The Cuenca to Guayaquil One-Way Tour offers travelers a chance to experience Ecuador’s natural wonders and cultural heritage in a single day. Exploring the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park and visiting a family-owned cocoa plantation make this tour a must-do for those seeking a well-rounded adventure. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises to be a memorable journey, leaving visitors eager to uncover more of what this vibrant region has to offer.
Key Points
- The one-way tour from Cuenca to Guayaquil lasts 6-8 hours, including a stop at the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park for Polylepis Forest hiking.
- The tour includes a visit to a family-owned cocoa plantation, with entrance fees ranging from $3 to $15 per person.
- Private van transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is provided, and the tour price starts at $73.99 per person.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a bilingual guide is available for groups larger than 5 travelers.
- The tour has received a 4.9 rating from 45 reviews, with a high recommendation rate of 98% and positive feedback for the knowledgeable guides and comfortable travel experience.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The tour from Cuenca to Guayaquil offers travelers a one-way journey spanning 6-8 hours.
Along the way, visitors can stop at the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park to hike the Polylepis Forest. The tour also includes a visit to a family-owned cocoa plantation.
Comfortable private van transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is provided. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, for a more personalized experience.
The tour includes a guide/driver, and lunch can be added as an option. Entrance fees to the cocoa farm are also covered in the pricing, which starts at $73.99 per person.
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Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes a guide/driver, if selected, as well as private van transportation with air conditioning.
Lunch is provided, and gratuities are included in the price. Access to the family-owned cocoa plantation is covered by an entrance fee that ranges from $3 to $15 per person.
The tour price starts at $73.99 per person, though it may vary depending on the group size. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
A minimum of two people per booking is required, and a bilingual guide is provided for groups larger than five.
Pickup and Meeting Points
Where can travelers be picked up for the Cuenca to Guayaquil tour?
Pickup is available at hotels within Cuenca or at Parque Calderon. The meeting point is at Simón Bolívar 832 in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The tour ends with drop-off at any hotel in Guayaquil city, at the address Av. 9 de Octubre 109, Guayaquil 090313, Ecuador.
Pickup and drop-off services are included in the tour package, making it convenient for travelers.
It’s important to provide your passport details and any dietary requirements at the time of booking to ensure a smooth experience.
Tour Requirements and Accessibility
To book the Cuenca to Guayaquil tour, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking.
For groups larger than 5 travelers, a bilingual guide is provided. Participants must supply their passport name, number, and nationality for all members of the group.
The tour is designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
Travelers should keep these requirements in mind when planning their Cajas National Park and cacao farm adventure along the route from Cuenca to Guayaquil.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Forty-five reviews with a 4.9 rating provide a high recommendation rate of 98% for this Cuenca to Guayaquil tour.
Travelers praised the knowledgeable guides and comfortable travel. They enjoyed the scenic views, historical insights, and unique cocoa farm visit.
However, some noted issues with the cocoa farm portion of the itinerary, suggesting potential communication improvements.
Exploring Cajas National Park
One of the highlights of the Cuenca to Guayaquil tour is the stop at the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park.
Nestled high in the Andes, Cajas offers a chance to hike through the unique Polylepis forests. These gnarled, ancient trees cling to the slopes, creating a otherworldly landscape.
Visitors can choose from a variety of trails, ranging from gentle strolls to more strenuous climbs. Along the way, they’ll likely spot Andean wildlife like the iconic pumas and vibrant hummingbirds.
The park’s stunning vistas of glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks make it a must-see stop on the tour.
Visiting the Cocoa Plantation
After exploring the natural wonders of Cajas National Park, the tour then takes visitors to a family-owned cocoa plantation.
Here, travelers can learn about the rich history and intricate process of cultivating high-quality cocoa beans. The plantation offers an up-close look at the harvesting, fermentation, and drying of the cacao.
Guests can sample different cocoa products and even participate in a hands-on chocolate-making demonstration.
The visit provides a unique insight into Ecuador’s thriving chocolate industry and the dedication of local producers. This stop allows travelers to appreciate the origins of one of the world’s most beloved treats.
Comfortable Transportation and Small Group Experience
The tour provides a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Travelers are picked up at their Cuenca hotels or the central meeting point and transported in a private, air-conditioned van. The small group size, capped at 15 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized journey. A professional guide accompanies larger groups of more than 5 travelers, providing commentary and insights along the way.
| Transportation | Pickup/Drop-off | Group Size |
|—————-|—————-|————|
| Private van with AC | Hotel or central meeting point | Maximum 15 travelers |
| Pickup in Cuenca | Drop-off in Guayaquil | Bilingual guide for groups over 5 |
| Comfortable travel experience | Hassle-free logistics | Small, personalized experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Tour From Cuenca to Guayaquil?
The tour from Cuenca to Guayaquil takes 6-8 hours. The tour offers stops at Cajas National Park and a cocoa plantation, with comfortable transportation, a tour guide, and small group experience.
Is There an Option to Hike in the Cajas National Park?
Yes, the tour includes an optional hike in the Polylepis Forest of Cajas National Park. Travelers can explore this UNESCO-listed park and its unique high-altitude forest ecosystem during the one-way journey from Cuenca to Guayaquil.
How Much Does the Cocoa Farm Entrance Fee Cost?
The cocoa farm entrance fee ranges from $3 to $15 per person. This fee is included in the overall tour price, which starts at $73.99 per person and varies depending on the group size.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
The tour can accommodate dietary requirements. Travelers are advised to notify the tour operator of any dietary needs at the time of booking, and the tour guide will work to ensure their needs are met.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 15 travelers. The tour is a small group experience, providing a more intimate and personalized journey for participants.
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