Half Day Guayaquil Historical Tour and Cocoa Culinary Experience
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5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
This half-day experience invites you to get to know Guayaquil. Explore its history, cultural diversity, and Ecuadorian cuisine. The tour begins at the Historic Park, where you can observe wildlife and the architectural history of the city.
Next, we will visit the Las Peñas neighborhood, famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. The climb to Cerro Santa Ana offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Additionally, we will visit the Cacao Museum. You will learn about the agricultural tradition and development of cacao in the region. You will see the chocolate-making process at the Cacao Factory, an educational and delicious experience.
We will finish with an Ecuadorian cooking class. We will prepare traditional dishes, especially seafood, and enjoy homemade hot chocolate. We will cook fish with cacao paste, a recipe that will help you better understand local gastronomy and the uses of cacao. The objective is to appreciate the cultural and culinary diversity of Ecuador.
Available options
Last-minute offers
Guayaquil Cultural & Culinary: Guided walk through Historic Park, Las Peñas, Santa Ana Hill, and Cacao Museum
<br/>Private tour : Private or small-group experience
<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Food & Drinks: Chocolate tasting, prepared seafood dish, hot chocolate
<br/>Guayaquil Cultural & Culinary : Professional bilingual guide
Entry fees to Historic Park and Cacao Museum
Chocolate tasting Hands-on Ecuadorian cooking<br/>Pickup included
Early Bird rate
History & Cacao: Cultural and gastronomic experience in Guayaquil.<br/>Private and personalized tour.: A private tour that allows you to see the city from a different perspective, guided by an expert.”
<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Cacao Tasting: Cacao and chocolate tastings, plus a hands-on local cooking experience.<br/>History & Cacao: Las Peñas (historical origin of Guayaquil).
•Coffee Museum tasting session.
• Cacao Museum (history, cacao varieties .<br/>Private Tour: A private tour that allows you to see the city from a different perspective, guided by an expert.”
<br/>Pickup included
Trips for family groups
Guayaquil Cultural & Culinary : Guayaquil Cultural & Culinary Half-Day Tour
<br/>Private or small-group.<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Food & Drinks: Chocolate tasting, prepared seafood dish, hot chocolate
<br/>Tour Route: Historic Park
Las Peñas
Santa Ana Hill
Cacao Museum
chocolate factory
Cooking class
<br/>Vehicle Type: Air-conditioned SUV or minivan
<br/>Family friendly experience : All cooking equipment provided; basic travel insurance included
<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Map of Guayaquil
Tour guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Private transportation with air conditioning
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Historical Park: The tour begins at the Historical Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife and also preserves the architectural history of Guayaquil. This park provides a unique opportunity to learn about the city's past while enjoying the natural surroundings.
2
Las Peñas: Next, you will visit the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas. This area is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It offers a glimpse into Guayaquil's past and a chance to explore the charming streets lined with colorful houses and art galleries.
3
Guayaquil Cocoa Museum: The tour also includes a visit to the Guayaquil Cocoa Museum, where you can learn about the agricultural tradition and socioeconomic development of cocoa in the region. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the chocolate industry and the important role it plays in Ecuador.
Cacao Factory: As part of the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a Cacao Factory and witness the chocolate-making process firsthand. This educational experience allows you to see how cocoa beans are transformed into delicious chocolate products.
4
Cerro Santa Ana: The tour includes a climb to Cerro Santa Ana, a hill that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. From the top, you can admire the beauty of Guayaquil and take in the stunning skyline.
5
in villa 97 we will have an Ecuadorian cooking class where we will learn to prepare traditional food especially seafood dishes, besides tasting various desserts and tasting homemade artisan chocolate we will cook our main dish chicken with cocoa a homemade recipe that will allow you to better understand the varied local cuisine and the different uses of cocoa, this experience has as its main objective to understand and appreciate the cultural and culinary diversity of Ecuador.
What's not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
1
3★
0
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Tripadvisor
4.9
33 reviews
5★
31
4★
1
3★
1
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
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