Venture into the Andean highlands of El Oro — 'The Gold Province' — by private 4x4, visiting colonial mining towns, pre-Inca heritage sites, and mountain vistas that stretch from the Pacific to the Andes. An immersive full-day journey through Ecuador's most storied interior.
What to expect
Leaving Puerto Bolívar, the landscape transforms dramatically as you climb into El Oro's gold-rush highlands. Your guide narrates the colonial history of towns like Zaruma — a UNESCO-listed candidate known for its ornate wooden architecture and gold-mining heritage — as you walk its steep, cobbled lanes. A visit to a small artisanal gold-panning operation brings the 'El Oro' story to life. Lunch is served at a highland hacienda with sweeping valley views, featuring slow-roasted pork, fresh corn, and local chicha. The descent back to the coast offers a cinematic panorama of the Gulf of Guayaquil.
Good to know
Zaruma is approximately 2.5 hours from Puerto Bolívar. This is a full-day commitment (8–9 hours); confirm your ship's all-aboard time before booking. Roads are mountain-grade; a 4x4 is essential. Altitude in Zaruma reaches ~1,150m — comfortable but bring a light layer.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Machala — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.