Tourist guide: what to do and see in Guayaquil
The charm of the South Pacific.
If you decide to visit the biggest city in Ecuador, you won't regret it! A port to which hundreds of cruises arrive, strolls along the river Guayas, a historic part of the city with lots of heritage buildings and religious architecture and a regenerated city centre: it will not fail to impress you. Lose yourself in its splendour and marvellous views and take it in 465 steps up from the Santa Ana Mountain. Guayaquil, yours for the taking.
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Mercado Municipal de Flores (City Flower Market)
You will be amazed at the florists' skill at making their floral centrepieces
Say it with flowers
The street flower sellers of Guayaquil have their own market, Mercado Municipal 'Zayda Letty Castillo,' which is identifiable by its scent from the Machala and Piedrahita avenues, next to the Hospice Corazón de Jesús. Its distinctive feature is that they sell flowers as if they were a basic need, with a 24 hour service. If you are visiting Guayaquil on an important date, such as Valentine's day, you will be able to observe this phenomenon of flower sales, with people in love leaving their buys until the last moment. The lighting of the stands contrasts with the darkness of the night and gives an altogether more mysterious appearance to this group of flower sellers. What makes it special is not only its mix of scents and colours -with exotic and local flowers- but their ability to create centrepieces and bouquets, baskets and flower arrangements to which they add teddy bears and balloons or coffee beans and grains of wheat which symbolise prosperity.
Mercado Artesanal de Guayaquil - Loja (Guayaquil Crafts Market)
Street stalls where you can buy handicrafts at good prices
Indigenous handicrafts in the city centre
One of the first things you will learn in this market is that the wrongly named "panama hat" neither comes from Panama nor is that its real name. You will actually be sold a "Montecristi" and it is made with fibres from the toquilla palm. The local sport of the Mercado Artesanal in Guayaquil is haggling: you will find all the handicraft products here at much lower prices and with the same quality as in the big shopping centres. Located between streets Loja and Juan Montalvo, a whole block is covered with handicrafts and it offers the visitor small pieces of art made from leather, traditional wool and cotton dresses, gold leaf ornaments and wooden, steel and copper statues. Open to the public for three decades, when their shops' land was the same land, the market stands out due to the presence of the admired Otovalo people, who are the creators of the majority of the craftwork.
Mall del Sol
Impressive shopping centre where you can give in to any impulse buy you like
Last minute buys near the airport
If you are travelling with children and they have already tired of walking around the streets going from shop to shop or if you would like to find a place where you can get your last minute buys, the solution is a trip to Mall del Sol shopping centre. Do you fancy an evening of cinema and hamburgers? Do you fancy a break in the beauty salon while you leave the children in the play centre? Everything is possible in the huge shopping centre of 160,000 metres squared which has become a symbol of business and consumption in Guayaquil, with an influx of a million people each month according to the calculations of the Mall del Sol. You will find this shopping centre on the way to the airport, located in a commercial and tourist complex called Ciudad del Sol, so you can plan a trip here on the last day of your stay in the city. You will find everything you can imagine and can pay for in this place.
Malecón 2000 Shopping Centre
Besides taking a walk around its facilities and its shops, don't miss its terrace!
You won't be able to only go shopping
Although you may not have the intention of buying anything, a stroll around the Malecón 2000 shopping centre along river Guayas waterfront gives you the chance to imagine what life was like in Guayaquil, before the modern urban developments and the progress in construction. Ships arrived at this port with their goods and unloaded them here to sell to the inhabitants of the city. This is where the inspiration for the design of this completely modernised shopping centre with a nautical theme comes from. Ship's masts are imitated by the metal structures facing each area and the canvas sails and wrought iron reminds you of ships in the distance. One experience you cannot miss in the Malecón 2000 shopping centre is going to its terrace food court with views of Santay Island and feeling the breeze of the river while you try traditional specialities. What more could you ask for?
Mercado Sur - Palacio de Cristal
Old market and currently an art gallery, declared part of the city's heritage
A totally transparent palace
Given the guayaquilean tradition of changing the names of emblematic places, it could prove difficult asking for Mercado Sur, now known as Palacio de Cristal, located on the Malecón 2000 promenade. The original wrought iron structure was built in 1907 and had an architectural style that was related to the school of Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the famous Parisian tower. Originally, this wholesalers market stood out for the street sellers that offered more illusions that real products, sharing space and cries with the fishermen and greengrocers. After a century of history and deterioration, the market was totally restored to become the Palacio de Cristal that you can visit today. You no longer find the throng of fishermen and farmers with its characteristic mix of odours because it was destined to turn into an Artistic Exhibition Centre. However, the buying and selling still goes on there: with its well organised shops of handicrafts and flowers.
La Bahía – Pichincha
Entertaining market where you can get lost and take the opportunity to make a purchase
Street market where you have to haggle
If your budget for going shopping -above all for clothes and electronic goods- is tight, you should visit the market that takes place in several streets in the La Bahía district, from the Malecón Simón Bolívar to Chimborazo, to locate it on the map. Once there, you will only need some patience and some cash because many of the shops do not accept credit cards. You are allowed to haggle and no one is tricking you if they show you brands at prices two times cheaper. Buying pirated CDs is illegal but they sell hundreds here every day. This place has, on occasion, been referred to as "faker's paradise" but it is so accepted and integrated into the system of selling that you can spend a morning walking through the throng of street stalls and little stallholders to take in the atmosphere and the offers. If the locals carry out the majority of their shopping here, there must be a reason for it.
Boulevard Nueve de Octubre
Shopping, restaurants or a simple stroll leads you to this bustling street
The street that is alive at any hour
The Boulevard Nueve de Octubre is to Guayaquil what Fifth Avenue is to New York, but on a smaller scale. The main artery of the city, a tribute to the Revolution of the 9th October 1820, has an original design of arcades that span from the Malecón 2000 to the Malecón del Estero Salado and are only interrupted by the plaza del Centenario. You will find on this avenue the main embassies, restaurants and luxury hotels, banks and shopping centres which make it a point of reference for businesses and organisations in the city. In addition, in between shopping and more shopping you can take the opportunity to visit the museums that are scattered along the street, like the Museo Presley Norton or the Casa de Cultura. The architecture of the beginning of the 20th century in pastel colours border this tree-lined avenue like a reminder of times gone by: if you ignore the traffic and the well-known brands in the shop windows, you could have travelled back to the old Guayaquil.
