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Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve: Exploring Cocoa Farms and Bird-Watching
4.7
34 Ratings
Guayaquil
Explore one of the critical areas within this expansive ecological preserve, witness the wide variety of exotic birds that live there, and gain insights into the various methods of cocoa planting. Experience a touch of history about the estate, stroll through the fields, create homemade chocolate, and savor a classic lunch.
Explore one of the critical areas within this expansive ecological preserve, witness the wide variety of exotic birds that live there, and gain insights into the various methods of cocoa planting. Experience a touch of history about the estate, stroll through the fields, create homemade chocolate, and savor a classic lunch.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute - Located near Guayaquil, the Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve is a must-visit. It is renowned for its abundance of freshwater birds. Enjoy a 40-minute canoe tour to witness the formation of the largest estuary on the Pacific coast of South America. Following the canoe tour, embark on a 1.4-kilometer walk…
- Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute - Located near Guayaquil, the Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve is a must-visit. It is renowned for its abundance of freshwater birds. Enjoy a 40-minute canoe tour to witness the formation of the largest estuary on the Pacific coast of South America. Following the canoe tour, embark on a 1.4-kilometer walk along the Howlers’ path through the tropical dry forest, where you can observe native monkeys and birds. This tour is of moderate difficulty. The mangroves are recognized as a significant Ramsar site, situated in the canton of Naranjal, Guayas province, just 40 kilometers from Guayaquil.
- Milagro - After exploring the Mangroves Churute, the journey continues to a cocoa plantation Hacienda. Discover various planting techniques and learn about the estate’s history. Stroll through the plantations and create homemade chocolate using the seeds you gather. Following the tour, enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch prepared with farm-fresh ingredients. The day concludes with a return to Guayaquil.
What's Included
- Bilingual guide
- Boat tour through the mangroves
- Lunch at the Cocoa Ranch
- Transfer in / out
- Bilingual guide
- Boat tour through the mangroves
- Lunch at the Cocoa Ranch
- Transfer in / out
What's Not Included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is sporty and confortable shoes
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A mosquito repellent its recommended
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is sporty and confortable shoes
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A mosquito repellent its recommended
Location
Guayaquil
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(34 Ratings)
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1 star
692owenf
Dec 1, 2025
intriguing History of the surrounding Guayaquil / Churate reserve areas! interactive and hands-on activities! - Thank you Thank you Thank you to Eddie, Driver Cesar, the hardworking Pescadores of the Mangroves as well as the beautiful people of Finca Cumanda for all of your selfless work! <3 If your reading this as a tourist in the Beautiful country of Ecuador I promise you.... you wont be disappointed by the passionate people of BM tours :)
This is a hidden gem of a tour honestly.. if your not oposed to the outdoors and tropic weather ( Humid / dry heat with lots of sun ) than your giving your future self a favor by booking your tour with BM tours :)))) Again.... Thank you Eddie! <3 - Owen + the Ford Family
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Irena_h
Sep 25, 2025
Great two in one day - Haimi (I hope I am spelling his name correctly), was super professional, kind and very well knowledgeable. We learned so much and enjoyed this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Go17107854983
Sep 20, 2025
Guayaquil visit Sep 25 - This was an amazing experience with a brilliant guide. He was knowledgeable and open to any questions, making the experience an enjoyable one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_s
Jul 21, 2025
Great excursion from Guayaquil. - Great excursion from Guayaquil. Professional tour guide and good variety with river boat cruise, howler monkeys, many birds species and a visit to the artisian Cocoa farm.
Review provided by Viator
Relax621271
Jul 12, 2025
Chocolate, Howlers, & Churute, a perfect day! - We had such an excellent time on this tour! We live in Guayaquil and so appreciated having a guide to take us through Churute. We hope to do this again with future visitors! The chocolate experience was awesome as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alyssa
Jun 23, 2025
Amazing Guide and Experience! - This tour was absolutely amazing!! I ended up getting a solo trip with just the guide. Jaime was amazing and clearly knew so much about Guayaquil. I was only in mainland Ecuador for 1 day and this was the best way I could’ve spent it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Les_a
Apr 9, 2025
Be sure to eat mucilage! Bring binoculars for birds. - The boat trip through the mangroves was pleasant, and seeing the birds was great. So so many shades of green. Note that it is a small motorboat (what I'd call a panga, not a kayaka). The tour of the cacao farm was utterly fabulous and not to be missed. I learned so much and got to taste so many amazing things. Lunch was also pleasant-- though note that Ecuadorans tend to eat a later lunch than Americans do. Our guide was very informative and good company.
Review provided by Viator
Ulrike_r
Aug 28, 2023
We'd really recommend this excursion, it's so tranquille doing the boat trip and watching all the birds and wildlife! - Great experience! The boat trip through the mangroves was fantastic. As well as the monkey watching. A really special day however the stay at the kakao farm was rather short. Thanks again to the tour guide who made this trip unforgettable!
Review provided by Viator
584rochelles
Aug 7, 2023
Ecuador has so much to offer - Our tour guide was the best, thank you Jaime, for an amazing day! We learn so much about Ecuador and all it has to offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bonnie_m
May 26, 2024
Disappointed. - Our guide was great but the experience lacked a little, we weren’t able to find the howling monkeys and the cocoa plantation was nothing like the photos on Viator, definitely not where we were! All in all it was interesting but would not recommend for an all day tour.
Review provided by Viator
