Ecuador Experiences
Day Trips in Guayaquil
Ecuador’s largest city and seaport has been revitalized and its crown jewel is the Malecon 2000, a two-mile pedestrian walkway along the Guayas River, Las Penas and Santa Ana Hill, the centuries-old neighborhood where restored homes line narrow streets. Â
All tours are private and depart from your hotel. A private car or van, driver, and an English-speaking guide are included.
PARQUE HISTORICO & LUNCH AT CASA JULIAN (6 HOURS)
For guests staying at the Hotel Oro Verde, we recommend visiting Samborondon, an upscale suburb of Guayaquil, with lunch at Casa Julian. After breakfast at Oro Verde’s El Patio, you’ll have a guided tour of Parque Historico, recreating Guayaquil’s past through its history and wildlife. You’ll find flora and fauna that once populated the area. A historic zone recreates architecture and traditions from the early 1900s and celebrates the indigenous cultures. A 3-course lunch at Casa Julian includes an appetizer, main course and dessert, soft drinks coffee or tea. Take a stroll along the Duale River, before returning to the Oro Verde by late afternoon.
Suggestion for guests staying at Hotel del Parque: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in the lovely courtyard, followed by a self-guided tour of Parque Historico, a wildlife park with the flora and fauna that once populated the area, located steps from the hotel. A historic zone recreates architecture and traditions from the early 1900s and celebrates the indigenous cultures. In the afternoon, book a cacao or coffee experience through the hotel concierge. Schedule a massage in the historic chapel or have afternoon tea in the library from 3-6 PM. Take a stroll along the Duale River where a fine dining experience awaits at Casa Julian, featuring delightful original creations using locally sourced ingredients by chef Santiago Nieto.  Additional charges apply and can be booked through the Hotel del Parque for guests.
HACIENDA LA DANESA (8 HOURS)
Founded in 1870, La Danesa is located near an old railway station in the Montubia coastal region. The hacienda and working dairy and cacao farm is owned and managed by the third generation Olsen family, who will introduce you to the hacienda’s history. There is a unique selection of activities including traills for horseback riding (additional charge), or bicycling, cow milking, and artisan chocolate making. After a 3-course lunch, there is time to relax or discover the lush property; Teca tree, organic garden, farm animals and cacao plantion. Return to Guayaquil late afternoon. Transportation is by comfortable mini bus and travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes each way.
BODEGA DOS HEMISFERIOS (8 HOURS)
Take a tour of the vineyards, learn about its history and the entire winemaking process, from planting to harvesting, and the challenges to produce wine in Ecuador, an unlikely location. When you arrive at the winery, you’ll be greeted by the enologists with a glass of rose. Sample wines are produced from 12 varieties of grapes. Wine tasting and a gastronomic experience await at Gran Saman with a three-court lunch and wine pairing with Premium or Ultra brands including: Del Morro, Enigma, Almirante, Travesia, and Armonia. Â
2024 Rates
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4-7 | 8-11 | 12-15 | 16+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER |
$78 |
$42 |
$42 |
$41 |
$40 |
$29 |
$25 |
|
HISTORICAL PARK & CASA JULIAN |
$407 |
$272 |
$268 |
$251 |
$214 |
$193 |
$185 |
|
HACIENDA LA DANESA |
$385 |
$255 |
$210 |
INQUIRE |
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|
BODEGA DOS HEMISFERIOS |
$120 to $160 per person + transfers from GYE |
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Rates are per person and are based on the total number of guests:Â
A 15% surcharge will apply for any service on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
Transportation to the Hacienda or Bodega is by a comfortable mini-bus. Travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes each way through scenic roads and landscapes.
Vehicle used for 1 person is an SUV, 2-3 guests are in H1, 4-7 guests in a SPRINTER VAN, 8-15 in a CRAFTER, and 16+ in a BUS.
Terms & Conditions for Classic Tours
Payment:Â Due 60 days prior to departureÂ
Cancellations: Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to departure will incur a service charge of $50 per person. Cancellations received 59 or less days prior to arrival are subject to full forfeiture.
In case of a no-show transfer, due to flight cancellation or delay, no refund will be provided. If delayed flights are notified less than 5 hours prior to the flight ETA/ ETD full charges will apply.  The service can be rescheduled for an additional charge. If delayed flights are notified more than 5 hours prior to the ETA/ ETD the service will be automatically rescheduled with no extra charge.
Changes may be unavoidable due to circumstances amounting to force majeure or similar reasons beyond our control, delays in departures on airlines caused by technical problems, weather conditions, overbooking or closure of a hotel, decisions by State Governments or tourist organizations, altering the itinerary due to a local situation; strikes, landslides, places of visit closed or not available at the last minute, bad road conditions. In such cases, we will offer comparable alternative arrangements. If any of the circumstances listed above occur during the course of the tour, we reserve the right to alter the scheduled itinerary accordingly. No refunds will be issued for any unused portion of travel the client cancels or changes during the holiday or within the 59 days prior to the date the service is due.