Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit
Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy our one-way flexible, convenient and private tour departing from Guayaquil to Cuenca including a visit to a cacao farm and a optional hike in Cajas National Park. Allowed 2 suitcases p.p
Available options
Group Tour with lunch
You will share the tour with other customers.
Shuttle
Duration: 3 hours<br/>SUV, Van, Minibus<br/>Private Shuttle one-way: Customized pick-up time, is a perfect option for those who are looking just for a transfer. No guide, no meals. <br/>Pickup included
Group Tour without lunch
LUNCH NOT INCLUDED: You can bring your own meal or buy it yourself at the restaurant we usually stop for lunch.
Private Tour with lunch
This option is exclusively for your party, offers a personalized and flexible service.<br/>Lunch included<br/>SUV, Van or Minibus
What's included
Tour Guide/Driver (Licensed)
Lunch (If option selected)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Detailed itinerary
1
Ever tasted the pulp of fresh cacao beans? We will visit a local family farm, the main product growing here is cacao (base to make chocolate), however, they have many other products such as breadfruit, coffee, passionfruit, pineapple, among many others. You will be able to experience the process of craft chocolate making and try it if you like to while our tour guide explains the history of cacao and the local customs as well.
2
Taste the natural sweetness that is part of the cuisine and daily life of Ecuadorians. This local market booming with colors and fruits is one of the most interesting experiences in this area, with our experienced tour guide will learn and sample (If you like to) some of the local sweet and exotic fruits grown here. If you think you know the taste of bananas, mandarines, coconut, dragon fruit, passionfruit to name a few, get ready for the real flavor of these delicious fruits!
3
On the way, we will stop for lunch at this very local restaurant where the specialty is trout, however, there are several options including vegetarian and vegan. Our tour guide will advise you.
You will also have the chance to enjoy the mysterious Andes mountains views from this point.
4
We will drive upwards to the highlands through the southern Andes. Here we will visit the Cajas National Park, considered to be one of the most scenic and important protected areas in Ecuador. It's a lake system that constitutes the main source of water for Cuenca. We will take a hike (based on your fitness) to explore the moorlands ecosystem, native Polylepis forest and unique vegetation found here.
After a full-day trip, we will drop you in Cuenca at your hotel or the location of your choice.
What's not included
Gratuities
Cocoa Farm fee $3 p.p
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
8 reviews
5★
7
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
41 reviews
5★
39
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Passport name, number and nationality is required at time of booking for all participants
A minimum of 2 people is required to operate shared tours.
Please notice: this is one-way trip Guayaquil to Cuenca or viceversa tour
For 1 to 5 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 5 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided
Meeting point
We offer hotel or Airbnb pick ups. Please contact us to arrange it or you can meet us at the Malecon 2000
Important notes
- Please contact us at info@cuencabestours.com within 2 days notice to reconfirm the tour
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate shared tours
- Please notice: this is a one-way trip from Guayaquil to Cuenca or vice versa tour
- Prepared for both kinds of weather, tropical and highland areas (1 to 3 layers). Temperature can range from 46F to 86F
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
- Infant meals are not included
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- For 1 to 5 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 5 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- We pick you up at any hotel or Airbnb within Guayaquil
About Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest and most populous city, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and strategic location along the Pacific coast. It serves as the country's main port and offers a mix of urban energy, colonial charm, and natural beauty with the nearby Pacific beaches and the Guayas River.
Top Attractions
Malecón 2000
A modern waterfront promenade along the Guayas River, featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to enjoy the city's skyline and river views.
Architecture/Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Sembradores Park
A beautiful urban park with lush gardens, walking paths, and a lake. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Santa Ana Hill
A historic neighborhood with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and a hilltop church offering panoramic views of the city.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free (church donation optional)
Guayaquil Zoo
A zoo housing a variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and flamingos. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.
Nature
2-3 hours
$3-$5
Salado Beach
A popular beach located about 20 minutes from the city center, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free (rentals and facilities may have fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ceviche
A dish made with fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, typically lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. It's often served with side dishes such as sweet plantain, popcorn, or boiled corn on the cob.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without soy sauce
Encebollado
A hearty soup made with flaked albacore fish, yuca, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It's a popular hangover cure and comfort food in Ecuador.
Soup
Contains seafood, gluten-free
Arroz con Mariscos
A flavorful rice dish cooked with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, squid, and mussels. It's a staple of coastal Ecuadorian cuisine.
Main course
Contains seafood, gluten-free
Humitas
A traditional dish made from fresh corn mixed with butter, eggs, and sometimes cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. It's a popular snack or side dish.
Side dish
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Popular Activities
Surfing
Snorkeling
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Beachcombing
Sunbathing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Best Time to Visit
June to November (Dry season)
This is the best time to visit Guayaquil with pleasant weather, less rain, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-32°C
72-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Ecuador Time (ECT, UTC-5)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Guayaquil is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be cautious of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
- • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas
Getting there
By air
- José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center
By bus
Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil
Getting around
Public transport
The Metrobus system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's affordable and widely used by locals and tourists alike.
Taxis
Available • Apps: InDriver, Cabify
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown (Centro Histórico)
Urdesa
Samborondón
Day trips
Puerto López and Machalilla National Park
200 km (124 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight
Puerto López is a charming coastal town and the gateway to Machalilla National Park, which offers beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.
Balcázar
100 km (62 miles) from Guayaquil • Half day to full day
Balcázar is a small town known for its historic church and traditional crafts. It's a great place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture and enjoy local cuisine.
Santa Elena Peninsula
120 km (75 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight
The Santa Elena Peninsula offers stunning beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a popular destination for relaxation and adventure.
Festivals
Guayaquil International Fair (Feria Internacional de Guayaquil) • October
Carnaval de Guayaquil • February/March (before Lent)
Fiestas de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Festivities) • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Malecón 2000 waterfront promenade for stunning views of the Guayas River and the city skyline
- Explore the Santa Ana Hill neighborhood for a glimpse into the city's colonial past and panoramic views
- Try local street food from vendors along the Malecón 2000 and in the Mercado del Arte
- Take a day trip to the Santa Elena Peninsula for beautiful beaches and outdoor activities
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate and connect with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
