Tour Finder
  1. Home
  2. Howler Monkey Trail and Cacao Farm Experience from Guayaquil

Private Tour

Howler Monkey Trail and Cacao Farm Experience from Guayaquil

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9

Overview

Available languages

English
Spanish

7 hours

Mobile ticket

We start at 8.00 a.m. with a convenient pickup from your hotel. Our first stop is a protected reserve, home to howler monkeys, colorful forest birds, amphibians, and reptiles, all set within a beautiful tropical dry forest.

Next, we visit a local cacao farm where chocolate is crafted right where the cacao grows. What makes this tour truly special is that you won’t just be an observer you’ll actively participate. You’ll learn the entire cacao process, from fresh fruit to chocolate bar, and get to taste a variety of cacao-based products along the way.

To complete this immersive experience, you’ll prepare a traditional Ecuadorian meal featuring cacao as the star ingredient in the appetizer, main course, dessert, and hot chocolate, each dish lovingly made by hand.

This tour uniquely connects nature, culture, and flavor in a personal, authentic, and educational way. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a full sensory journey to experience Ecuador at its heart.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

this activity is recommended for children of 16 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Lunch

Snacks

Drinks

Hotel pickup

Transportation to/from attractions

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks

Lunch

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Tryp By Wyndham Guayaquil Airport

Av Joaquin Orrantia Guayaquil Ecuador

Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport by IHG

Ave. de Las americas, Junto al Aeropuerto Internacional Guayaquil Ecuador

Wyndham Garden Guayaquil

Av Juan Tanca Marengo y Abel Romero Castillo, Plaza Del Sol Guayaquil Ecuador

Hotel Palace Guayaquil

Chile 214 Y Luque, Guayaquil Ecuador

Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana

Calle Numa Pompilio Llona S/n Guayaquil Ecuador

Hostal Villa 97

Ciudadela Simon Bolivar, Manzana 1 Villa 97 Guayaquil Ecuador

Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Ave. Francisco De Orellana Mz. 111 Guayaquil Ecuador

Oro Verde Guayaquil

Avenida 9 de Octubre 414 y Garcia Moreno Guayaquil Ecuador

What To Expect

1

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

The Canoa Trail, located in Cerro Blanco Protected Forest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, offers a unique experience for nature lovers. Stretching 1.2 km, this low-to-medium difficulty trail features breathtaking views of natural landscapes, towering trees that create a refreshing climate, and a creek known as Canoa. It is ideal for families, children, and beginners in hiking. Along the trail, visitors may spot birds such as the green macaw and other endemic species, as well as tarantulas and, with some luck, howler monkeys in their natural habitat. The trail also includes an amphitheater, perfect for resting and enjoying outdoor activities.

2 hours • Admission Included
2

The process begins in the greenhouse, where the finest Don Homero cacao plants are cultivated. Productive trees are carefully selected to germinate seeds, and after a month and a half, a graft is performed using high-quality branches. The young plants are then acclimated in the greenhouse before being transplanted. In the field, cacao is planted alongside plantains, which provide natural shade. After about a year and a half, the cacao trees begin producing fruit, while the plantains are gradually removed. Through sustainable agricultural practices like natural fertilization, irrigation control, annual pruning, and weed management, productivity is optimized. This process not only ensures premium-quality cacao but also creates stunning landscapes that visitors can explore while learning about the journey from cacao to chocolate.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Special Last Minute Offer

Visit to ecological reserve : Visit to ecological reserve and cacao farm.
Duration: 7 hours: Private and personalized tour. Duration Approx. 7–8 hours.
Traditional Ecuadorian lunch : Traditional Ecuadorian lunch featuring cacao in appetizer, main course, dessert, and hot chocolate.
Special Last Minute Offer: Ecological reserve (howler monkeys, birds, reptiles) + cacao farm (process & tasting) + hands-on cooking class.
Private vehicle .: Private vehicle with hotel pickup (Guayaquil).
Pickup included

Howler Monkey Trail and Cacao Farm Experience from Guayaquil

Pickup included

Reviews

4.92

24 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

22
2
0
0
0
  • A trip to remember

    662draked,

    Aug 6, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    The nature trip was different than what we expected, and what we mostly paid for; but we did accept the change in itinerary so it was fair. Yamil was a polite gentleman and it was so nice to see his energy blossom at the cacao plantation. The trip to the cacao plantation was truly fascinating and a rare treat. The guide from the farm was incredibly interesting and was an encyclopedia of the entire process from planting to chocolate making. Yamil surprised us with a home cooked meal at his house after the day trip, using one of his grandmothers recipes of sea bass with cacao, which was truly delicious. Daniel was an interesting character, but he truly did have a vast knowledge of the wildlife and patterns of climate and nature. Thank you for the great trip, Yamil!