San Marino Shopping
As well as all types of shops and brands, you can enjoy good Ecuadorian cuisine
Quality brands at good prices
It is worth organising the visit to the leisure zone of the San Marino Shopping for the last hour of the evening, when the sun goes down and the brash illumination of the shopping centre recalls the excesses of North American nights. The inside structure, which is like a giant glass building with hanging gardens, already states that the hub of good living lies within its 90,000 metres squared. The brands you find here don't surprise you, however, with their exorbitant prices: you will find quality clothing but nothing over the top, jewellery, great footwear, souvenir shops, toy shops and beauty salons. San Marino Shopping is not just a shopping centre but a space made for entertainment, with multiscreen cinemas and bowling alleys for the children to enjoy, photographic exhibitions, themed events and live music concerts for the adults. And there is, naturally, exquisite food to choose from on each and every corner.
Centro Comercial Artesanal Machala (Machala Crafts Shopping Centre)
Craftsman from all over come here and invite you to view their work
All the handicrafts you can imagine
Colourful, original, unusual and handmade. If what you are looking for is a special souvenir of your visit to Guayaquil, Artesanal Machala shopping centre -located between calles Ayacucho and Pedro Pablo Gómez- will keep you entertained for hours with its 486 stands. Opened in 2003 after the demolition of the old market, this new centre brings together locals and foreigners in the search of charming objects. The advantage of going to this building with two floors is that you come into direct contact with the craftsman who have travelled from their regions to sell their products. There you will find ponchos from Imbabura, leather trousers and jackets from Otavalo, straw hats and bags as well as all types of delicate craftwork made from leather, cotton, steel or wood. If you wish to complete your day consuming with more traditional products, the shopping centre also has stands selling food and restaurants where you can try the traditional dishes of Guayaquil.
Mercado Caraguay (Caraguay Market)
In this market, you can view the daily work of the fishermen and have a look at their stalls
The fishermen's life
They say that this place is "the market that never sleeps" as its workers - fishermen from the region- do not rest until they have supplied the shops, restaurants and locals that come here to buy the freshest fish and seafood in the city. The Caraguay Market is located to the south of Guayaquil and throughout the evening and night they get the products ready for distribution. From six in the evening to six in the morning the pincers, scales, fish heads jump from the nets to the boxes and from there into the vans. It is not a typical market for tourists and that is where its charm lies if you would like to visit and take photos of a real guayaquilean place. Or you could also wait until the seafood reaches the kitchen of one of the city's restaurants and try a real traditionally cooked dish.
Centro de Convenciones de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Convention Centre)
Check out the schedule of this immense centre because you will always find something interesting to see
Convention centre packed with activities
If you want to go to a huge event, the Guayaquil Convention Centre has to be the place. With the largest surface area for fairs and exhibitions in the city with its 25,000 metres squared, it is situated in the old Simón Bolívar air terminal next to the airport. With a noticeable entrepreneurial role, aimed at intersectoral meetings, the size of this centre allows the setting up of huge shows which need amazing staging or exhibitions that can't be housed in any other museum due to their size. Artists of such stature as Miguel Bosé, Paulina Rubio, Julio and Enrique Iglesias among others have walked on its stage. It has also got together fitness fans in a large gathering of sport professionals as well as holding business conferences on importing and exporting and conferences open to the public on the culinary art. These culinary art conferences are held each year in the Feria Internacional de Gastronomía (International Gastronomy Fair).
Museo Luis Adolfo Noboa Naranjo
On top of housing important avant-garde pieces of artwork, this museum will also hold the Bienniel of Contemporary Art
Private collection of an important Ecuadorian entrepreneur
More commonly known by its initials, LANN, the Museo Luis Adolfo Noboa Naranjo has become since 2006 a reference point for the international avant-garde artistic movements. Its name pays tribute to the successful Ecuadorian entrepreneur who left as inheritance for his children the collection of pictorial works that interested him. This included paintings from the Quito School (Escuela Quiteña), by Oswaldo Guayasmín and murals by Manuel Rendón. However, its strong point is the Biennial of Painting which has been held in this museum since 2008. Each time it is held, it brings together the main Ecuadorian and international contemporary artists, those producing fine art as well as photographic art. The philanthropic aim of the museum also focuses on paintings carried out by disabled children as well as promotion of work by the country's emerging artists. If you are interested in art, this centre is, undoubtedly, the place to learn about new trends.
Museo Presley Norton
Don't forget to look at the beautiful villa that houses this museum
Ecuadorian ancestral culture
The Villa Rosa Herlinda -where the Presley Norton Museum is located, in calle 9 de Octubre- appears to be a country house with Spanish influenced charm. This is mainly because its construction came about after the owner, Ismael Pérez Pasmiño, made a trip to Spain in 1936. It was not until the 1990's that the decision was made to put the Museo Presley Norton in this mansion, in honour of the archaeologist of Guayaquil. The main part of the researcher's legacy was handed over to the Museo Antropológico. However, the house still contains 112 original pieces. This collection does not just focus on archaeology and the beginning of the Ecuadorian coastal history but progresses onto the life and customs of its inhabitants: magic healing rituals, veneration of the gods of the four elements, jewellery and ornaments that depict an indigenous society and that document its library collection. The museum's gift shop and its cybercafé offer you a break after being immersed in Guayaquil's history.
Museo Histórico BAE Abdón Calderón
With 130 years of history, this ship will show you a multitude of marine curiosities
A floating museum
If you are travelling with children or you are interested in epic marine battles, the Museo Histórico BAE (Buque de la Armada de Ecuador) Abdón Calderón will not fail to impress you. It is a floating museum inside a ship which was at first a simple tug boat and ended up as warship belonging to the Ecuadorian Navy. The ship, a dinosaur of iron and steam, was built in England in 1884 and bought by the Ecuadorian government two years later. It was adapted for its military use with the installation of cannons and anti-aircraft weaponry although its main missions included the surveillance of the Guayas river and military transport. In the 1970's this ship was withdrawn from active service and was turned into the museum. Here you can find old log books, the ship's tools, old photos of the original boat, the ship's cabins, war reports and guns used in various conflicts of the period.
Museo Nahím Isaías
In Guayaquil, they really look after their history and this museum is another example of that
A look at the history of Guayaquil
It is possible that if the documentary collections of all the museums of Guayaquil were put together, they would make a perfect study of the city from its indigenous period to the present day in an immense museum. The philanthropist and collector Nahim Isaias Barquet was another one of the benefactors that left his artistic inheritance to the city. From this collection the museum that bears his name was formed and it is located in the Plaza de la Administración. The collection has now become property of the Central Bank which guarantees its preservation. There are nearly 2,500 artworks -mainly paintings and sculptures- which span the history of Guayaquil from its pre-Hispanic period to the arrival of the colonists. In this way, they show how the theme changes from the colonial cosmogony (based on the four elements: fire, earth, water and air) to instilled religiousness. It also explains what the development was like of an agricultural culture to a city-port exporting its products.
