7 days/6 nights rental car + hotel daily from Quito to Guayaquil (or vice versa) This trip introduces you to the uniquely charming coastal region of Ecuador. It is the perfect choice for people who enjoy sun, surf, and scenery. Having a rental car allows you to discover the beauty of Ecuador on your own terms.

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito—Punta Prieta (approx. 220 miles / 350 km)
After leaving Quito, you drive through lush cloud forest and banana plantations towards the coast. On the Via del Pacifico, you head south along the coast, passing the equator on your way. Again and again, you will catch sight of the Pacific Ocean along the highway. (-/-/-)

Day 2: Punta Prieta Area Use your day to explore the beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic fishing villages of Manabi Province. Or relax in your hammock and watch the pelicans and frigate birds circling overhead. (B/-/-)

Day 3: Punta Prieta—Bahía de Caráquez (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
An interesting drive along the coast takes you to the delta of the Rio Chone. A car ferry shuttles you across the river to the town of Bahía de Caráquez, which used to be one of Ecuador’s most significant ports. (F/-/-)

Day 4: Bahía de Caráquez—Chirije (0-20 miles / 0-30 km)
Below the cliffs, an unspoiled sandy beach stretches for miles along the coast, inviting you to relax or enjoy a walk along the beach. Chirije is one of the most significant archaeological sites along Ecuador’s coast. You will be able to see artifacts from the pre-Inca period. (B/-/-)

Day 5: Chirije—Puerto Lopez (approx. 140 miles / 220 km)
Your first destination today is the scenic harbor town of Manta, the ideal stopover for lunch and a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean.  Energized from your break, you drive through the coastal rainforest of San Lorenzo to the small fishing village of Puerto Lopez. (B/-/-)

Day 6: Puerto Lopez Today, you have an opportunity to take a boat ride to Isla de la Plata, where you can observe blue-footed, red-footed, or masked booby birds, depending on the season. Between June and September, you may also be able to watch giant humpback whales traveling along the coast of Ecuador. The boat trip costs approx. USD 60 per person (payable on site). (B/-/-)

Day 7: Machalilla National Park—Ruta del Sol—Guayaquil (approx. 155 miles / 250 km)
In the morning, you should visit “Los Frailes,” a beautiful sandy beach in Machalilla National Park. From there, you drive south, crossing the open grasslands of the Santa Elena peninsula on the way to your final destination: Guayaquil. (B/-/-)

 
Services:

• Rental car of your choice, including LDW insurance and accident insurance for the driver
• One-way rental fee
• Travel arrangements as described
• Qualified English-speaking travel guides at Liana Lodge
• Accommodations at good comfort-class hotels
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch,D=Dinner)
• Maps
• Phone assistance provided by Positiv Turismo in German or English

 Non-included services:

• Admission fees
• Gasoline, oil
• Excursion to Isla de la Plata
• Park fees, road and ferry tolls
• Tickets for traffic violations
• Not specified meals and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to  organizational or climate factors.

 
Rates:

Minimum number of participants: 1

Via del Pacifico, 7 days/6 nights

All rates are per person in USD. Valid until 31.10.2012

Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national holidays.

You can find further details under Rates & Conditions