Nature tour, 4 days : Ruta del Sol with optional biking

Itinerary

Day 1: Along the Coast to Puerto López

Stop At: Playa Las Salinas, Btw. Playa de Chipipe and Playa la Libertad, Salinas 241550 Ecuador
We will visit Cape La Chocolatera. the western-most point of Ecuador. Here you will enjoy a great panoramic view of the Peninsula of Santa Elena and the city of Salinas. We will watch a colony of sea-lions (only males) and different species of sea birds. From June to September it is possible to watch humpback whales close to the picturesque rocky coast. Optionally we can explore La Chocolatera by bike.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Playa Rosada, Santa Elena Ecuador
A panoramic visit incluiding short hike along this amazing beach.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Playa Montanita, Ruta del sol, a 1 hora de Libertad-Salinas 180km Guayaquil y a 4 km al norte de Manglaralto, Santa Elena 241702 Ecuador
A short stop to explore the famous surf and party town Montañita
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Playa de Olon, Santa Elena 241753 Ecuador
Short photo stop to enjoy the panoramic view of Olon beach
Duration: 10 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in tourist class hotel at the beach of Puerto López. Hostería Mandala or similar.

Day 2: Machalilla National Park: Agua Blanca and Playa de los Frailes

Stop At: Agua Blanca, Machalilla National Park Ecuador
First we will visit the archeological site and museum of Agua Blanca. Then we do a short hike through tropical dry forest in order to watch variety birds. In the sulfurous lagoon you may take a bath.
This part of the tour can be done optionally also by bike from Puerto López.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Playa de los Frailes, Parque Nacional Machalilla, Machalilla National Park Ecuador
We will do a 1 1/2 hours hike (optional) through tropical dry forest and along de picturesque beaches of the National Park: Playa Prieta, Playa Tortuguita, Playa de los Frailes. Then there will be free time to enjoy the beautiful Los Frailes beach. Optionally you may also go by bicycle from Agua Blanca to Los Frailes
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tourist class hotel in Puerto López, Hostería Mandala or similar

Day 3: Boat tour to Isla de la Plata

Stop At: Isla de la Plata, Machalilla National Park Ecuador
Full day tour by boat to Isla de la Plata. Explore this reserve together with a local naturalist guide. Depending on the season, there are blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies, albatrosses and frigate birds. It is also an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. You have good chances to see sea turtles. From mid June to the end of September you may also watch the giant humpback whales, an impressive natural spectacle. Box-lunch included.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tourist class hotel in Puerto López. Hostería Mandala or similar

Day 4: Vía Puerto Cayo and Jipijapa back to Guayaquil

Stop At: Puerto Cayo Ecuador
On the way from Puerto López to Puerto Cayo we will stop at El Rocío viewpoint whichs offers a great view of the coastline and at beautiful Salaite beach. The we cross the Cordillera Chongón Colonche and head for the city of Jipijapa. From there we return on the main road to Guayaquil. Optionally you may take the bike between El Rocío and Puerto Cayo.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.