Ecuador Coastal Hacienda Tour, groups only

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Here the vibe is Caribbean. Guayaquil's new ravishing waterfront is right next to Santa Ana Hill, its oldest neighborhood, and iguanas roam freely at Bolivar Park in the heart of downtown. Guayaquil is Ecuador's natural port, and its largest city with a population of two million. It is also the country's financial and commercial center. Founded in 1547, this tropical city lies on the banks of the Guayas River, twelve miles inland from the Gulf of Guayaquil. The people of Guayaquil are outgoing and open, they enjoy their city and are fiercely proud of their heritage. It is not surprising to hear the drama of Guayas, a brave indigenous leader, who in his desperation to avoid falling into the hands of the Spanish conquerors, decided to kill his wife, Quil, before drowning himself in the waters of the river. Their names were joined; a city was baptized.

Tour Details

This is a great opportunity to have a close look at the natural scenery of the tropical lowlands of Ecuador:  from the big city, driving by rice paddies, sugar cane plantations and natural tropical vegetation – along roads dotted with colorful produce and people, to a banana plantation with its own packing plant.  Guests will also have the opportunity to observe the production of cocoa and coffee, and the possibility to taste fresh and delicious tropical fruits.  A Hacienda Lunch is included.
The visit can be to Hacienda Jambeli in Naranjal, a 2-hour drive from Guayaquil or at Hacienda Las Cañas at Puerto Inca, an hour away from Guayaquil. For large groups and ncentives, many extras can be offered (at additional cost), like dance groups, music, special catering, gifts and more.

Included

• Lunch
• Round trip ground transportation and guide

Travel Facts

• Wear light clothes for warm weather
• Sneakers or good walking shoes
• Hat or cap
• Insect repellent
• Do not wear perfume or sweet-smelling creams which attract unwanted insects
• Average temperature: Day  22° to 32° C / 70° to 90° F.
• Altitude:  sea level

The Pacific coast

From north to south, the coast of Ecuador is dotted with wide and lovely beaches, some pristine like Los Frailes, others with fishermen villages, fashionable resorts like Salinas or Bahia de Caraquez, modern cities and ancient archaeological sites.

Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, is a vibrant metropolis on the Guayas River delta, 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the Pacific Ocean. A busy port of imposing commercial buildings, baronial mansions, Guayaquil has rich museums, great sports centers, and daily musical events along its new waterfront. You must see the old section of Las Peñas to enjoy the grace and tranquility of the city's past.

This region also has archaeological remains of the oldest cultures ever found in the Pacific Coast of South America: Chorrera, Salango, Valdivia and Manteño. Its natural history is also unique, especially the protected coastal tropical dry forests, in Machalilla National Park. A 44-kilometer (28 miles) cruise to Isla de la Plata, rewards the traveler with some of the bird life found on the Galapagos Islands. And if your visit takes place between July and November, you will even see great humpback whales, migrating from Antarctica.