Excursion Exclusive hacienda by helicopter tour at Guayaquil

Visit a traditional dairy and cocoa farm with over 145 years of rich heritage and history, a family-owned and managed by the third-generation Olsen family, Hacienda La Danesa in a different way, a helicopter overflight from Guayaquil. The farm offers a selection of tailor-made activities, including horseback riding trails, hands-on artisan chocolate making and other hacienda-related programs.

Helicopter flight

The adventure begins with a private transfer from the quayside to the heliport at Guayaquil´s airport.  After a security briefing, board the helicopter for a 30 minutes overflight through Guayaquil downtown, the Guayas River, then over the outskirts of the city with spectacular views of the mangroves, shrimp farms, the farming landscape  with sugar cane plantations, teak and rice fields.

Hacienda La Danesa

Upon arrival at La Danesa, your host will greet you and give you a warm welcome to the farm and tell you about the hacienda's rich history. You will have time at leisure to explore the gardens and the property, enjoy refreshing cold-infused drinks and a traditional snack courtesy of the hacienda before starting with the experiences planned for the day.

Chocolate Workshop

After a short walk through a picturesque footpath arrive at the cacao plantation where you will learn the history and process of the cacao production in Ecuador. Guests will have the opportunity to learn the art of chocolate making and will have a hands-on experience. Guests may taste handmade chocolate and may buy premium chocolate after the experience.

Farm to Table Gastronomic Experience

Then enjoy of a truly unique gastronomic experience inspired by a Farm-to-Table ethos. The gourmet lunch will be made with ingredients grown at the farm or sourced locally.

Milking

Later join the manual milking session. Hacienda La Danesa has operated as a dairy farm in coastal Ecuador for more than 20 years, producing 1,200 liters of milk per day. La Danesa presents one of its grass-fed cattle to give a first-hand experience of milking, where you can try fresh unpasteurized milk.

Horseback Riding

After that, a horseback riding is waiting for you to complete the adventure.  Get up-close to the quarter pinto horses, learning about this gentle breed. These sturdy, good-nature steeds are known for excelling at sprinting short distances. As you ride, soak in the beautiful scenery. Weave through open fields and plantations, passing through rivers (if water level permitting) and spotting different tropical birds and flowers.

At the end, you will board the helicopter to be transferred back to Guayaquil´s airport and then to the quayside by coach.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Helicopter flight, Hacineda La Danesa, chocolate workshop, Farm to Table Gastronomic Experience, Milking, Horseback riding.

Note

Please note: This tour includes an extensive amount of walking around the plantations of Hacienda La Danesa, some inclined uneven and unpaved surfaces, muddy and slippery. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, long pants, flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and insect repellent are recommended. US dollars or credit cards are required to make purchases at the farm. Dietary requirements must be provided in advance to the Shore Concierge desk.