Finca Punta Ayampe Tours It´s every explorer and adventurous spirit dream come true. Wild, unspoiled, and rich in wildlife, there is always an activity for everyone who loves the outdoors. The following activities are among many guests' favorites. The mountains of Manabí are breathtaking, the wilderness is awe-inspiring, the cloud forest is spectacular, and the cultural attractions are endless. But let's face it, the one thing Manabí and Ayampe, in particular, offers the traveler ten times better than any other location in Ecuador is the sea. Home to Ecuador's biggest waves, only coral reefs, and most isolated, beautiful beaches.

 

Sea Activities and Tours:

The mountains of Manabí are breathtaking, the wilderness is awe-inspiring, the cloud forest is spectacular, and the cultural attractions are endless. But let's face it, the one thing Manabí and Ayampe, in particular, offers the traveler ten times better than any other location in Ecuador is the sea. Home to Ecuador's biggest waves, only coral reefs, and most isolated, beautiful beaches.

 

Whale Watching Tours
(from May to September)

The sun might hide behind the clouds from time to time trough out May to September, but that is certainly not reason to choose a less spectacular destination. In fact, many tourists wait until this time of the year to come and check out some of the world's most spectacular whale watching. As about 2,500 humpback whales travel 16,000 km looking for warm waters, fleeing from the low temperatures of the southern part of the continent (Chile) to Ecuador and mate.

 

As the hot temperatures of the Pacific Ocean bathes the Ecuadorian coasts, it creates an ideal environment for mating and conception of the humpback whales at the coast of Manabí. The depth of the ocean is idyllic not far from the coast, allowing whale watching opportunities with a short boat ride from the shore.

 

Starting at US$20 per person, the tours are well worth the expenditure as it will most likely be the only time in your life you will come close enough to a whale as to touch it (well, almost).

Surf Tours

The Ayampe area is without a doubt, home to some of Ecuador's best surfing and biggest brakes. Nobody knows this better than Finca Punta Ayampe owner, Aldo Rocco. As a lifetime surfer, nobody knows the area better than him, and of course he will be pleased to show it to you.

 

The Finca offers all of the following:

• Instruction: Qualified personnel offer all levels of instruction from beginner to expert, allowing the student to sample a variety of conditions.
• Boards are available for rent depending on availability.
• Front-yard surfing: Ayampe's none crowded beach has a consistent beach brake where you can ride your board almost everyday of the year. There are several lips from which to choose such as "La Boca del Río", "La Entrada", and the "Secret Spot" - all of which are within a walking distance from the Finca - as well as Las Tunas & Alandaluz which are within a 3-minute drive of the Finca.

 

Custom tours:

• Río Chico (Left handed wave supposed to be the tallest in continental Ecuador).
• Rinconada
• Montañita
• San Mateo (longest wave in Ecuador)
• Salinas (and surroundings)
• Playas (and surroundings)

 

Scuba and Snorkeling Tours

Ayampe is home to Ecuador's only coastal reefs and the most islets per square mile than any other coastal area. For this reasons it is known to have the best diving opportunities outside Galapagos. You don•t need to travel more than a few minutes to start your underwater exploration as Ayampe offers full equipment, including: 

• Boats
• Full gear
• Certified instruction.

 

Custom tours

Normally US$90.00 per two dives. Night and deep diving available.

Some of the area's more premier dive sites include:

• La Isla de La Plata
• Los Ahorcados
• Isla Salango
• El Pelado

 

Tours to La Isla de la Plata

Can't quite afford the Galapagos• Why bother when for just US$43, Ayampe can take you to the next best thing: La Isla de la Plata. Nicknamed "the poor man's Galapagos" for its affordability and the abundance and diversity of its wildlife, the islands offers world-class scuba, snorkeling, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, and much more for one hundredth of what you'd pay to do and see almost the same in the Galapagos.

Boat Tours

To go wherever you want to go, at the time you want to go. There is a huge array of destinations where to choose from, starting at single pole fishing activities to sea kayak adventures. These tours could, but are not limited, to go to:

• La Isla de La Plata
• Los Ahorcados
• Isla Salango

 

Other Boat Tours

Don't feel like going where everyone else is going• With an intimate knowledge of the area, the folks at Ayampe can take you to the area's best beaches, showing you places that few other tourists will ever even know that exist. Ayampe can take you wherever it is you want to go:

• Los Ahorcados
• Isla Salango
• El Pelado
• Los Frailes

 

Land based activities and tours

Ayampe is located between wild unexploited mountains and the roaring sea; amongst endless, rare, rugged labyrinths of riverbeds and canyons. Between beautiful tropical dry and the rich cloud forest you´ll be able to enyoy the following land tours:

 

Horseback Riding Tours

From rough rides up slot canyons to long trots into the tropical forest or lengthy sunset gallops along the beach, there are just some journeys better taken on horseback. The people at Ayampe realize about this more than anyone. Accordingly, they're eager to show you the land they call home on the horses that have guided them through it for so many years.