Museo de la Música Popular Julio Jaramillo (Julio Jaramillo Museum of Folk Music)
As well as learning about popular music, you can have a beer in an interesting place
Culture and leisure united by music
In honour of the "nightingale of America", the singer Julio Jaramillo, the Museo de la Música Popular Guayalquileña was named within the context of the cultural and urban development project of Santa Ana port. The museum is the centre of phonographic conservation since the city's first music school (1892) to the 1960's. Among its interesting features, you will find the first stages of the gramophone and the record player, the "estudiantinas" (student music groups) or groups of music fans that would meet in the street to sing and play, original pianolas from the beginning of the 20th century and the development of radio and local music companies. In the Museo Julio Jaramillo, music courses are also taught - song, guitar and accordion mainly- in the Escuela del Pasillo. You can consult their programme in order to attend a concert of Guayaquilean popular music. One of the main attractions that you cannot miss is the museum's retro-bar with popular music, lots of beer and traditional sandwiches.
Museo Naval Almirante Juan Illingworth
Documents of battles, models of sailing boats, the naval history of Ecuador at your fingertips
Another point of view of Ecuador's history
Discovering the secrets of the Museo Naval Almirante Juan Illimgworth is, to begin with, to feel like an expedition member on board one of the ships that sighted America for the first time. The scent of wood and resin fills the rooms where the models follow on from the weaponry because this museum focuses mainly on the military history of the Ecuadorian navy. The collection began at the beginning of the 20th century although the building itself was built in 1994 and is located on the lower floor of the Government building. The museum's aim is to give an idea of Ecuador's historic naval heritage. For that reason, inside you will find historic documents referring to epic battles, models of large ships, paintings of admirals and even replicas of the first rudimentary pre-colonial ships that travelled the Guayas river. If you check out the museum's programme, you can also find temporary exhibitions where long forgotten boats have been rescued along with parts for steam boats and naval relics.
Museo del Bombero Ecuatoriano
Given Guayaquil's history, this is one of the museums that you cannot miss
A homage to Guayaquil's heroes
The impact made by the devastating fires that Guayaquil endured in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the majority of its buildings being made of wood, explains why there is a museum dedicated to the fire brigade. This was not about putting out the occasional fire but about saving the city from going up in smoke. At the start, it was made up of volunteers and it didn't become an official organisation until 1835. The visit to the museum explains how they solved problems of water supply to the most remote areas, what uniforms, helmets and transport they used to use in the early days, emergency bells, pumps to extract water and even the original machines that they used to put out the fire of 1902. And all of this in the context of the effort made by the city to survive the fires. The museum also has a section of audiovisual content aimed at children with guides about fire prevention.
Museo Municipal de Guayaquil
If history interests you, you will find a good example of Guayaquil's history here
The development of Guayaquil
If there is something that defines Guayaquil society at the beginning of the 20th century is its passion for uncovering its own history and leaving evidence of it. For that reason the Museo Municipal was founded in 1909, following the renovation of the Museo Industrial. Afterwards, a palace-library was built in 1916 in order to house the collection but it had to be demolished due to faults in the construction. After several more changes and restorations, the museum that you can now visit houses nearly all the pieces rescued from their original location, such as stone idols from the pre-Hispanic period, a stone seat from the Manteño-Huancanvelica period, ancient octagonal glass cabinets and even cilices with a murky history in the Sacred Art hall. The Museo Municipal is divided into two floors: the lower floor spans from the pre-Columbian period to the 20th century and the upper floor features multidisciplinary rooms with coin collections, Contemporary Art, a small auditorium and temporary exhibitions.
Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (Anthropological & Contemporary Art Museum)
Learn about the history of Ecuador through art and finish by watching a show of street art
Time for culture
The most difficult thing is pronouncing its complete name: The Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum - Liberator Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre, which can be named in any way although it is known as the MAAC and it is situated at the end of the Malecón 2000 promenade after its transfer from the old museum in the Central Bank. The most interesting feature of this art gallery is the combination of artistic periods that run through the history of Ecuador from the year 10,000 BC to the present day: on the one hand, you can find 50,000 pieces of pre-Columbian archaeology and on the other hand, 3,000 works of contemporary art. In addition, the museum also has a room for retrospective photo exhibitions, a theatre for shows and concerts, a film library that shows documentaries about Guayaquil, as well as an interdisciplinary space outdoors in the back area of the museum where you can see performances and street theatre. If you are interested in the pre-Columbine period, the museum's library materials include a large collection of documents, books and studies on the subject.
Galápagos Islands
Get on board for an adventure in pristine nature and don't forget to visit these impressive islands
Science, nature and pleasure on the "Enchanted Islands"
Guayaquil airport is one of the normal starting points for reaching the Galapagos Islands. Take a short domestic flight with prepaid fees in order to gain access to the islands. Now that you are so close, you can't miss this opportunity can you? When you land on Baltra and you board a boat to Bartholomew Island, you will have an amazing vista before you of nature at its wildest. The Galapagos Islands not only house the mythical giant tortoises and the Charles Darwin Research Station but also indigenous penguins, iguanas and sharks (for the courageous), impressive volcanic formations with tunnels of lava that you can walk through and reefs where you can go diving. The black beaches of volcanic ash contrast with the dense coasts by the mangrove swamp or the red beaches where sea lions sunbathe. If you are considering a trip with relaxing moments, hotels and caipirinhas by the beach, you can also find that here.
Hacienda Cañas
Would you like to know how chocolate is made? Here you will see the whole process
Have the sweetest experience
For inquisitive people and chocolate lovers, Guayaquil has the perfect plan: The Ruta del Cacao or Cocoa Route organised by Hacienda Cañas, situated at only 75 kilometres from the city, in the Naranjal Canton. It is an estate with an expanse of over 500 hectares that has maintained the structure of colonial cocoa plantation -among other products- and allows the visitor to learn about the whole production process. The Hacienda Cañas combines traditional cultivation from the beginning of the 20th century with modern contemporary techniques in order to offer the final product which is a symbol of the country's exports. However, not only will they teach you the growth processes of the cocoa plant in the nursery: they also have one of the largest plantations of Ecuadorian banana plants. On top of this gastronomic-cultural visit, the Hacienda also offers traditional folk shows -reserve in advance - and activities in an exceptional setting with horse riding routes, hiking, breaks beside the river and accommodation in agritourism cabins.
