Howler Monkey Trail and Cacao Farm Experience from Guayaquil

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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

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

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.