The shopping scene in Guayaquil centers on its fascinating cacao industry, where visitors can experience Ecuador’s chocolate heritage firsthand. Several excellent tours stand out: The small-group cacao farm tour (including lunch) offers great value and authentic local interactions. I’m especially fond of the Guayaquil-to-Cuenca route, which smartly combines a farm visit with stunning Cajas National Park views – it’s perfect for travelers heading north.
For a more personal touch, the private cacao production tours provide flexibility and deeper insights into chocolate-making processes. Each tour includes reliable transportation and knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Check out these top-rated Guayaquil shopping tours to start planning your chocolate adventure.
Good To Know
Guayaquil offers a variety of shopping tours that combine local markets, artisanal workshops, and unique shopping experiences to immerse visitors in the city’s vibrant culture.
Popular shopping tours include visits to the historic Mercado Sur, where travelers can find traditional handicrafts, local produce, and handmade textiles.
Guided tours to artisanal workshops showcase the craftsmanship of Ecuadorian artisans, allowing visitors to observe traditional techniques and purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Some tours incorporate visits to the lively Puerto Santa Ana neighborhood, known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and bustling waterfront promenade.
Customizable shopping tours cater to various interests, from high-end fashion and local design to eco-friendly products and gastronomic specialties.
Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour
The Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour offers travelers an immersive experience that combines the vibrant city of Guayaquil with a visit to a family-run cocoa farm.
Priced at $153.85 per person, the tour provides a private experience for your group, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Visitors can expect a hands-on exploration of the cocoa-making process, from picking the cacao pods to creating their own chocolate.
The tour also includes a home-cooked local meal and an afternoon city tour of Guayaquil.
Praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guides, the tour provides a memorable and authentic glimpse into the region’s culture and agriculture.
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Guayaquil to Cuenca One-Way Tour With Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm Visit
This one-way tour from Guayaquil to Cuenca offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the rich agricultural heritage of Ecuador.
During the full-day trip, visitors will stop at a cacao farm to taste the fruit and witness chocolate processing. They’ll also enjoy a short hike in Cajas National Park, admiring the stunning high-altitude paramo moorland.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a licensed guide, and optional lunch. Travelers should have no serious medical conditions, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller-friendly.
With a 5.0 rating from 42 reviews, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience and scenic vistas along the journey from Guayaquil to Cuenca.
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Cocoa Farm and Chocolate Making!
A private 4-hour tour from Guayaquil offers travelers the chance to explore a local cocoa farm. The tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers praising it based on 47 reviews.
Guides like Mario, Tony, and Allison provide engaging insights into cocoa farming and chocolate production, ensuring a personalized experience. Participants can harvest cocoa beans, make chocolate from scratch, and enjoy a family-prepared lunch.
The tour’s unique hands-on activities and authentic setting make it a must-do in Ecuador, with many travelers highlighting it as a highlight of their trip.
Despite limited accessibility, the tour is accessible to most travelers, with a starting price of $128.21 per person and free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Half Day Tour Cacao Farm & Guayaquil City a Perfect Combination..
Blending the flavors of Ecuador’s rich cacao heritage with the vibrant sights of Guayaquil, this half-day tour offers travelers a perfect combination.
Recommended by 100% of past visitors, the tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a knowledgeable driver-guide. Guests will explore a cacao farm, learn about the chocolate-making process, and savor local snacks and a delicious lunch.
The tour also showcases Guayaquil’s city highlights, providing a well-rounded experience. Priced at SEK 1,947.73 per person, with free cancellation and a lowest price guarantee, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Ecuadorian culture and cuisine.
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Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm
Oftentimes, travelers seeking to experience Ecuador’s rich wildlife without venturing to the Galapagos Islands opt for the Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm tour.
Located near Guayaquil, the tour includes a canoe ride through the mangroves, a hike in a tropical dry forest, and a visit to a cocoa plantation. Participants can spot howler monkeys, freshwater birds, and other wildlife.
The tour also includes a traditional Ecuadorian lunch and is highly rated by past visitors. While some guests have had difficulties spotting certain animals or issues with schedule changes, the overall experience is praised for its tranquil boat rides, knowledgeable guides, and delicious cocoa farm fare.
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Cacao Farm Excursion Day Trip From Guayaquil
For those seeking an immersive agricultural experience near Guayaquil, the Cacao Farm Excursion Day Trip provides a delightful opportunity to learn about the cultivation and processing of Ecuador’s iconic cacao.
This 4-hour private tour whisks visitors to a family-owned, 30-acre cacao farm where they’ll engage in hands-on activities like toasting cacao seeds and grinding them into chocolate paste.