  • An adventure through the culture of Guayaquil accompanied by lots of chocolate

    Mathias V,

    Jul 1, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The guides were friendly, fun, and knew every detail of the tour inside out. I learned a lot about the dry forest fauna and the cacao production process, all while walking along trails surrounded by nature. The scenery is beautiful, you can take amazing photos, and it really is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, chocolate is delicious, and knowing its history makes it even more interesting. It's an activity I highly recommend to those who enjoy being outdoors, learning new things, and learning more about Ecuador's culture and biodiversity.

    Mathias V's photo 1
    Mathias V's photo 2
    Mathias V's photo 3
    Mathias V's photo 4
    Mathias V's photo 5
    Mathias V's photo 6
  • Great experience

    5adi3,

    Jun 17, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great walk through the mangroves to see howler monkeys sleeping in the trees and many spider species. The cocoa farm was so interesting to see the whole process of fruit, to bean, to chocolate. Yamil and all his colleagues were fantastic and very passionate about what they do. We got to try some local snacks, cocoa juice and chocolate and pick and try the seed right from the fruit itself. Thanks Yamil.

  • Guayaquil

    JaniceN51040,

    Apr 4, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Yamil was an excellent tour guide and was very knowledgeable about the city. Very friendly and accommodating! It was an amazing tour. I highly recommend Yamil as a tour guide!

    JaniceN51040's photo 1
    JaniceN51040's photo 2
    JaniceN51040's photo 3
  • Exceeded expectations: amazing day in Guayaquil

    marshabM9853IJ,

    Mar 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    A totally wonderful experience that exceeded our expectations. The trail was in a wildlife preserve and we saw not only howler monkeys (which isn't guaranteed in the wet season) but also other animals. The trip to the cacao farm was not possible because of flooding on roads to the farm but Yamil gave us a super alternative of cacao history (cacao museum), cacao artisan workshop, cacao botany, and cacao Ecuadorian cuisine. We also learned about Guayaquil history and architecture. Yamil was an amazing and attentive host. I cannot imagine a better day in Guayaquil.

    marshabM9853IJ's photo 1
  • Special Day in Guayaquil

    michaelbK5865IO,

    Mar 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This is an unforgettable experience. Jamil is an amazing guide who is passionate about his work and allows his guests to feel comfortable and special through conversation. We hiked through Cerro Blanco Forest and saw several different types of flora and fauna - including Mantle Howler Monkeys. Jamil walked us through a Cacao Museum in Old Downtown. In lieu of visiting his Grandfather’s cacao farm which was affected by the rainy season, Jamil invited us to a classic Ecuadorean lunch that made us feel at home away from home. Not only is Jamil a brilliant conversationalist (in his second language no less!), he is a talented guide who loves sharing his passion with his guests. I cannot say enough good things and highly recommend this excursion to all who have the opportunity to visit Guayaquil. I wish Jamil and his family health and good luck in years to come and am grateful for the unique experience he created for my mom and me.

  • Learning all about Guayaquil and cacao farming!

    mdamico815,

    Oct 24, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Simone and Yamil were incredible guides for my son and I as we had a day to explore Guayaquil. Simone was so knowledgeable about the cacao and gave a great tour of the farm. My son is Autistic and I am helping him to explore new places, I wasn’t sure how the howling monkey trek was going to do for him but Yamil and Simone got him geared up with mosquito nets and spray and we walked for over 30 min searching for howling monkeys. You could hear them and Yamil had a great call to them, but none would come out. Simone could not have us leave without seeing at least one and sure enough, right by the car the monkeys were jumping from the tree tops! It was amazing! The food at the cacao farm was incredible and we got to help make chocolate bars and hot chocolate. I learned so much from both guides and we had such a great time. Highly recommend and make sure to bring bug spray, hat, long sleeves and an appetite!!

