Guayaquil, the pearl of the Pacific, is not only a hustling and bustling metropolis. The surrounding of the city surprises with varied species-rich landscapes. In the following we want to present two possible excursions from Guayaquil.

In the Gulf of Guayaquil, fresh water from the rivers that descend from the mountain range and saline water from the sea converge. Where they come together they form the largest estuary on the Pacific coast of South America, with the largest extension of mangroves in Ecuador.

Manglares Churute

Within this region, to the south, Manglares Churute is located, the first mangrove protected area of the Ecuadorian continental coast.

The Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve is located only 50 kilometers southeast of Guayaquil, a 50 minute drive will take you to the entrance of the reserve. The reserve covers approximately 60,000 hectares and conserves five of the seven mangrove species reported in the country: red mangrove, white mangrove, black mangrove, jeli mangrove, and colored or crawling mangrove.

One of the most characteristic species of this area are the birds. There are more than 300 species, such as herons, cormorants, and ibis, as well as migratory birds such as curlews and plovers.

While exploring the Reserve you may encounter animals such as howler monkeys, turtles, badgers, armadillos and ocelots (also known as tiger cats or oncilla), and also many varieties of orchids and bromeliads. Be sure to stop at one of the lakes for an incredible view and to see many aquatic animals and wild birds.

sky reflecting in the river at Manglares Churute
path throuh a mangrove tunnel
hiking along mangrove trees
herons in mangroves
bird flying over the mangroves of Manglares Churute
hiking area in the forest area of Manglares Churute
motor boat driving along the mangroves
spider in a huge web at Manglares Churute

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • Transfers: Guayaquil - Manglares Churute - Guayaquil
  • English speaking guide

Puerto El Morro, Manglares and Isla de los pájaros

From Guayaquil you will leave early in the morning for a one hour and 45 minutes trip to Puerto el Morro, one of the main attractions of the province of Guayas. There you will take a boat to start the one hour navigation in which you will enjoy the natural landscape, the fluttering of birds, the most prominent the “pink heron” is the most attractive bird that nests among the thick mangroves, you can also admire white herons, black, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, swallows, witch birds, albatrosses, hummingbirds, etc..

Playful dolphins escort the boat in the mangrove sector, they accompany the adventure, delighting with their acrobatic saltos and unique sounds. After the mangroves you will visit the Isla de los pájaros (island of the birds) in the open sea, the island is the habitat of thousands of frigate birds, the scenery is breathtaking, there will be a walk and you can observe the nesting sites of these beautiful birds, then return to El Morro where you can taste the typical food of the coast and finally return to Guayaquil.

boat excursion El Morro
dolphin in the water at the El Morro excursion
boat excursion on the river at El Morro
dolphing swimming excursion El Morro
bird in the sky near El Morro
dolphins at El Morro

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • Transfers: Guayaquil - Puerto El Morro - Guayaquil
  • English speaking guide

WHAT TO BRING:

For both excursions, it is recommendable to bring:

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Light, long-sleeved cloths
  • Hat and sun protection
  • Comfortable closed shoes