Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This coast tour of 5 days is the relaxed version of our shorter 4 day Pacific coast trip. You get the same Galapagos style wildlife day at Isla de la Plata "the Galapagos of the coast" plus one extra free day to slow down and enjoy the beach at your own pace.
The trip opens with the drive from Quito to the coast. A scenic transition from the Andes down through green jungle to the warm Pacific. Your first afternoon in Puerto Lopez is yours: the beach, your hotel, or the seafront's evening scene. One full day takes you by boat to Isla de la Plata. With a local guide you walk you past blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds with their huge red inflatable throats and other seabirds. You then snorkel over reef fish and sea turtles. From June to September you have a real chance of spotting humpback whales. Another day heads inland to the humid coast jungle. A dense green forest. Locals compare it to the Amazon Rainforest. Spot monkeys and exotic birds on a guided trail.
The hotel in Puerto Lopez and the private car route between Quito and Puerto Lopez are included. After breakfaston day 5, you travel back to Quito.
Visit Isla de la Plata and the coast jungle as your Galapagos and Amazon Rainforest experience. Enjoy an extra free day at the beach.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$599
- 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
- 5 days / 4 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
Travel by private car from Quito to Puerto Lopez. This full-day drive crosses a large part of the country, from the Andes down to the coast. It includes a lunch stop along the way. Your first afternoon and evening in Puerto Lopez are free for the beach and seafront.
- Day 2
Isla de la Plata
A full day by boat to Isla de la Plata with a local guide. Hike the island and learn about its history, ecosystem and wildlife. See blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and seabird colonies. Then snorkel over reef fish, with chances of seeing a sea turtles, rays and (June–September) whales. Return to Puerto Lopez in the late afternoon. Relax in the evening.
- Day 3
Free day
No schedule. Spend the day on the beach. Go swimming in the gentle Pacific ocean. Visit the local fish market. Explore the town at your own pace.
- Day 4
Coast jungle hike
A guided hike through the humid coastal forest behind town, on average 3–5 hours. Spot monkeys and exotic birds while your guide explains this complex ecosystem. Transport between the jungle and Puerto Lopez is included. Final evening in Puerto Lopez.
- Day 5
Puerto Lopez to Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito by private car. Enjoy the sightseeing along the route.
What's added on the 5-day Puerto Lopez (Ecuador) tour?
The same Isla de la Plata and coastal-jungle highlights with an extra free beach day. A relaxed pace for wildlife plus downtime.
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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