Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This coast tour of 6 days is the good leisurely version of our Pacific-coast trip. It offers a strong Galapagos alternative when time limits your visit to the real Galapagos Islands. It includes 2 free beach days built in to explore at your own pace.
It begins with the cross-country drive from Quito, watching the Andes make place for the green jungle and the warm coastline of Puerto Lopez. Your time after arriva is free. Enjoy the beach, hotel, or the local restaurants and bars that come alive in the warm evenings. One full day is a boat trip to Isla de la Plata. This island "the Galapagos of the coast". Here your guide leads you past blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds with huge red inflatable throats and other seabirds. You follow the island hike with a swim among schools of colorful fish. You have the chance to see sea turtles and rays swim by. From June to September, you might spot whales due to whale season. A separate day takes you into the humid coast jungle,. This jungle is a dense green forest. It feels similar to the Amazon Rainforest. It is home to monkeys and exotic birds.
Between excursions, two unscheduled days are yours. Relax at the beach. Go to the fish market and the town. The hotel and the private car route between Quito and Puerto Lopez are included. After breakfast on day 6, you travel back to Quito.
Visit the Ecuador coast without a rush. Two full days without scheduled activities. Combine free time with Isla de la Plata and the coast jungle.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$649
- 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
- 6 days / 5 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
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
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
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 6
Puerto Lopez to Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito by private car. Enjoy the sightseeing along the route.
Who is the 6-day Puerto Lopez (Ecuador) tour for?
Travelers wanting coastal relaxation and wildlife with more beach time. A longer Galapagos alternative for time-limited visitors.
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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