Churute Howler Monkeys & Chocolate Tour from Guayaquil

You hike for howler monkeys in the morning, then make chocolate by hand in the afternoon.

A full-day private tour from Guayaquil combines a guided hike through Churute Ecological Reserve (searching for howler monkeys, exotic birds and native wildlife) with a visit to a traditional cacao farm where you taste Ecuadorian chocolate and craft your own bar using traditional techniques. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, a local guide, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The tour runs seven hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore nature and chocolate culture

• Hike in Churute Ecological Reserve
• Spot howler monkeys and wildlife
• Visit traditional cacao farm
• Learn cacao growing and harvesting
• Taste different Ecuadorian chocolates
• Create handmade artisanal chocolate

The experience

How do you fit two of Ecuador's biggest draws into one day without rushing? Start at Churute Ecological Reserve, a protected coastal region where the forest canopy fills with the sound of howler monkeys. A local guide leads you through tropical trails in search of them, along with exotic birds, native wildlife, and mangroves. The reserve is one of the country's most important ecological areas, and the hike gives you time to actually watch and listen instead of just passing through.

After the reserve, you head to a traditional cacao farm where the second half of the day shifts from wildlife to culture. Here you learn how local farmers grow, harvest, and roast cacao beans using techniques passed down through generations, then transform them into organic chocolate by hand. You taste different varieties of Ecuadorian chocolate (the country is world-famous for it), and create your own artisanal bar to take with you. Lunch is included during the day, and the private vehicle means no waiting for other groups or sticking to a fixed schedule that doesn't fit your pace.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, or Italian, and children from age 8 can join. The whole experience runs seven hours from pickup at your hotel to drop-off, with bottled water provided throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Guayaquil.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• local guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• guided hike through Churute Ecological Reserve.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• chocolate tasting at the traditional cacao farm.
• hands-on chocolate-making experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Yamil Saman Cabrera

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private experience where you set the pace through the forest and spend real time watching for wildlife, rather than moving quickly through multiple stops. The combination of the reserve hike and the cacao farm means you get both nature and culture in a single day without backtracking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are howler monkeys and why would I hear them in Churute?

Howler monkeys are large primates native to Ecuador's tropical forests, known for their loud, deep vocalizations that carry through the canopy. Churute Ecological Reserve is one of the few protected areas where they live in significant numbers, and the guided hike is timed to increase your chances of spotting them and hearing their calls in their natural habitat.

Do I need hiking experience or special fitness to walk the trails at Churute?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The hike is guided and paced by your local guide, so you move at a comfortable speed through the tropical forest trails. Children from age 8 can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Will I actually make chocolate myself, or just watch?

You create your own artisanal chocolate bar by hand using traditional techniques at the cacao farm. After learning how the beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, you work through the chocolate-making process yourself, then taste different varieties of finished Ecuadorian chocolate as well.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs seven hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off in Guayaquil. Your guide will confirm the exact start time when you book, based on your hotel location and preference.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included in the tour price. Mention any dietary needs or restrictions when you book so the guide and farm can prepare accordingly.