern Ecuadorian coast we can find several villages, each community depending on the different economic activities including artisanal fishing, agriculture, construction, bakery, handicrafts and tourism. Each has their own tradition and identity, except for Montañita, a surf paradise where Ecuadorian and international visitors co-exist year-round in a dynamic and peaceful atmosphere.
Galapagos Best's day trip includes a visit to the village of Colonche and the church of Santa Catalina de Colonche, originally built in the 17th century, and rebuuil entirely of "guasango" wood in 1998, after the "El Niño" phenomenon destroyed it in 1982 as well as a visit to the "El Retiro" rainforest and time to relax on the beach at Montañita.
Churute Eco Reserve
The Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve can be found about 30 miles from Guayaquil. It contains approximately 50,000 hectares of mangroves and dry tropical forests. Protected by 5 species of mangroves, it provides spectacular wildlife opportunities, including monkeys, ocelots, sloth, raccoons, and for birders, Canclon (Anhima cornuta), Egrets, Herons, Woodpeckers, Blue-gray tanager, Falcons, Humming birds, Brown pelicans, Cormorants, and Caciques.
Hacienda "El Castillo"
At this organic cacao plantation only 40 miles from downtown Guayaquil, you can observe the process of harvesting, drying and fermentation in one charming site.
Cocoa is a very important product in the Ecuadorian economy; you also will observe mango & plantain plantations and one of the world's few remaining tropical dry forests. You will tour a small chocolate factory and taste the certificated dark cacao. On our return to Guayaquil, we will visit an orchid’s farm.
Tour includes: Private transportation, Bilingual tour guide, lunch, visit to cocoa plantation, the giant ceibo, the cocoa factory, tropical dry forest tour and beautiful landscapes; welcome cocktail (cocoa juice) and typical snacks (plantain), unlimited beverages and a dark chocolate bar.