General Villamil Playas
If it is beaches, open-air bars and nightlife you are after, you have come to the right place
Tourist and beach area
The General Villamil Canton, mostly known as Playas, is the beach hotspot par excellence located at 97 kilometres from Guayaquil following the coast. If what you are looking for is a hotel complex with spa and free bar, beach bars, nightlife and lots of sea, then this place is for you. Surrounded by the Pacific, the city of Playas is the preferred destination of surfers and other lovers of water sports for its favourable currents. Its tropical climate throughout the year has turned the city into the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, leading to increased tourism in recent years. Up to now, the locals have lived mainly from fishing -shrimp and tuna so watch out for fresh seafood barbecues at unbeatable prices. With the influx of tourists, the business has turned this area into a focal point of good cuisine and excellent accommodation.
Puná Island
Beautiful beaches, dolphin sightings, excellent food...what more could you ask for?
Feel like Robinson Crusoe on this virgin island
The real adventure to tell on your return from your trip to Guayaquil begins from the Yacht Club Naval quay with the destination being the mysterious Puná Island. The island's surface covers 920 kilometres squared and it is situated an hour away by speedboat from the quay across the Guayas river towards the Gulf of Guayaquil. It is advisable to arrange the time with the boatman, in case the meteorological conditions change the leaving time. Puná Island could be considered very nearly a virgin island which has not been exploited for tourism. It is inhabited by communes that promote ecotourism and respect for their environment. Idyllic beaches, reefs, boat trips to see dolphins and pelicans, horse riding trails, hiking, camping areas and barbecues and so on. If you would like to see really authentic Ecuador, you should think about making this trip. Puná Island, divided into four tourist communes, is prepared with small hostels for the less adventurous and offers exquisite traditional dishes cooked in no less traditional cabins.
Mundo San Rafael
An adventure suitable for all ages with views of the Andes
For the more adventurous
It is worth the one hour and a half trip from Guayaquil to have the typically Ecuadorian experience of Mundo San Rafael (San Rafael's World), in the Bucay Canton. It could be a good option if you are interested in doing trips for a few days outside the city or if you interested in hiring a chalet with friends in the middle of the countryside. The beautiful, large Mundo San Rafael estate with the Andes mountain range 20 kilometres away. It offers all types of activities related to nature, within the Bosque Húmedo de la Esperanza forest. The programme is adapted for tourists -if there are just adults or if they travel with children- and they can offer you activities such as descending waterfalls, horse riding trails, canoeing and kayaking as well as cycling tours and paintball, always with a local snack included in the price. If you would like to get away for the weekend, you mustn't forget that the facilities are only open from May to January.
Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco
See the wide variety of animals that there are in this forest and enjoy a day immersed in nature
A day spent surrounded by nature untouched by man
It appears to be a sanctuary for Ecuadorian endangered species and it wouldn't be far from the truth. At only 30 kilometres from the centre of Guayaquil, you can find the lush Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco, one of the best examples of a preserved tropical dry forest in the country and with some of the most interesting outdoors activities in the region. If you are travelling with children or with friends, you could have an adventure and sleep in the forest campsite. There, you can listen to the sounds of the forest's 54 species of mammals (including jaguars, howling monkeys and bats), its 221 species of birds and 12 species of reptiles to name a few. The campsite has bathrooms and an area for outdoor barbecues. Safety is guaranteed by the park's guides who organise routes of differing difficulties. For bird watchers, the park has a scientific programme of bird watching and identification.
Parque Acuático Puerto Hondo
Do something different in Guayaquil and enjoy all the water slides that this park has to offer you
Who wouldn't like a nice dip?
The main aquatic attraction for children and adults is located at kilometre 18 along the road to the coast, being a combination of large theme park and a canoe trip through the mangrove swamp. The Puerto Hondo Water Park features an area which includes 1,200 metres of swimming pools, slides and waterfalls, children's parks and an eating area with open-air bars. However, you will also be surprised to find nearly 1,000 metres of coast and a quay where you can hire rowing boats, motorboats and canoes. The highlight of the trip along the inlet for 20 kilometres consists of viewing at the water level the indigenous birds and howler monkeys in the trees and enjoying the smell of orchids and moss that comes from the mangrove swamp. The guides normally recommend taking sunglasses, sun cream and in particular insect repellent on this expedition.
Las Peñas
Stroll through its streets and breathe in the cultural past of this colourful district
A picturesque district, overflowing with art
Blues, greens, pinks..., all the pastel colours that you can imagine decorate the small houses in the district of las Peñas. It's an essential part of your visit to Guayaquil. Its history goes back more than a century. However, its architecture imitates the style of the 18th and 19th centuries which is where its real charm lies. Legend has it that Che Guevara and Ernest Hemingway stayed here, amongst other famous people, when they visited the city. During the 18th century, it was a bohemian epicentre of artists, politicians and the middle classes that met outdoors in the streets at night and at the mercy of the mosquitos. Unfortunately, the district went up in flames in the horrific fire of 1896 that devastated the city and although it was rebuilt, it endured another new fire in 1902. After the last recovery -and the first fire brigades-, Las Peñas was kept safe and is still a centre of art, particularly during the festival of July.
Cerro del Carmen
In the Cerro del Carmen and after climbing the so-called Vía Crucis, you will find the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús statue
Get ready to climb 200 steps
In order to visit the sculptural work of the Italian artist Renzo Michelucci, the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús statue, you need to be devoted, have good physical strength and a bottle of water. The sculpture, which is 26 metres in height, has been at the top of the Cerro del Carmen since 1973. And to reach the monument you have to climb up the renown Vía Crucis: nearly 200 sloping steps and with 15 stops that recall Christian tradition and passion. The Cerro del Carmen redevelopment project includes the gradual installation of toilet facilities at the top, improving the lighting along the road and food and drink stands for the penitents who make the climb due to some vow or the tourists that wish to enjoy the views of the city. Although measures have been taken to improve safety, locals don't recommend climbing the hill after nightfall.
Noe and the Taberna Libanesa
Excellent Japanese and Lebanese food in Guayaquil.
For international tastes.
If you are tired of the delicious traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, it is time to make a change to the menu. Here are two suggestions for the more demanding foodies who are used to experimenting with international cuisine: a Japanese restaurant and a Lebanese one will surely meet your expectations. In the shopping centre San Marino Shopping, you are recommended to visit the oriental restaurant Noe. It specialises in sushi and sashimi and is without equal in the city. For vegetarians and those allergic to seafood, the Taberna Libanesa -located in the Las Terrazas de Samborondón shopping centre- offers a large vegan menu with Arabic influences, like all its specialities. Amongst the most requested dishes is the delicious rice with lamb, kafta cooked in the traditional style and the classic falafel. The fusion of Lebanese cooking with Ecuadorian products will make your visit here an authentic gastronomic experience.
