Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This coast tour of 4 days takes you to Puerto Lopez. One of Ecuador's famous Pacific coast towns. You also go to Isla de la Plata. The Galapagos of the Coast.
Enjoy your coastal hike over the island Isla de la Plata. Your local tour guide will lead you past blue-footed boobies and impressive frigatebirds with red inflatable throats. Follow your hike with a snorkel over reef fish and sea turtles in clear water. During June to September you have a chance of spotting humpback whales. Another day takes you inland to the coastal jungle. This humid forest is according to locals comparable with the density of the Amazon Rainforest. Spot monkeys and exotic birds on a guided trail. Between excursions, the beach and the harbor of Puerto Lopez are yours to explore at your own pace.
The hotel in Puerto Lopez and the car route between Quito and Puerto Lopez are included. After breakfast on day 4, you travel back to Quito.
Short on time but want Galapagos-style wildlife? Isla de la Plata delivers the boobies, frigatebirds and snorkeling, close to the mainland.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$549
- Galapagos-Style Wildlife at Isla de la Plata! Take a boat to "the Galapagos of the coast". Hike past nesting blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds with their huge red inflatable throats.
- Snorkel Clear Pacific Water! Slip into calm, warm water off Isla de la Plata. You share it with sea turtles and colorful reef fish. This is one of the easiest snorkel spots on the Ecuador's coast.
- Into the Coast Jungle! Follow a guided trail through a humid green forest. This dense green jungle is filled with monkeys and exotic birds.
- Whale Season on the Crossing! From June to September, humpback whales gather offshore to breed. You have a real chance of spotting them while you are on the ocean.
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Group size
- 1–16 people
- Physical intensity
- Low
- Activities
- Animal Spotting, Hiking, Relax, Swimming
- Environment
- Beach, Island, Jungle, Sea, Sun
- Key wildlife
- Birds, Fish, Monkeys, Parrots, Snakes, Spiders, Turtles
- Best months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Region
- Coast Region
- Private transportation (Quito ⇄ Puerto Lopez and all listed excursions).
- A tour guide that is certified and knows the environment comes with you on every trip. The guide speaks English and Spanish.
- Hotel accommodation, including: private bathroom, breakfast, lunch and WiFi.
- Your tours are shared. This means other people can be present during the tour.
- Lunch is included at the tour to Isla de la Plata.
- Bring your own lunch when you hike the jungle. And bring your own drinks, lunch and snacks when you travel by private car between Quito and Puerto Lopez. There are breaks along the route with plenty of restaurants.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses and tips.
- Travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
- Day 1
Quito to Puerto Lopez
Go with a private taxi from Quito to Puerto Lopez. This full day trip lets you see a large part of the country. Take a break along the way. Visit a restaurant during lunch time and enjoy the local specialties.
- Day 2
Isla de la Plata
This whole day you are out traveling to Isla de la Plata. Go by tour with a local tour guide to this island. Hike the island. Learn about its history, ecosystem and biodiversity. Return late afternoon at Puerto Lopez. Relax the evening at the beach and in town.
- Day 3
Jungle hike
Explore the coast jungle. This humid forest is known for its large trees and biodiversity. Spot monkeys and exotic birds along the trail. The hike takes on average 3-5 hours. Your local tour guide will lead and explain educative details of this complex ecosystem. Transport between the jungle and Puerto Lopez is included.
- Day 4
Puerto Lopez to Quito
Return after lunch back to Quito with your private taxi. Enjoy the sightseeing.
What does the 4-day Puerto Lopez tour include?
Private transport from Quito, Isla de la Plata with its boobies and frigatebirds, snorkeling with sea turtles, a coastal jungle trek, and beach time in Puerto Lopez.
Is the 4-day coast tour at Puerto Lopez in Ecuador a good Galapagos alternative?
Yes, it delivers Galapagos-style wildlife on Isla de la Plata without the cost of a Galapagos cruise.
When can I see whales in Ecuador on the coast tours?
Humpback whale season runs roughly June–September. July–August are the peak.
Why is Isla de la Plata called the "Galapagos of the coast region"?
Because you walk trails past blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds and snorkel with sea turtles up close. This is a Galapagos-style wildlife day for a fraction of the time and cost.
Can I customize a tour or build a private itinerary?
Yes, every tour is customizable, and Viaaza will design a private, tailor-made Ecuador itinerary around your dates, pace and interests.
Not sure yet? Ask an expert
- Which tour and dates suit you best
- The best time of year to visit
- Free advice, no obligation to book
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