Hafen
Guayaquil

Discover the local handicrafts and origins of the world-renowned Panama hat during this panoramic, half-day excursion to the traditional neighbourhoods of Guayaquil.

Guayaquil, Las Peñas Neighbourhood, Artists Galleries and Studios

Depart the pier for the refurbished historic areas of Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana, which represent the idealized version of a South American hillside village with their brightly-painted homes and cobblestone alleyways. Many well-known local artists live-and-work in this area to take advantage of the quaint atmosphere, beautiful views, and many cafés and restaurants. Upon arrival, take a short stroll through the Las Peñas neighbourhood, and visit the artisan's galleries and studios.

The General Cemetery of Guayaquil

Next, re-board your coach and head to The General Cemetery of Guayaquil, also known as the Patrimonial Cemetery, which is the oldest cemetery in the city. It was founded on April 27, 1823 by Francisco Xavier de Garaycoa and remains in operation to this day. The remains of 18 presidents, heroes of the independence, political figures and well-known figures from the history of Guayaquil and Ecuador. On October 18, 2003, it was recognized as one of the best cemeteries in South America and was named National Cultural Heritage, thanks to its rich funerary art, with notable Renaissance, Greco-Roman, neoclassical, Gothic and Baroque influences. The cemetery is an open-air museum where you can see beauty, art and history.

Toquilla Hat Workshop

Continue on to the Toquilla Hat Workshop. Made of the fibres from the toquilla palm, Toquilla (Panama) hats have been handwoven in Ecuador since 1630. In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt wore one of those hats whilst visiting the construction of the Panama Canal. That photo travelled the world, and, since then, 'Ecuadorian' hats have been called 'Panama' hats. The Panama hat has adorned many famous heads, including those of Ernest Hemmingway, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Paul Newman, and Alberto Santos Dumont, and more.

Panama Hat Production, Weaving & Packaging Processes, Free Time, Shopping

Upon arrival at the Toquilla Hat Workshop, take a guided walking tour of the facility. Along the way, observe the production and weaving processes involved in the making of a Panama hat, and how they are shaped, ironed and fitted with a traditional black band. Afterward, see how the hats are rolled and packaged in little balsawood boxes in preparation for sale. Following your tour, some free time is made available to take photos, and, if you wish, purchase a Panama hat directly from the producers. Renowned around the globe, Panama Hats are flexible, can be rolled or folded into a suitcase, and come in many different styles for men, women and children. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Travel to the closest and most beautiful beach in Guayaquil. relax or have fun with the activities planned for you.

Depart the pier for the approximately 1.5 hour scenic drive along the coast of Ecuador. During the ride admire the change of scenery between the forest, the beach and the picturesque countryside.

Upon arrival at the beach, the team will welcome you and show you the facilities of the hotel. Relax by the on the pool or walk to the beach. Every hour, different activities will be available for you to join:

Toquilla Hat Weaving demonstration

Made of the fibers from the toquilla palm, Toquilla (Panama) hats have been handwoven in Ecuador since 1630. In 1906, Theodore Roosevelt wore one of those hats whilst visiting the construction of the Panama Canal. That photo travelled the world, and, since then, 'Ecuadorian' hats have been called 'Panama' hats. The Panama hat has adorned many famous heads, including those of Ernest Hemmingway, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Paul Newman, and Alberto Santos Dumont, and more.

Cocktail class

Learn about the mixes of Ecuadorian liquors with local products, that will give you a taste of all our author-cocktails. Have a personal class with our master bartender and sommelier, who will show you techniques and flavors, that you will use when you go back home.

Banana leave handcraft workshop

For many time, local people have taken advantage of the local products to make beautiful handcrafts. In this case, our artisans will show you how to use the banana leave to make interesting elements

Water activities by the pool

If you want to spend your day at the pool, the team has prepared some entertainment for you while you enjoy the tropical weather.

In between these activities, delicious snacks and drinks will be served, and you will have the chance to speak with the chef to learn how to prepare them.

Finally, the coach will drive you back to the pier.

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest (BPCB) is one of the largest and best preserved reserves of tropical dry forests in Ecuador. It is located in the western part of the country, in the coastal region, southeast of the Chongón-Colonche mountain range, in the province of Guayas, with an area of ??approximately 6,078 hectares. The forest is managed by the Pro-Bosque Foundation. Most of the protected forest is intended for the conservation of biological diversity, however there are areas where ecotourism and reforestation activities are carried out.

