Ecuador Travel Expert
About this tour
This coast tour of a full week combines full days to relax at the beach with 2 excursions days. It's a relaxed Galapagos alternative combined with an Amazon Rainforest experience.
The trip starts in Quito and crosses the country. Lower the Andes altitude into a green jungle. You finally arrive into the warm coastline. You settle in at your hotel, then enjoy the evenings of seafood, beach walks and the relaxed coastal scene. One day is the boat trip to Isla de la Plata, "the Galapagos of the coast". Here you follow coastal trails that are packed with blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds with huge red inflatable throats. You can also see smaller seabirds, crabs and lizards. The snorkel stop drops you into schools of colorful fish, with chances of sea turtles, rays and (June–September) whales. Another day is a guided hike through the humid forest behind town. Explore a dense green jungle that compares to the Amazon Rainforest. This jungle is home to monkeys and exotic birds.
The rest of the week is deliberately open: three unscheduled days for sunbathing, swimming in the gentle Pacific, walking the coastline and hunting for big seashells.
The hotel and the private car route between Quito and Puerto Lopez are included. After breakfast on day 7, you travel back to Quito.
A week in Puerto Lopez! Ideal to enjoy the coast. Enjoy beach time with the feel of Galapagos and the Amazon Rainforest.
— Jonatan Chimarro, Ecuador Travel Expert
$699
- 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
- 7 days / 6 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
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 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
Puerto Lopez to Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito by private car. Enjoy the sightseeing along the route.
What does the 7-day Puerto Lopez (Ecuador) tour offer?
The fullest coast trip: Isla de la Plata wildlife, snorkeling, a rainforest hike and generous beach time. Ideal for beach lovers who want a easy wildlife experience.
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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