Menestras del Negro
They do credit to their slogan and offer traditional homemade dishes at outrageously affordable prices. There is no excuse for missing it!
Made just like at home.
The restaurant chain called Menestras del Negro have a very clear slogan: "made just like at home", and they even suggest that visitors share their mother's and grandmother's recipes in order to put them on the menu that always surprises. It is one of the few fast food restaurants in Guayaquil that doesn't mind putting its prices (extremely good value for the amount of dishes) up on its webpage so you know what choice there is and what you will find on the menu. The churrascos (barbecued meat) are a highlight if you are hungry and the dishes of "menestras" (vegetable stew) are always served with a big enough piece of meat to feed an army. There are individual barbecues or barbecues to share with chicken, pork, beef and fish. These are smaller and cheaper options to the dishes. Interestingly, Menestras del Negro also offers an online takeaway service with your chosen menu and they bring it to your house as long as you are in Guayaquil.
Zarah Club
The place to be at night for Guayaquil's beautiful people. The Zarah Club has cocktails, a variety of music and lots of dancing to offer you.
"Party" nights.
Until recently, this popular club where you could have a drink and dance was called 'Glam' but it changed hands and now it is the renovated Zarah Club. We do not know what it will be called in the future but you can find the place to go for some nightlife: the Centro Comercial Aventura Plaza (Aventure Plaza Shopping Centre). Divided into two areas, the Zarah Club is the place to be for Guayaquil's beautiful people who go to see and be seen. In the city, we still use the expression "irse de farra" meaning "to go partying" and "farreros" meaning "party animals" to define a night with well made cocktails and a variety of music. You can't miss the lower ground where there is a free bar with the national beer and a club or the VIP area upstairs with a separate entrance fee (different prices depending on type). The music goes from reggaeton to electronica, passing through an essential section of salsa and merengue. You need to know how to dance.
La Tasca de Carlos vs. La Casa di Carlo
Two emigrant chefs -Spanish and Italian- triumph in Guayaquil. Their professionalism is such that you undoubtedly must make a reservation.
Spain versus Italy.
Interestingly, the international food on offer is led by two emigrant cooks who have made a space for themselves with their specialities amongst the Guayaquilean cuisine. On the one hand, for those nostalgic for Spanish cooking - including tortilla (Spanish omelette), pimientos morrones (roasted peppers), callos (tripe stew) and crema catalana (crème brulée)- go to the refuge that is la Tasca de Carlos. It has a family atmosphere and is recognizable for the Spanish tourist as much for its tapas as for its long wine list. Locals and foreigners speak highly of its menu and the service received so it is advisable to make a reservation. On the other hand, for the lovers of Italian cooking, there is Casa di Carlo, decorated in a marine theme with nets on the walls inside and a small fountains in the garden outside, perfect for a romantic dinner. With pasta of all kinds and pizza that is made with local products and cooked by an authentic Italian, you will surely not be disappointed.
La Canoa
Perfect for traditional and late-night dinners. The shrimp ceviche is a real spectacle of flavour.
Open 24 hours. 365 days.
If you would like to experience an authentic Guayaquilean tradition, you cannot miss the La Canoa restaurant, situated in the Hotel Continental and open since the 1970's. It is the perfect place for hungry night birds as it opens 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. It appears that these opening hours arose from the tradition in the 1960's of having dinner outside on the Malecón promenade, in the early hours of the morning and eating typical local dishes while chatting away. When these coastal dinners were banned, the idea came about of offering the locals a place where they could maintain their custom and so La Canoa was born. Amongst its specialities the ceviche de camarón (shrimp ceviche) stands out, naturally, and the rice dishes accompanied by local seafood from the region. For those who have already had dinner and only wish to have a drink accompanied by some quiet music, there is the lounge area in the same restaurant.
Frutabar
There is a typically relaxed surfer atmosphere in this bar that offers healthy food, tasty cocktails and a good atmosphere at night.
Surfin' Safari
Can you imagine the classic surfer bar with relaxed decor, Australian music, surfboards as tables and the Hawaiian greeting? You can find all this and much more in the unusual Guayaquil beach bar, the Frutabar, where the only thing lacking is sand inside the bar to make you think that you are next to the sea. The idea came about in the year 2000 with a simple menu of sandwiches, juices and fruit salads but it has now become a must with its tranquil nights, good music and delicious cocktails. Along with several places in the city, from the Malecón to Urdesa, one of the things in its favour is that it opens until one in the morning. If you are visiting the area, there is nothing better than a little rest in a refreshing atmosphere where the cooking stands out for being healthy and low in calories.
Sweet & Coffee
Cakes and espressos are the speciality of this franchise resulting from Soledad and Richard's love story.
Sweet love story.
As its own name indicates, the Sweet & Coffee café on Malecón 2000 promenade is a franchise made for people with sweet tooth’s and for coffee lovers. The story goes that this chain of cafés has a love story behind it: when Soledad Hanna used to make cheesecake to go with a cappuccino for her boyfriend, Richard Peet, back in 1997, the idea came about of opening up a café where they would sell cakes that were beyond compare and all types of espressos. What they didn't imagine back then is that the chain would spread around Ecuador like wildfire and that it would become the leader in the world of cafés and cakes that it is today. Among its original non-gastronomic ideas is what they call the "University of Coffee", a type of training that lasts a month for whoever wants to work for them, which includes studying the history of coffee and the processes of cultivation and roasting. Only when they pass the practical and theoretical tests are they employed as staff.
Caracol Azul
You must take your hunger and money to the Caracol Azul. And leave some room for the desserts. They are famous in the city!
Fame and elegance.
Since 1975 the owners of the Caracol Azul restaurant -located near Boulevard Nueve de Octubre- have endeavoured to turn it into a symbol of excellence and a gourmet experience which has remained until today. On its menu, you can choose between seafood or meat specialities. The prices are relative to its location, elegance and renown, which is why it is worth going prepared money-wise. Amongst its strengths is, interestingly, its opening hours. The dinners don't finish early, as usually occurs in other restaurants in Guayaquil. Here you will find the kitchen open from 6pm to 11pm. The seafood and meat specialities are typical of the city but they do put their own twist on the desserts: passion fruit mousse, coconut flan, charlotte cake, meringue with prunes. You have to have an appetite to go to this restaurant and you should ask the waiter to give you advice on where to start.
Riviera restaurant
A gastronomic voyage to Italy with fantastic hosts that pay attention to every last detail.
Mamma mia!
