Full-day excursions from Guayaquil pack a big punch, offering excellent value and unforgettable experiences. This bustling port city serves as a perfect launch pad for nature-focused day trips. The real standouts include the mangrove tours, where you’ll spot playful dolphins and colorful birds in their natural habitat. For a taste of the Galapagos experience without island-hopping, the Isla de La Plata tour delivers with similar wildlife and far fewer travelers.
I’m particularly fond of the waterfall circuit tours and the fascinating cacao farm visits – they showcase Ecuador’s natural beauty while giving you a genuine peek into local life. The thermal bath excursions offer a relaxing alternative, and the Chimborazo Volcano trips are perfect for adventure seekers.
Check out these time-tested favorites that consistently earn top marks from our travelers.
Key Points
- The Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove tour offers a full-day immersive experience exploring lush mangrove forests, spotting diverse wildlife, and learning about the local ecosystem.
- The Isla de La Plata tour provides a day-long adventure featuring hiking trails, marine bird watching, snorkeling opportunities, and potential whale sightings during the peak season.
- The Manuels Waterfalls tour offers a personalized full-day experience with a professional guide, including hiking, swimming, and tasting local produce.
- The Hacienda Cacaoymango and Vanilla Greenhouse tour provides a comprehensive look into the cacao and vanilla production process, along with a private transportation and guide.
- The Zhagal Thermal Baths tour offers a customizable private experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off, and access to the soothing thermal waters.
Full Day Tour Mangroves Dolphins and Birds From Guayaquil
Although a short drive from the bustling city of Guayaquil, this full-day tour transports visitors to a tranquil natural wonderland.
Explore the mangroves, spot dolphins, and observe a diverse array of birdlife – all without traveling to the Galapagos Islands. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to see species like frigates, albatross, and boobies on Isla de los Pajaros.
At $215 per person, this private, family-friendly excursion offers an excellent value, with high ratings and positive reviews highlighting memorable wildlife encounters and attentive service.
Free cancellation and snacks/drinks round out the inclusive experience.
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Full Day Isla De La Plata Sunshine Route From Guayaquil
The Isla de La Plata Sunshine Route from Guayaquil offers a day-long excursion to this captivating island, often referred to as the “mini Galapagos.”
Travelers can explore the island’s hiking trails, spotting an array of marine birds like blue-footed and red-footed boobies, pelicans, frigates, and albatrosses.
Snorkeling opportunities allow visitors to witness the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and sea lions.
Whale sightings are possible during the June to September season.
The tour includes private transportation, knowledgeable guides, meals, and equipment.
With a 5.0 rating from nine reviews, this full-day adventure provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Isla de La Plata.
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Full Day Manuels Waterfalls From Guayaquil
Guayaquil’s Full Day Manuels Waterfalls tour provides nature enthusiasts with an unforgettable one-day excursion. Rated 4.7 out of 6 reviews, this private tour ensures a personalized experience as you explore the Cascadas de Manuel with a professional guide.
Activities include hiking to waterfalls, swimming, and tasting local produce. Enjoy a freshly prepared Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour starts at 6:00 AM and ends back at the meeting point, with round-trip transportation provided. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable hikes, and delicious meals, though some note difficulty accessing all cascades due to steep terrain.
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Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cocoa Farm Visit
For those seeking a deeper exploration of Guayaquil’s natural wonders, the Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cocoa Farm Visit tour offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $370 per person, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and a local cocoa farm.
Highlights include a boat ride, a walking tour, and the opportunity to spot various wildlife like howler monkeys and birds.
While reviews praise the wildlife sightings, some feedback indicates room for improvement in the English-speaking guide’s explanations.
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Full Day Tour Isla Salango Snorkel Seabirds From Guayaquil
Escape the bustling city of Guayaquil for a day of coastal exploration and wildlife sighting on the Full Day Tour Isla Salango Snorkel Seabirds.
You’ll sail along the Pacific coast and experience Isla Salango and Machalilla National Park with a private naturalist guide. They’ll identify local seabirds like blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
The tour includes private transportation, snorkeling equipment, breakfast, and entrance fees.
With a moderate physical fitness level required, you’ll enjoy a private experience that’s not wheelchair accessible.
The tour costs from $300 per person and has a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Full Day : Forest and the Fisherman Trail (From Guayaquil)
Though Guayaquil is known for its bustling city life, this Full Day: Forest and the Fisherman Trail tour allows travelers to experience Ecuador’s remarkable biodiversity without venturing to the Galapagos Islands.
Over the course of 7 hours, guests can encounter howler monkeys, mangroves, and nearly 300 different species in a nature reserve. The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable driver/guide, bottled water, and a delicious lunch.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the positive reviews emphasize the tour guide’s expertise and the overall highlights of the nature reserve, cocoa farm, and lunch.