 
Typical Tours include:
• Beach rides
• River rides
• Jungle rides

 

Hiking and Trekking

Located just a few short miles from Machalilla National Park, the hiking and trekking opportunities in the area are unlimited. From weeklong treks to day hikes that will take you from the beach to tropical dry forests, cloud forests, mountains peaks, and hidden coves or beaches; the possibilities are infinite.

 

For those who would rather not venture quite so far, there are a number of shorter (few hours) hikes and nature trails that leave from the Finca or from nearby areas and can take you to mangroves, hidden coves, and lush tropical forests. There are paths that leave the Finca's backyard. Some lead to ten-minute walks around the hostal, others lead to 4 hour explorations to the surrounding jungle, steep cliff sides, river beds and to camp sites in remote stretches of primary forest. All of which offer the Ecuadorian coast's most impressive views.

 

Mountain Bike tours

Between the breathtaking ocean views, the awe-inspiring surroundings, the ever-shining sun, and the charming villages through which you'll pass, there's no better way to take in the Ayampe area than on a bicycle. Let Ayampe outfit you with a bike so you can glide up and down the coast stopping on isolated bluffs to take in the scenery, pausing under the shade of a palm trees to sip coco juice, and relaxing in roadside restaurants to enjoy the local delicious dishes.

 

Bird Watching Tours

Home to martins, toucans, pelicans, boobies, gulls, frigate birds, caciques, and much more, Ayampe is a birder's paradise. Wander around the finca surrounded by chirping or take a tour. Just a few minutes of traveling would bring you into an entirely different ecosystem, offering you an incredible set of birding opportunities. In fact Ayampe is the place to spot the hard-to-see •Esmeraldas Little Woodstar• hummingbird, a 2 inch long amazing little bird whose habitat is right here in our forest.

 

Secluded Beach
Lastly, if you're not up for an adventure, don't stress it. If peace and relaxation on an isolated beach is what you crave, Ayampe's got it just steps away from your room or cabin.

 

Cultural Tours

Once home to some of Ecuador's largest and more advanced ancient civilizations in South America, Manabí and the surrounding areas are among the richest cultural districts in the Andean region. Moreover, the incredible excavations sites, ancient weaving centers, impressive cultural/historical museums, and one of its most renowned artisan hubs are all located within a short drive of Finca Punta Ayampe. Some of Ayampe's more popular cultural outings and tours are:

 

Agua Blanca

Probably the nation's most interesting archeological site, Agua Blanca is home to an archeological museum and some therapeutic sulfur springs. It is also a great place from which to begin a trek into the cloud forest above or the surrounding dry tropical forest. Ayampe offers a variety of all-inclusive tours to Agua Blanca starting at US$10 plus the park entrance fee.

 

Salango Museum

A virtual arc of Ecuador's cultural and archeological history, Salango's Museum offers a wealth of knowledge. Located just 10 minutes from Finca Punta Ayampe, anyone with a true interest in learning about Ecuadorian cultural past and present could spend a lot of time here.

 

Canta La Piedra

An innovative organic finca isolated in a primary tropical forest, Canta La Piedra offers the visitor incredible views, the unique opportunity to gain an understanding of what sustainability implies in the context of a tropical finca, and, saving the best for last, the chance to gorge yourself on an organic feast at the end of your tour. Starting at US$12, Ayampe can offer you an all day trip from the finca.

 

Río Ayampe
This scenic river is a great place to bird watch, spy on local wildlife, do some hiking that is truly off the beaten path, or just cool off with the locals in their favorite swimming hole.

 

Los Frailes
Truly Ecuador's most spectacular beach, Los Frailes is where steep cliffs meet the bright blue tranquil sea under cloudless skies. While this is popular with tourists, nobody knows the beaches of Los Frailes like folks at Ayampe. Let us show the most impressive yet least explored parts of Los Frailes.

 

Río Olón
Just like Río Ayampe, this scenic river is a great for birding, wildlife watching, hiking, and swimming.