Depart from the pier for the approximately one hour drive to Cerro Blanco Reserve. Once there, your guide will show you the facilities of the reserve before starting the walk to the hiking trails.

At least 216 bird species have been recorded in Cerro Blanco, some of which are globally threatened, such as the Guayaquil parrot, the grey-backed hawk and the saffron finch, and 24 are endemic to the Tumbes ecoregion.

After the nature walk, enjoy refreshments of local snacks and drinks, before driving back to the pier.

Enjoy a delicious typical Ecuadorian dinner in the beautiful Parque Historico with a magnificent view of the Pier and River. Desserts with Cacao and Chocolate will be prepared live.

Local cuisine is rich and varied with a combination of ingredients that makes it delicious.

To enhance this dinner experience, you will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of the process of converting the raw cacao beans into delicious chocolate and taste the Ecuadorian cacao in different ways.

For a very long time, Ecuador has become a recognized source of quality cacao beans and recent scientific studies have shown evidence that  not only Cacao beans where present in pre-hispanic Ecuador, but of its cultivation and consumption by the inhabitants of the South East of what is now Ecuador over 5.000 years ago.

Nowadays, Ecuador is still the first producer of Fine Aroma Cacao, and continues to export to demanding markets such as Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, USA and Japan.

The Grand Voyage Collection tour starts with an approximately 1 hour scenic drive to the beautiful Hacienda La Nina.

Hacienda La Nina

Surrounded by beautiful landscapes with mountains, forests, medicinal trees such as moringa and aromatic fruit trees, outdoor playgrounds and its cozy house at the foot of the majestic Ceibo tree, Hacienda La Nina invites you to enjoy, and be insipred to create your master piece.

Local Naturalist Artist

Meet a well-known and experienced local painter, who has developed different techniques in color pencils and acrylic with the aim of expressing the beauty of nature through the paint. The artist is a naturalist and all his creations have a solid scientific foundation.

Painting Workshop

Let your creativity be inspired by the local plants of the Hacienda, or by the endemic bird's species that have been previously pencil drafted by the local artist. The workshop is an opportunity to explore your creative side; and taking away your master piece to encourage you to pursue your work.

Refreshments

At the end of the workshop, enjoy some time for refreshment and appetizers before driving back to the quayside.

Discover the many historic, natural, architectural and cultural sights of Guayaquil during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion by double decker bus.

Guayaquil, Guayas River, 9 de Octubre Avenue, Bolivar Park, Malecon 2000

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to Guayaquil. Located on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador's principal harbour and largest city. Upon arrival, your route passes along the architecturally-rich 9 de Octubre Avenue and locally-popular Centennial Park, a green area that honours the heroes of Guayaquil's Independence. Continue on to the unusual Bolivar Park, also known as the 'Park of the Iguanas'. Afterward, head to the South Market in Malecon 2000, a modern, urban park. View the Integration Plaza, Artisans' Market, Union Club and the first fort of Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (the first mayor of Guayaquil) stands in front of the Guayas River.

Civic Plaza, Moorish Tower, City Hall, Rotonda Monument

Your drive continues through the Malecon Simon Bolivar to the Civic Plaza. Here, see the Moorish Tower, City Hall and Rotonda Monument.

Santa Ana Hill, Las Peñas Neighbourhood

Drive through Santa Ana Hill, home to Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood, the Barrio of Las Peñas. Here, the homes have been beautifully restored with brightly-coloured paints and design details. This stunning neighbourhood is also home to various local artists.

Guayalma Handicraft Centre

Stop at Guayalma, a craft and souvenirs store supported by the local government to bring artisans together to sustain the local economy.

Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the history, wildlife, traditions and lifestyles of Ecuador during this picturesque, half-day excursion.

Samborondon Town

Leave the port for the approximately 75 minutes scenic drive to the coastal town of Samborondon, where you will be able to witness the ancient tradition of the skilled craftsmen and explore the rural way of living of the Montubios, or coastal farmers.   This is a rural town dedicated mainly to the sowing of rice, (according to the experts here is the best rice that is produced in the country), milk production and livestock activities.  Another productive activity, thanks to the rivers, is the freshwater fishing: corvina, dicas, catfish, bocachico, as well as a large quantity of shrimp.

Artisans at Work

In the rural area, you can still find skilled craftsmen. Samborondon is the cradle of potters, who still mold clay in rustic workshops with a wooden fire oven to turn it into pots for casseroles, pans, flowerpots, vases for ornaments, among others. Even nowadays, the families of the Ecuadorian coast still use the clay objects in daily chores, majority coming out from this zone.