Entering the Riviera restaurant is like taking a trip to the Italian coast, as much for its setting as for its cuisine and little details such as the private vegetable garden where they grow their own spices. Would you like to have a romantic dinner? The owners will provide rose petals and flowers at your request. A surprise birthday? Cake is provided especially for the birthday girl or boy. The Riviera restaurant was nominated in 2013 for the Italian Hospitality Award so you can imagine how you will be treated. Their owners, Liuggi and Angela, will make your visit an unforgettable experience because they have fun with that combination of Italian tradition and Ecuadorian products and they have shown this with the publication of the recipe book "Cooking from two worlds". They follow the "slow food" philosophy, shown scientifically to be the best way to eat and enjoy food. Amongst their latest features that you can't miss out on is the menu designed by the chef Paolo Passano.
Muelle del Marisco (Seafood Dock)
An area which is highly recommended if you are a lover of good seafood.
For tasty seafood!
The Malecón del Estero Salado promenade is the shellfish capital of Guayaquil, unmissable if you are a fan of seafood. It is not possible to recommend only one restaurant which means your first step should be to view all the menus and terraces with views available so that you may choose. Amongst the places on offer, you will come across El Cangrejal del Muelle -which specialises in cangrejos criollos (a traditional crab dish)-, Embarcadero 41 -with Ecuadorian/Peruvian fusion cuisine-, and finally the restaurant called Muelle del Marisco, situated near the Puente del Velero, with nautical decoration inside and terraces. However, the seafood speciality is something that is typical of the whole city so you mustn't limit yourself only to this quay. Lovers of crab cooked in every way possible and other seafood delights are recommended to visit the Red Crab in the Urdesa district.
Parque Histórico de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Historic Park)
A theme park divided into three areas that will transport you to the golden era of Guayaquil.
Return to the past.
Nearly 20 acres of historic re-enactment on the banks of the river Duale invites you to take a trip through time and see how Guayaquil was in colonial times, within the context of a theme park. Proposed by Olaf Holm, Manager of the Anthropological Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador in the 1980's, the construction of the park was not started until 1997 and continued until 2007. It is divided into three themed areas: Area of Traditions, with houses and cocoa plantations scattered around for a theatrical show; Wildlife area with a 1 kilometre wooden bridge, along which you are able to observe the indigenous plant and animal life. And finally, in the Urban Area you will find, amongst other features, what the buildings of Guayaquil were like at the beginning of the 20th century, some buildings are originals which have been reconstructed stone by stone and others are imitations, like original replicas of the buildings that were in the city.
Puerto de Santa Ana (Santa Ana Port)
A great urban development project that once completed will have turned the port into a truly spectacular area.
Coconut Grove.
One of the biggest urban development commitments to recover the golden era of Guayaquil involved the Puerto de Santa Ana (Santa Ana's Port), planned in 2005 and with the completion of its construction still outstanding. The walk from Malecón 2000 will take you to Las Peñas district and from here to the unmistakeable colourful buildings of Santa Ana, which originally wanted to imitate a hotspot of shopping and restaurants like Coconut Grove in Miami. The walk includes a viewpoint for observing the confluence of the Daule and Babahoyo rivers into the great Guayas, children's playgrounds and several museums which have used the original architecture of abandoned buildings and are now restored. In this way, you will discover a restaurant-bar located on the grounds of the Compañía de Cervezas Nacionales (National Beer Company), the Museo Julio Jaramillo (Julio Jaramilo Museum) and 7,500 squared metres that will come to life with the shops, walkways and housing planned for the next stages of the project.
Teatro Centro de Arte (Arts Centre Theatre)
You will find all types of art here from traditional handicrafts, theatre, concerts, capoeira competitions to painting workshops, ballet rehearsals and much more.
Artistic treasure chest.
The latest in art and drama is shown in this cultural centre created by the Fundación Sociedad Femenina de Cultura nearly half a century ago, with the aim of teaching and promoting cultural movements, both Ecuadorian and International ones alike. The exhibition hall usually houses samples of folk handicrafts, contemporary jewellery and fine art, while the Experimental Room is the scene of competitions and international festivals of theatre, which not only represents local companies but also serves as a workshop for exchanges with artists from other countries. If the Art world generally interests you then this place and its programme are a must on your itinerary. Amongst other gems, you will be able to choose from concerts by the Theatre's resident Chamber Orchestra to capoeira competitions, conferences and painting workshops which are open to the public and even the Ballet School's dance company's rehearsals, that are also take place at this centre.
Galeón Pirata Morgan
Spectacular views on this trip along the Guayas river. If you are travelling with children, avoid going late afternoon!
Pirate adventure.
Would you like to relive the adventures of the famous English pirate Sir Henry Morgan on the coasts of Guayaquil? Well this experience is possible if you choose to go on the tourist ship Galeón Pirata Morgan (Morgan's Pirate Galleon) which is an exact replica of the 17th century buccaneer's vessel. It leaves from Malecón 2000 and sails along the Guayas River until reaching Cerro de Santa Ana (Santa Ana's hill). You will enjoy impressive views of the city's coast, livened up by a disco, entertainers and a bar counter - a strong point of the ship - which offers aperitifs, traditional dishes and cocktails. The trip lasts for two hours and the last time of the evening is recommended in order to enjoy the last rays of sun and the first lights at night in Guayaquil. The price includes a free bar with rum, vodka and beer during the two hours of the trip at night. For this reason, if you are going with children, you may prefer to take the trip at another time of the day.
Malecón del Estero Salado
For sports people and nature lovers, a stroll here will give you a break from the urban chaos of the city. You will like it.
A natural suggestion.
The stroll down by the banks of the Guayas river is really made for sporty people and nature lovers, offering you surprises with every step you take along the promenade. What years ago was a dilapidated shanty town with waste being poured into the river with no control, today is an ecologically sustainable space, with the construction of new houses for the inhabitants that had taken land by the river with unsanitary conditions. Amongst the activities that you will be able to carry out on the Malecón del Estero Salado are bike rides, use the viewpoint for watching indigenous birds - amongst them you will find herons, curlews and cormorants - and water sports, although there are not any establishments for hiring equipment. If you are passing through Guayaquil and you don't have a canoe or a kayak, you can still watch the competitions between the locals. However, it is still worth walking through the recovered mangrove swamp as it is an exotic alternative to the chaos of the city.
Instituto Oceanográfico de la Armada (Armada Oceanographic Institute)
Oceanographic Institute and Planetarium. A union that will please you, like entering the worlds of Jules Verne.
Twenty thousand leagues under the sea.
