Highlights
- Canoe through the mangroves of the Manglares Churute Reserve
- Take a family hike along the dramatic coastline of La Chocolatera
- Build sandcastles on the beautiful beaches around Salinas and Puerto López
- Sail to the real-life "Treasure Island" at Isla de la Plata
- Spot whales, sea lions, and exotic birds in Machalilla National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Guayaquil, Tour Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve | Guayaquil |
| Day 2 | Guayaquil City Tour, Transfer to Salinas | Salinas |
| Day 3 | Hike the Waterfront at La Chocolatera, Free Afternoon | Salinas |
| Day 4 | Beach Day in Salinas, Transfer to Puerto López | Puerto López |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to Isla de la Plata | Puerto López |
| Day 6 | Free Time in Puerto López | Puerto López |
| Day 7 | Los Frailes & Agua Blanca, Transfer to Guayaquil & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guayaquil, Tour Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arriving in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city known as the "Pearl of the Pacific," you'll be transferred to your hotel and given some time to freshen up after your journey. Then, waste no time getting your family vacation off to a fun start with a tour of the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. It's a great way to get kids active after a long time sitting on a flight.
The 86,589-acre (35,041 ha) nature reserve lies 25 miles (40 km) west of Guayaquil and is home to the largest reserve of red and black mangroves in Ecuador. Hop in a canoe upon arrival, and set off with your guide to paddle through the area's many mangrove swamps and lakes. Learn more about the biodiverse ecosystem and look out for aquatic birds, tortoises, ducks, herons, woodpeckers, badgers, anteaters, shrimp, and crabs.
Day 2: Guayaquil City Tour, Transfer to Salinas
After a good night's sleep, you and the family will be ready to explore the sights of Guayaquil this morning. Today's tour includes a range of activities and locations to interest all ages, from little kids to teens to parents. Start at Seminario Park, well-known for its land iguanas that laze about in the trees while they catch the sun. Visit the Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral, built in classical Gothic style, before moving on to Malecón 2000, Guayaquil's wide, tree-lined waterfront that runs alongside the Río Guayas.
The next stops are a couple of impressive government buildings, the Palacio Municipal and Palacio de Gobernacion, and the Moorish clock tower La Torre Morisca, built in 1843. Climb the steep stairs to enjoy the views across the city, then check out La Rotonda, a statue that marks the meeting between Simón Bolívar and Jose San Martin in 1822. Finally, have a wander around the old district of Las Peñas, a picturesque neighborhood built on the Cerro Santa Ana hill. Climb amid brightly painted wooden houses that will delight kids, to gain a different perspective of the city.
Later in the day, your journey continues with a transfer to Salinas, a coastal city 88 miles (142 km) away. This pretty city is often described as the "Miami Beach of Ecuador," and you and your family can spend the rest of the day exploring its inviting beaches or relaxing at your accommodation.
Day 3: Hike the Waterfront at La Chocolatera, Free Afternoon
Help the little ones lace up their best walking shoes today as you're off on an adventurous trip to La Chocolatera. You may want to inform the kids that this cool place isn't directly related to chocolate―the rocky, westernmost tip of Ecuador is named because of the brown algae and microalgae in the water that resembles a cup of hot chocolate. Much of the time the water is brilliant blue, and many hiking trails offer sweeping views over the arid coast and crashing surf. Kids will love watching the sea hit the rocks and cliffs with great force, and you'll find five lookout spots along the coast that you can hike to.
In the afternoon, spend some chill family time relaxing on a local beach. There are many great options, all with white sands and warm waters, including Playa de Chipipe, Playa Las Salinas, and Playa de Mar Bravo. You'll find a variety of watersports and activities on offer as well, which might appeal to active older kids and teens looking for more excitement.
Day 4: Beach Day in Salinas, Transfer to Puerto López
Enjoy a free day in and around Salinas, choosing sights and activities to suit your family's needs and interests. If you'd like to hit up the beaches again, how about a family surfing class? At some beaches, you can also rent umbrellas and beach tents, perfect for little ones who need a break from the sun.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Day Trip to Isla de la Plata
The high seas beckon today as you board a small, family-friendly yacht and set sail for Isla de la Plata (Silver Island), located just northwest of part of Puerto López within Machalilla National Park. The kids are sure to be intrigued by the island's swashbuckling history: local legend says English mercenary Sir Francis Drake buried treasure here, and it's rumored to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." They'll also be delighted to keep a lookout for humpback whales (especially if you're traveling from mid-June to mid-October), which can often be seen on the journey to and from the island.
Once you've dropped anchor at Isla de la Plata, spot the boisterous sea lions and blue-footed boobies that frequent its shores, as well as distinctive frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, waved albatrosses, and tropicbirds. After a walk along the island's guided trail, adventurous and older kids can go snorkeling in the pristine waters, while younger ages might want to stay on shore and start their own dig for buried treasure on the beach.
Day 6: Free Time in Puerto López
Take some time to explore Puerto López independently today, choosing activities that suit your family's ages and interests. If you want to take it easy, choose the simple option and head to Playa Puerto López, where little ones can play on the sand and watch the colorful fishing boats coming in.
For something more adventurous, travel a little way south along the coast to Salango and take a small boat over to Isla Salango, a tiny island with white-sand beaches and great views. From the beach, you can see more Ecuadorian birds, including pelicans, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles. Back in Puerto López, head to a local restaurant for dinner and treat yourself and the kids to some authentic Ecuadorian ceviche.
Day 7: Los Frailes & Agua Blanca, Transfer to Guayaquil, Depart
Learn more about ancient Ecuadorian culture this morning with a final trip into Machalilla National Park. Today's destination is Los Frailes (The Friars), a series of three stunning beaches connected by a hiking trail. Start with a short hike along a natural path until you reach the black-sand beach of La Tortuguita, which boasts a panoramic viewpoint over the coast.
Continue to Agua Blanca, a village that was the capital of the pre-Inca Manteña culture of the region. You'll find an interesting museum with archaeological items, and it's a great chance to teach the kids more about Ecuador's early history and its Indigenous people. In the afternoon, it's time to say your goodbyes as your driver transfers you back to Guayaquil to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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