Guayaquil day trips & short tours

Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and gateway to the Galapagos Islands, is a bustling coastal urban center, embodying all the issues of the country's development in the 20th century.

GUAYAQUIL STOP-OVER

GUAYAQUIL CITY TOUR

DAILY, 3 HOURS

Morning Guayaquil city tour, the Park of the Iguanas, the famous Rotonda where the Monuments of Simón Bolívar and San Martin stand. Also, you will enjoy the visit to the new PIER 2000 and its main attractions. Then proceed to the top of El Carmen Hill, from here, you will have a panoramic view of Guayaquil.

HISTORIC PARK TOUR

DAILY, 4 HOURS

Only 10 minutes from the city, lies the Historical Park, which is an eight hectare natural mangrove habitat surrounded by swamps, forests and other species of trees such as "Platanillo" which grows naturally around the Daule river's tideland. The fresh waters of the Daule River and the tropical climate of the place is the perfect setting to bring the past back to life in this colorful ecological park.

In a one day visit one can encounter the fauna and flora of the region in the "wildlife zone", the history, cultural manifestations and rural life in the "traditions zone", and the "urban - architectonic zone" will use original pieces from Guayaquil's antique architecture destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the past century.

There are 28 species of animals in captivity, among those you can observe: The white tale deer, mapaches, peccaries, small tigers, lazy bears, crocodiles, etc. 90 species of birds are found here, such as: Parrots, parakeets, eagle harpy amongst others.

CERRO BLANCO TROPICAL DRY FOREST

DAILY, 6 HOURS

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, is located west of Guayaquil some 16 Kilometers with 3,450 ha of tropical dry forest. This is a private reserve managed by Fundación Pro-Bosque.  They have an animal rescue center as well where some species are taken care of, or have been recovered from illegal collectors.   
 
If you enjoy natural history, this reserve is the most interesting place to visit, close to Guayaquil. Though it is not a very big area, it has over 200 bird species, such as the great green macaw, amongst several others. Around 35 different species of mammals including jaguars, monkeys, ocelots and peccaries amongst others. And, over 90 species of trees, as well as beautiful views of the tropical dry forest and mangroves. 

PUERTO HONDO MANGROVE RESERVE

DAILY, 6 HOURS

A community effort for the conservation of the remaining mangroves in the area has formed this Ecological Club which, among its projects offers eco-tourism opportunities. Visit this beautiful natural site with exotic flora and fauna!, with very interesting canoe rides into the mangroves.

MANGLARES CHURUTE MANGROVE RESERVE

DAILY, FULL DAY

This is a 50,000 ha reserve located 45 minutes from Guayaquil, on Km 23 of the Guayaquil-Puerto Inca road. This is one of the most important national protected areas, due to its rich biodiversity held together by 5 ecosystems.

The reserve has a very important habitat and mangrove protected areas. The only one remaining in the coastal region. This forest supports a wide biodiversity and a high level of endemism.

A wide variety of birds, water birds, animals and even dolphins can be seen here.

BOTANICAL PARK TOUR

DAILY, 3 HOURS

This garden holds approximately 324 botanic species which can be observed in their natural habitat, among trees used for wood, fruit trees, ornamental and exotic plants.

You can also observe more than 73 bird species and 60 butterfly species all yearlong. Its flora and fauna have made it an "eco-tourist" attraction which also provides scientific interest for both locals and foreigners who enjoy the orchids' natural reserve and the habitat preservation of these stunning species which are under danger of extinction.

PANTANAL ZOO TOUR

DAILY, 3 HOURS

"El Pantanal" Zoo, is located just 15 minutes from Guayaquil, km 23 via Daule. This is the best place to explore and experience a rich fauna adventure, especially for those who consider themselves Flora and Fauna lovers.

The place itself has over 3 hectares and the journey through these exciting wild fauna and exotic flora paths, takes around 2 hours. The Zoo works as well as a rescue and rehabilitation center, protecting species under captivity.

PUNA ISLAND CRUISE

DAILY, FULL DAY

The Guayas river merges into Ecuador's main port, "Guayaquil" and a trip to the Puná island is an exciting adventurous experience that should not be missed.

The Puná island is another attraction from the Pacific Pearl, this beautiful and most colorful island is located approximately 26 nautical miles from Guayaquil. The journey allows you to experience the diverse ecosystem around this area and to enjoy the various riverside points that are a part of the Gulf of Guayaquil. While traversing these 26 nautical miles until stepping onto the island, you will enjoy the picturesque and unique flora and fauna, as well as learning the cultural legends of the legendary rural parish of Guayaquil, located in the outlet of the Guayas river and its tributaries.

The voyage may last up to three hours (one way), depending on the ocean conditions (if the marine current is in favor or against), this trip offers a natural spectacle within the Guayas river waters, in which the dolphins give a welcoming parade. The dolphins' acrobatic jumps accompany the fluvial transport as they become the delight of those who enjoy their company.

MONTUBIO LIFESTYLE TOUR

DAILY, 4 HOURS

We will initiate our route towards the town of Samborondon. In this tour the native life of the coastal farmer will be appreciated.

Included Tour Highlights
- Observation of the construction of rafts.
- Visit an artisan factory of mud vases.
- We will cross the Guayas river in a typical canoe arriving at rice plantations.
- Traditional snack. Return to the city of Guayaquil.
- Private transportation, guide and entrances

SALINAS BEACH TOUR

DAILY, FULL DAY

Sunny Season: December to April
Humpback Whales Season: June to September

Leave Guayaquil towards beaches of Salinas, on the way the to the beach you will be able to appreciate the changes of ecosystems. There are small towns and plantations located throughout the route. Your first stop is the Lovers of Sumpa Museum, where you will find a compilation of the pre-Hispanic culture. There you will visit a colony of Sea Lions, the native levee and its crafts. After lunch there will be free time to enjoy the beach. When finalizing afternoon, we will return to Guayaquil.

TROPICAL HACIENDA AGRO-TOUR

DAILY, FULL DAY

Early departure towards the Property and Center of Rescue of Wild Life Jambelí located in Small Balao. This beautiful property consists approximately of 10 acres. The tourists will be received with a snack at the begin of the visit to the animal rescue center. Visit the banana plantations and their packing center, the coca farm , shrimp farm and tilapia farm.

Traditional lunch will be provided. After lunch optional horseback riding along the lagoon. Afternoon return to the city of Guayaquil.