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 A8 PACIFIC COAST (9 days) On this trip of 9 days we get to know most of the Pacific coast with its many beautiful sand beaches, mangroves and dry tropical forests, which cover the coastal mountains and plains in the interior. This tour is especially for people who love the sea and marine life and nature in general. On this tropical excursion we undertake hikes in tropical forests, boat rides among mangroves and to the Isla de la Plata, which is a very special nesting area for seabirds similar to the Galapagos Islands. Day 1 Arrival at Guayaquil airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on your arrival time, a visit to the Malecon or another attraction in the port city is scheduled. Day 2 We start our nature trip by driving south to the eoclogical reserve Manglares Churute. First we hike up to El Mate, a hill where still dry tropical forest is left. There we can observe birds and listen to the howler monkeys. Afterwards we hike to the Lagoon El Canclon, one of the few habitats left for the Horned Screamer. In the afternoon we undertake a boat ride in the mangroves where sometimes dolphins can be seen in the channels. Afterwards we head back to Guayaquil. Day 3 Today we turn north and visit Cerro Blanco, a private dry forest reserve. This is a private reserve protecting one of last dry tropical forests left in the country. We undertake hikes there to get to know this special natural environment. Howletr monkeys, guantas and many birds inhabit this region. Afterwards we continue on to Puerto Lopez. Day 4 We hire a boat and head out to Isla del Plata, also known as "Galapagos for the Poor". This island is a nesting ground for many seabirds like boobies, frigates and even waved albatrosses are known to breed there. In July and August also the huge humpback whales can be seen on this boat trip as they prefer the shallow waters between the mainland and the island. Day 5 Today we visit Aguas Blancas, an archaeological site nearby. Graves and artifacts from an old culture were found there and on display. But it also located in a beautiful dry tropical forest where many birds like owls, motmots, king vultures and many more can be seen. In the afternoon we head to Playa de los Frailes, a beautiful beach in the Machalilla National Park. Day 6 We head north and get to Bahia de Caraquez, situated beautifully at the entrance of a bay. There we have lunch and crossing then the bay by ferry we drive on to Canoa, a small and quiet beach resort 30 minutes north of Caraquez. We spend the afternoon at the beach and stay overnight there. Day 7 Today we continue on north and visit the private forest reserve of Don Juan. This protected area has dry tropical forests and transitional rainforests. On hikes through the forest we can observe many plants which will be explained to us by guides. We spend the night in a nearby resort on the Pacific beach. Day 8 After an early morning swim, we continue on towards Pedernales, where we cross the equator line. We turn then west and head to Santo Domingo where we visit a small but very interesting private rainforest reserve. Hiking through it we feel like being in the Amazon with huge trees and other rainforest plants present. After the visit we drive up the Andes to reach Quito, where our nature tour ends. Day 9 Depending on your departure time, a visit to the old colonial center or to another sightseeing attraction in Quito are scheduled. Transfer to the airport and return to your country.
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