Spend some time observing the artisans-cabinet makers, devoted to crafts and naval carpentry.  Despite industrialization, here you can still find workshops that make and repair rowing or motor canoes, which are used for sailing along the coastal rivers for fishing

Following your visit to Samborondon Town, enjoy a local refreshment stop.

Historical Park of Guayaquil, Guided Walking Tour

A short drive will take you to the Historical Park of Guayaquil, a must-see and iconic highlight of any visit to the city. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this thematic park, which has three zones; Wildlife, Historic Traditions and Urban.

Flora & Fauna, Coastal Farming Traditions & Lifestyles

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier. Along the way, observe flora and fauna unique to Guayaquil and Ecuador, the traditions and lifestyle of 19th- and 20th-century coastal farmers.

Explore Guayaquil at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Guayaquil at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Monica Zurita, La Puntilla

Depart the pier for the, approximately one-hour drive to visit the house of Monica Zurita. A local artist who likes sharing her experiences, passion and work with the visitors she has welcomed in her beautiful house, located in La Puntilla, an exclusive residential area of Guayaquil.

In 2009, Mónica, a housewife dedicated to her family, began working with cabochon (cabuya) natural fiber, as a hobby, in a makeshift workshop at her home.

Human silhouettes, horse figures, geometric shapes and elements of nature took shape in the paintings and became her main source of inspiration. Nowadays it is more than a hobby and she has presented her work in different exhibitions in Guayaquil and other areas of the country. Her house itself is the gallery to exhibit her work and show the world her art.

During the visit, Monica will show guests her art collection, pieces she has inherited from family members which are treasured by her. You will explore her workshop and a small gallery where she exhibits the pieces she is working on at the time. She likes sharing her anecdotes and vision of the world so sitting with her for tea and snacks is a highlight of the experience.

After this very enlightening visit, return to your vehicle and commence the approximately 60-minutes drive back to the port and the ship.

Discover the many historic, natural, architectural and cultural treasures of Guayaquil during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Guayaquil, Guayas River, 9 de Octubre Avenue, Bolivar Park, Iguanas, Malecon 2000

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Guayaquil. Located on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador's principal harbour and largest city. Upon arrival, your route passes along the architecturally-rich 9 de Octubre Avenue and locally-popular Centennial Park, a green area that honours the heroes of Guayaquil's Independence. Continue on to the unusual Bolivar Park, also known as the 'Park of the Iguanas'. A stop is made here to see the colourful iguanas roaming around the park undisturbed, and perched in the treetops. Afterward, head to the South Market in Malecon 2000, a modern, urban park. Visit the Integration Plaza, Artisans' Market, Union Club and the first fort of Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (the first mayor of Guayaquil) stands in front of the Guayas River.

Civic Plaza, Moorish Tower, City Hall, Rotonda Monument, Cacao Museum

Your drive continues through the Malecon Simon Bolivar to the Civi c Plaza. Here, visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and Rotonda Monument, then re-board your coach and transfer to the Museo Nacional del Cacao / Cacao Museum. At the Museo Nacional del Cacao, you will learn the social, economic and symbolic relevance of cocoa in the country and in the world, from its origin in these lands. The visit includes original pieces and replicas, simulation of scenarios and interactive elements, creating a friendly and entertaining tour for all types of public, honoring the patrimonial building where this house-museum is located, whose history is closely related to the Guayaquil cocoa culture.

Leaving the museum, walk north to Santa Ana Hill, home to Guayaquil's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio of Las Peñas. Here, the homes have been beautifully restored with brightly colored paints and design details. This visually stunning neighborhood is also home to various local artists. Many residents of this area are 'old timers', and happy to engage in conversations about the history of the Barrio, thus offering guests a unique, first-hand insight into the society and customs in Guayaquil in bygone years. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45- minute drive back to the pier.

Santa Ana Hill, Las Peñas Neighbourhood

Leaving the museum, re-board your coach and head north to Santa Ana Hill, home to Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood, the Barrio of Las Peñas. Here, the homes have been beautifully restored with brightly-coloured paints and design details. This visually-stunning neighbourhood is also home to various local artists. Many residents of this area are 'old timers', and happy to engage in conversations about the history of the Barrio, thus offering guests a unique, first-hand insight into the society and customs in Guayaquil in bygone years. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.