Interestingly, the Planetarium in Guayaquil is run by the Instituto Oceanográfico de la Armada (Naval Oceanografic Institute) which is why a visit to the cultural complex combines the study of the galaxies and the seas as if it were an open book by Jules Verne. The institute, situated in the Southern Naval Base of the seafront promenade, has its beginning in the French Geodesic Mission that in the 18th century came with the objective of measuring the southern arch of the planet. However, until the 1970's the institute wasn't officially approved for the oceanographic and cartographic research that it carries out today. Amongst its tourist activities, the visit to the Orión Ship stands out (if it is not on its way to the Antartica), workshops in the School of Hydrography and the Naval Planetarium. In the planetarium, you can find everything from children's programmes on the origin of the planet to conferences on constellations that you will later be able to identify in the firmament and learn about their mythological stories.
IMAX theatre
The first Imax cinema in Latin America with its high definition and its surround sound makes you feel like you are inside the film.
The best cinema in the city.
The classic IMAX experience could be an original leisure option away from the circuit of monuments and walks around Guayaquil if new technology applied to cinema interests you. The secret is in the high definition projections onto a huge screen of 20 metres diameter with a sound system that terrifies you if you see a film about dinosaurs or makes you believe in gravity if they project galactic stories. The city's IMAX theatre, located on the Malecón 2000 promenade, offers a unique visual experience and it was the first cinema of its kind in Latin America. If you had not had the opportunity to see an IMAX film where the viewer practically takes part in the story (the surround sound system uses six channels so that the 12,000 watt sound reaches everywhere), this is undoubtedly a great opportunity to find out about this cinematic experience.
Parque de las Iguanas
Children will have a great time here: the iguanas are completely used to human contact. They will love them!
Mini pet dragons!
If you are travelling to Guayaquil with children that tire of architectural or cultural visits, a fun leisure option would be to go to the Parque de las Iguanas (Iguana Park), which is also known as Parque Seminario. You will find it right in the city centre just in front of the Cathedral. It is believed that the space that the park now occupies used to be the Plaza Mayor in the 17th century until the design of the city was changed in order to prevent the frequent attacks by pirates as well as to prevent fires. With their appearance of miniature dragons, the iguanas of Guayaquil are more than used to children and adults that photograph them and throw them food as they slowly stroll on the grass. You have to take care of the ones that climb up the trees and are out of sight, not because they may be dangerous but because they might "relieve" themselves over the more distracted tourists.
Teatro-Centro Cívico Eloy Alfaro
This theatre has the appearance of a spaceship and has the best acoustics in Guayaquil. The Symphonic Orchestra sounds spectacular inside it.
The most beautiful fashion show.
With the appearance of a hemispherical spaceship, the Teatro-Centro Cívico Eloy Alfaro offers you the best concerts in the city. The reason being that its dome, in fact, houses the headquarters of Guayaquil's symphony orchestra. The building has been located in the Plaza de Artes y Oficios of the large Parque Forestal since the 1970's although it has undergone several restorations. It is designed to house over 1,500 people who wish to hear the building's superb acoustics or enjoy one of the exhibitions as it is also a conference centre. Miss Ecuador, symphonic concerts, dance shows, theatre and children’s competitions are among the diverse acts that you can find at the Eloy Alfaro Civic Centre-Theatre. The green space outside is usually where locals take in the sun at the weekends. There is also an artificial lake where you can hire pedalos.
Casa de la Cultura - Núcleo de Guayas (House of Culture)
Cultural centre that boasts a film library, a ballet school, a theatre company, its own choir and a library.
Long live art and culture.
This cultural centre emerged in the 1940's from the Ecuadorian literary and artistic movement, with the mysterious objective of "untangling the roots of our fate" and "ennobling and rectifying the destiny of the motherland", in the words of the writer Manuel Benjamín Carrión. What you will find today in the Núcleo de Guayas is an interesting collection of objects, pieces of precious metal work and historic documents in its museum which portray the social and cultural life of Guayaquil. It also houses a small film library which projected its first film on the 4th July 1945 for the educated people of the time. The Casa de Cultura continues with its objective of spreading and educating through art, which is why amongst its activities the highlights are its ballet school, theatre group and there is even a Guayaquilean choir. Curiously, its library has been formed from the donations of the citizens themselves, seeing as though the original stocks were lost in a fire in 1951.
Plaza Rocafuerte
Bye bye pickpockets, welcome illuminated fountains! If this square had not been renovated in 2003, it would have gone to ruin.
On the verge of the drift.
The most interesting thing about this square is not just its history - which dates back to the end of the 19th century along with the San Francisco church, as a square that held executions, bullfights and was the scene of patron saint's day celebrations-, but also its stunning redevelopment that was completed in 2003. It seems that the trees and bushes were growing untidily up the four sides of the square, the street sellers didn't help with cleaning up and pickpocketers wererife, all this deterioration meant that the square was a place you passed through and was not a meeting point. The fantastic renovation of Plaza Rocafuerte included a landscaping studio with new trees and gardens, complete renovation of the paving which connects to the surrounding streets and a set of fountains and lights which show off the square in front of the nearby buildings. The sculptural homage to the statesman Vicente Rocafuerte, constructed in 1880, regained its prominence with an illuminated fountain.
Puente El Velero
The phantom sailing boat stands outs every night with its sails and blue and white masts paying homage to the national colours.
The boat-bridge.
It is as if there is a phantom sailing boat because at night in Guayaquil you can take a very special stroll over the illuminated El Velero bridge. It was originally constructed in 1998 but it underwent a radical renovation in lighting in 2005. The sails and masts of this boat-bridge are made from fibre optic cables that shine in electric blue and white shades over the Salado Promenade, these being colours that evoke the flag of Guayaquil. In spite of its beauty at night, pedestrians have complained as the humidity of the river and the rain affect the wood on the bridge's gangway and every now and again it starts to rot which makes it an adventure to cross from one side to the next without standing in a hole or on loose planks. It is worth watching where you tread before crossing this beautiful architectural work although the local authorities have stated that restoration works will involve replacing the wood with another more durable material.
Plaza de la Música
Its set of lights and outdoors activities at night make it an important part of the guayaquilean nightlife.
The illuminated guitar.
One of the unmissable monuments of your visit to Guayaquil is the square named Plaza de la Música which was interestingly built in the shape of a guitar and located in the second section of the Malecón del Salado promenade. Its special feature is its lighting, which is why it is recommended that you go on a peaceful evening stroll here in order to enjoy the outdoors activities and street concerts that take place in this square. You can relax with a nice dinner in the open-air bars and also enjoy its pergolas and lighted fountains. Although it is also a pleasant spot by day, that is nothing compared to the effects of the lights on the water. This area forms part of a renovation project that aims to improve the river banks in order to prevent the disrepair of the adjacent houses. Therefore, not only the square but the whole "guitar shape" will be continued with this new expansion that has currently become one of the urban development reference points of Guayaquil.