    mdamico815's photo 1
    mdamico815's photo 2
    mdamico815's photo 3
    mdamico815's photo 4
    mdamico815's photo 5
    mdamico815's photo 6
    mdamico815's photo 7
    mdamico815's photo 8
    mdamico815's photo 9
    mdamico815's photo 10
    mdamico815's photo 11
  • Monkeys and chocolate

    Ann P,

    Jul 30, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I could not have picked a better tour. Excellent guides and I was provided with so many facts of Equador. We stopped for white pineapple and then corn muffins that were fresh out of the oven. Next we went to the Mountain in search of howler monkeys and guides were so knowledgeable on how to find. The walking path was good and forest so beautiful. Then we went to the cocoa farm and had the most delicious lunch. Chocolate activit was next and we actually picked a cocoa pod and I was able to record the entire experience. What an incredible day and I now have two friends in Equador

    Ann P's photo 1
    Ann P's photo 2
    Ann P's photo 3
    Ann P's photo 4
    Ann P's photo 5
    Ann P's photo 6
    Ann P's photo 7
  • Monkeys and chocolate

    Elizabeth P,

    Jul 30, 2024

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    I had the most pleasurable day. We stopped and had white pineapple and bananas and then stopped again for corn muffins. The hike to see the howler monkeys was very beautiful and my guides were so knowledgeable in how to find them. Then it was off to the cocoa farm where we had the most delicious lunch before starting our chocolate making activity, It was so amazing and we picked cocoa pods from the tree and made hot chocolate I now have two new friends from Equador and my day was perfect

  • Amazing day trip from Guayaquil!

    Joey and Christ... W,

    Mar 15, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    What an incredible day trip from Guayaquil! We initially were worried that there would not be enough to do with 3 days in Guayaquil and we were wrong. We took this day trip to get out of the city for the day and experience nature so close by. Simon and Yamil were the best hosts we could ask for. Even better that Simón was a fellow Canadian for 12 years. We started early with a punctual pick up at our hotel and headed out of the city to Cerro Blanco National Park to see the howling monkeys. We picked up a ranger at the gate who led us on a great adventure into the forest. High along the River bed we found the monkeys. They were as interested in us as we were with them. Once returning back to the car (well supplied with cold water and beer after our trek), we made our way to the cacao farm. Full functioning with no other tourists, we were treated to a delicious shrimp ceviche lunch with fried plantains and juice from the cacao seed. Beautiful setting amongst the groves of fruit, nut and cacao trees. After a guided walk through the groves with lots of fruit tastings we made our way back to the city. It was absolutely perfect and Yamil and Simon shared all of their knowledge with us along the way. We would highly recommend this tour! Guayaquil is not what we had anticipated at all. We were initially worried about being in this big city but it has so much to offer, is safe and has lots to do. It was the perfect way to end our trip to Ecuador.

    Joey and Christ... W's photo 1

From US$225.00

4.92
24 reviews
Check availability

Contact us

Chat with us on social

  • zalo
  • whatpsapp
  • messenger

Related Experiences

Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer

Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer

4.84
City Tour Premium Guayaquil

City Tour Premium Guayaquil

4.80
Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport

Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport

5.00
Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience

Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience

5.00
Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm

Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm

4.67
Best Highlights in Guayaquil

Best Highlights in Guayaquil

4.99
Private City Tour through the Pearls of Guayaquil

Private City Tour through the Pearls of Guayaquil

5.00
Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport

Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport

Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art

Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art

5.00
Birdwatching in Cerro Blanco from Guayaquil

Birdwatching in Cerro Blanco from Guayaquil

5.00
 Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip

Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip

5.00
Cocoa farm and Chocolate making!

Cocoa farm and Chocolate making!

5.00

Operated by Yamil Saman Cabrera

A product of Trip Social Group

Australia: Pavel Australia Pty Ltd

Việt Nam: Công ty TNHH Trip Social

top-50

Winner - HO CHI MINH INNOVATIVE STARTUPS IN TOURISM 2022.

Quick links

Destinations

Contact us

  • zalo
  • whatpsapp
  • messenger
Travelling effortlessly, together

© 2025 Trip Social Group. All rights reserved.

    Accepted Payment Methods

  • visa
  • visa
  • visa
  • jcb
  • paypal