This private tour is an excellent way to take in Ecuador’s natural wonders.
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Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove
The Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy Ecuador’s remarkable natural wonders.
This full-day tour, priced from $276 per person, takes visitors on a journey through the reserve’s lush mangrove forests and along the serene river. Accompanied by a knowledgeable multilingual guide, travelers will explore the sendero and experience the reserve’s diverse wildlife.
Transportation, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, is provided, and gratuities are included. Participants should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and mosquito repellent, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour and positive reviews highlighting the great driver and well-conducted experience, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of Ecuador’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove Review
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Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour
Travelers seeking a captivating journey through Ecuador’s natural wonders can embark on the Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour.
This 5-star rated excursion offers a full-day adventure, including hotel pickup, bilingual guide, and transfers to all attractions. Highlights include a river trip, a howler monkey trail, and a visit to a cocoa and mango farm.
Guests will enjoy a three-course lunch and welcome drink at a scenic hacienda. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, but is stroller-accessible and suitable for families.
With a moderate fitness level required, this private tour promises an immersive and enjoyable experience.
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Full Day at Hacienda Cacaoymango and Vanilla Greenhouse.
Embarking on a captivating journey, this full-day tour at Hacienda Cacaoymango and Vanilla Greenhouse promises an immersive exploration of Ecuador’s agricultural wonders.
Travelers will enjoy private transportation, a bilingual guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Upon arrival, they’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before embarking on a tour of the cacao and vanilla operations.
A three-course lunch and free-flowing alcoholic beverages await. With transfers included, the day’s activities flow seamlessly.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Offering a flexible booking process, this tour provides an excellent value, with a lowest price guarantee.
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Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cacao Farm Visit
Stepping away from the verdant cacao and vanilla haven, the tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve.
This full-day trip from Guayaquil whisks travelers to discover the diverse wildlife, including water birds and crocodiles, through both land and water perspectives.
With a small group limited to 15 people, the experience offers personalized attention from a professional guide.
Highlights include a riverboat ride through the reserve and a visit to a local cacao farm.
Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, a tasty lunch, and all necessary transportation and gratuities.
This tour operates rain or shine, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.
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Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour From Guayaquil
The Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil beckons visitors to indulge in a day of relaxation amidst the natural splendor of the Zhagal Hot Springs.
This private tour provides transportation, a professional guide, and a seamless experience from hotel pickup to drop-off. Guests can tailor the itinerary to their preferences, enjoying the thermal waters at their own pace.
The tour includes lunch, and all taxes and fees are covered. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.
Multilingual guides are available, and the experience is suitable for most travelers, though not wheelchair accessible. Priced at $258 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Full Day Tour Mangroves Dolphins and Cocoa Farm From Guayaquil
This captivating full-day tour from Guayaquil takes visitors on an immersive journey through the diverse coastal wonders of Ecuador.
Highlights include a visit to a tropical plantation to learn artisan chocolate making, a boat ride in Puerto del Morro to spot bottlenose dolphins and migratory seabirds, and free time at the beach.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip private transport, bottled water, a driver/guide, and a tasty lunch.
While the tour operates in all weather conditions, travelers should dress appropriately and bring recommended items like repellent and sunscreen.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5, the tour offers a well-rounded experience, though itinerary changes may occur due to nature’s unpredictability.
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Full Day Chimborazo Volcano & Balbanera’s Church From Guayaquil
A captivating full-day tour from Guayaquil takes visitors on an awe-inspiring journey to the majestic Chimborazo Volcano and the historic Balbanera’s Church.
Ideal for nature enthusiasts with limited time, the small-group tour features a challenging 650-foot ascent to the volcano’s second refuge, guided by an expert.
Guests enjoy a scenic transfer, lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant, and a visit to Balbanera’s Church before returning to Guayaquil.
Inclusive of round-trip transportation, a professional multilingual guide, and admission to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, this tour offers an exceptional value with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Full Day Ayangue Tour With Snorkeling in the Pelados Islote
Explore the captivating Ayangue and its nearby Pelados Islote on this full-day adventure from Guayaquil.
For $289 per person, you’ll enjoy transportation, a professional multilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Guayaquil’s urban area.
Spend the day snorkeling the crystal-clear waters around Pelados Islote, then relax on the beaches of Ayangue. Most travelers can participate, and the tour operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. With a 5-star rating based on one review, this tour is a great way to discover the coastal wonders near Guayaquil.
Read our full review: Full Day Ayangue Tour With Snorkeling in the Pelados Islote Review
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The Sum Up
Guayaquil offers a range of full-day tours that showcase the region’s natural wonders. From mangrove excursions and island visits to thermal baths and volcano sights, there’s something for all. Travelers can explore diverse ecosystems, spot wildlife, and enjoy the local culture. These tours provide a comprehensive way to experience the best of what Guayaquil and its surrounding areas have to offer.