Parque del Centenario (Centennial Park)
The truly enormous size of the Columna de los Próceres statue! Thanks to this statue, we enjoy a magnificent park today.
From a sculpture to a park.
What began as a sculptural project to commemorate Guayaquil's independence, at the end of the 19th century, turned into one expropriation after another of the villagers' lands in order to create the park where today you can enjoy a relaxed stroll in between the Greek influenced sculptures. When they wanted to build the Columna de los Próceres statue, they discovered that the square was too small for the size of the sculpture. So they had to claim more land; one thing led to another and they ended up installing the Column, more water fountains, allegorical and mythological statues, imitation Greek gardens and a quaint bandstand where open-air concerts could be held. From this, Centennial Park was born, whose main monument, the Columna de los Próceres (Founding Fathers Column), was entrusted to the Spanish sculptor Agustín Querol, who was in fashion at that time in Europe. Other Spanish artists such as José Montserrat and Juan Rovira were also involved in making the park's sculptures.
Palacio de la Gobernación (Government Palace)
It got out of the wrong side of the bed. Everything has happened to this emblematic building. Visit it and discover its ups and downs.
Hounded by bad luck.
This monument, despite being one of Guayaquil's oldest and most iconic buildings, did not have an easy beginning. The first construction dates back to 1779 but already at the beginning of the 20th century it was defined as a "derelict monument" and a complete restoration was required. In 1917 the works finished and in a strike of bad luck, the Palacio de Gobernación went up in flames during the celebrations held for Guayaquil's independence. The building that you can visit today was erected in 1923 in a neoclassical style. It is divided into four sections and connected by two galleries made out of steel and glass. To access this passageway - which links Malecón and Pichincha street - you have to pass through the so-called "arches of triumph" decorated with high-relief which represents the national heraldry. Despite being a fortified monument, in recent years it has needed new renovation work due to problems with the sedimentation of the land.
Plaza de Honores
It is essential to have two good legs. You will be able to recover by enjoying the area's views and open-air bars.
400 never-ending steps!
What you are going to need to be able to gaze upon the monuments in this square are, for starters, two good legs that you will use to climb the staircase - with over 400 steps, no more no less - until you reach Santa Ana hill, interspersed with scraggy lampposts and the traditional low multicoloured houses that are typical of the area. To begin the climb you only have to reach the end of the Malecón 2000 and look up in order to find your way. At the top, along with the lighthouse that dominates the entrance to the sea inlet and Santa Ana church, you will come across Plaza de Honores which pays tribute to the only waterway through Guayas river. Amongst its special features, the remains of the original fortification can be found including cannons, a lighthouse and the best panoramic views of the city. When night falls, the visit can be completed with a few beers in any of the peak's open-air bars.
La Rotonda monument
If Bolívar and San Martín raised their heads, they would come back to life just out of the pride of seeing the monument erected in their honour!
Secret and historic meetings.
The semi-circle of Guayaquil's la Rotonda reflects a landmark in the city's history: the meeting that was held right here between Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín in 1822 in order to decide Guayaquil's future. Can you imagine the two historical figures, leaders of American independence, conversing in secret and without any witnesses there and shaking hands in agreement? The monument is known as the Entrevista de Guayaquil (Interview of Guayaquil), it is made out of marble and was principally designed as a roundabout with an impressive sculptural ensemble but it wasn't effective for the course of traffic and was turned into a semi-circular monument. Curiously, this work was awarded by Guayaquil to the Spanish sculptor José Antonio Homs who worked in Barcelona on the sketches and cast while the high relief was finished in Florence. It was then shipped to its destination on a steamboat at the end of the 1930's. It is worth a visit just for the adventure and its historic testimony.
Malecón Simón Bolívar / 2000
You can do everything on this promenade: read, go for a walk, play sport, play games with children, go round the shops, go out for dinner, go to the cinema and much more.
A starting point.
El Malecón Simón Bolívar (the Simón Bolívar Promenade), also known as Malecón 2000, is the best place to start exploring Guayaquil with its 2.5 kilometre walkway running along the Guayas river. Its exotic nature is combined with an abundance of shopping centes, restaurants and outdoor bars. It is a promenade that has had its old structure renovated and is divided into sections by different colours and themes. You can exercise here as there is a circuit for jogging which is used as an open air gym. You can enjoy the lushness of the Malecón gardens, which houses over 350 natural species and a space for reading, or spend an enjoyable afternoon playing games and visiting attractions if you are travelling with children. The best way to finish off a stroll down the Malecón 2000 is by having a quiet dinner in one of its bars and restaurants or by going to a 3D film session at the IMAX-Malecón 2000 Theatre, which was the first of its kind to be built in Latin America.
Iglesia de San Francisco (San Francisco Church)
Its life has not been easy. Despite this, one of the oldest churches in Guayaquil is still worthy of admiration.
A survivor.
The city's third oldest church, the church of San Francisco. It was first built in the 17th century as a Franciscan convent made entirely from wood. It then suffered from a fire and renovation after renovation until it was decided that it should be rebuilt with reinforced concrete in 1932, finally, preventing it from going up in flames again. It also suffered the plundering of pirates and was used as a military hospital in times of conflict. What is surprising is that today it still stands strong and it can be admired for its neogothic style architecture which is easily recognised by the main entrance with a semicircular arch, its two towers with square bases and domes with green mosaics. Its imposing entrance dominates a square full of pigeons and its interior is richly decorated with great works of art. If you are interested in religious imagery, inside you can view magnificent examples of colonial engravings covered in gold leaf, an impressive altarpiece in the high altar and a sculpture of the Descent from the Cross.
Guayaquil cathedral
In the past, it was a wooden shack. Nowadays, it has an impressive entrance, stained glass crucibles and spectacular neogothic towers.
Protecting the city.
They say that the origin of the first cathedral of Guayaquil, in the parish where the evangelisation of the city began, was a wooden cabin that a few Dominican priests erected in the 16th century. A fire burnt down the original monument, which at that time was on Santa Ana's hill. The current cathedral was then moved to the historic part of the city and following successive reforms it was erected in the 1940s with its current architectural design. You will be able to identify the building by its spectacular entrance and unmistakable neogothic towers, which form an architectural ensemble with the nearby Sagrario church and Arzobispal Palace. Inside, the stained glass windows let light through like a crucible which spreads around the central and lateral nave and the principal transept of the high altar. They say that the statue of the Christ King, located in the central nave, is positioned is such a way that his arms symbolically protect the city.
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