The experience also includes a traditional farm-fresh lunch and the chance to purchase chocolate and coffee products.
With a 96% traveler recommendation, this tour offers an excellent educational and culinary adventure, making it a must-do for anyone interested in Ecuador’s rich agricultural heritage.
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Full Day Tour Mangroves, Dolphins and Cocoa Farm From Guayaquil
Travelers can seamlessly experience the diverse natural wonders of the Guayaquil region on this full-day tour. For $225 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a visit to a mangrove forest, dolphin watching, and a cocoa farm.
Lunch of fish or shrimp with rice and plantain is provided, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased. While the tour operates in all weather conditions, guests should bring recommended items like repellent and sunscreen.
Travelers can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours in advance. A recent review noted changes to the itinerary without prior notification, highlighting the importance of communication regarding such modifications.
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Half Day: Visit to Cocoa Farm From Guayaquil
Conveniently, travelers can explore a family-owned cocoa farm just outside of Guayaquil on this half-day experience.
Priced at ₹34,760.86 per person, the tour includes private transportation and a hands-on chocolate-making demonstration. Participants can expect to tour the farm, taste fresh cacao and local fruits, and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.
With perfect 5-star reviews, this excursion showcases the entire chocolate-making process from fermentation to grinding.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals and most travelers. Operated by Free Tour Guayaquil, this experience is highly recommended for its informative and enjoyable nature, exceeding expectations.
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Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cocoa Farm Visit
This full-day excursion takes visitors on an immersive journey through the Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and a captivating cocoa farm visit.
Priced from $370 per person, the tour includes transportation, a professional multilingual guide, and a riverboat trip within the reserve. Travelers will enjoy a delightful lunch at Hacienda Cacao and have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like howler monkeys and birds.
While most can participate, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Reviewers praise the wildlife sightings and cocoa plantation hosts, though some suggest the guide’s English explanations could be improved.
Equipped with the right attire and mosquito repellent, visitors can explore the mangroves and farm in all weather conditions.
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Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour
Embarking on a captivating full-day journey, the Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour whisks visitors away to the lush ecological wonders of Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Priced at $255 per person, this private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and all transfers. Guests will explore the Churute Mangroves, spot wildlife like howler monkeys, and visit a cocoa farm for an insider’s look at cacao production.
A delectable three-course lunch and welcome drink at a local hacienda are also included. With a 5.0-star rating, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience for travelers seeking to connect with Ecuador’s natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
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Excursion Day to Cocoa Farm From Guayaquil
Travelers seeking an immersive agricultural experience can embark on an Excursion Day to a Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil.
This full-day tour, priced from $170 per person, takes visitors to a local cocoa farm. The excursion includes a chocolate degustation, lunch, and drinks, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are available within the urban perimeter of Guayaquil. The tour starts at 10:00 am and is led by a multilingual guide.
Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and free cancellation or rescheduling is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cacao Farm Visit
For travelers seeking a diverse and immersive experience, the Full Day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cacao Farm Visit offers a captivating blend of natural wonder and culture.
Guests embark on a small-group excursion, exploring the Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and a local cacao farm. They’ll observe a variety of wildlife, including water birds and crocodiles, while navigating the mangroves by boat.
The experience also includes a visit to Hacienda Cacao, where travelers can learn about the cacao production process and indulge in a delectable lunch.
With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all necessary equipment provided, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Ecuador’s natural and cultural landscapes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for shopping tours is typically casual and comfortable. Participants should wear clothing that allows for easy mobility and walking, such as t-shirts, shorts, or lightweight pants, and comfortable shoes. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Cocoa Farms?
Visitors can typically purchase a variety of souvenirs, including cocoa products, at the cocoa farms they visit during their tours. Many farms have on-site gift shops or markets where travelers can browse and buy local goods.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children?
The tours are generally suitable for children, with many offering kid-friendly activities and attractions. Families should check the tour details to ensure it meets their needs, but most tour operators welcome and accommodate children.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, most tour operators allow customers to customize their itinerary to suit their preferences. This provides flexibility to focus on specific shopping areas or include additional activities that interest the group.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tours?
The cancellation policy varies by tour operator, but most allow free cancellation up to 24-48 hours in advance. Some may charge a fee for last-minute cancellations. It’s best to check the specific policy when booking a tour.
The Sum Up
Guayaquil offers a variety of shopping tours that allow visitors to explore cocoa farms, learn about chocolate-making, and discover the city’s mangrove reserves. These tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine while indulging in the rich flavors of Ecuador’s renowned cocoa. Whether you’re interested in a full-day adventure or a half-day excursion, there’s a tour to suit your preferences and interests.