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15 Best Things to Do in Guayaquil Ecuador: Travel Guide & Important Tips

May 18, 2023 By John Widmer 25 Comments

What to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador?

This city can make for an excellent stopover during a trip to Ecuador, as there are so many fun things to do in Guayaquil. As long-term travelers in Ecuador, we decided to write this detailed Guayaquil travel guide to show why it’s worth the stop, reveal all the best things to do in Guayaquil, and further provide some Guayaquil travel & safety tips.

Is Guayaquil Worth Visiting?

• Best Things to Do in Guayaquil
• Is Guayaquil Safe?
• Guayaquil Travel Tips

Guayaquil is a popular transit hub for travelers, as it’s home to Ecuador’s second busiest international airport, is the only connection to the Galapagos Islands, and has a major bus terminal for those traveling throughout Ecuador and into Peru. Therefore, Guayaquil is often a place that travelers stop into when taking a trip through Ecuador.

Hence many visitors bound for somewhere else find themselves passing through this city and wondering “ Is Guayaquil worth visiting?”

We see this question come up constantly in social media posts and travel forums.

So what’s the answer to all of these inquiries? Is Guayaquil worth visiting?

We say “sí, sí, sí!”

That’s a big “yes,” of course. Guayaquil is most definitely worth visiting in our opinion. There are actually a good number of really fun things to do in Guayaquil to keep curious travelers busy for a few days.

We’ll concede that there may be more worthwhile places to visit within Ecuador. After all, this is an amazing country that holds the Andes, the Amazon, the Galapagos, colonial cities, and great beaches. For anyone visiting Ecuador with extremely limited time, bypassing Guayaquil might make sense. Yet those on a short Ecuador trip will be missing out on all the awesome things to do in Guayaquil.

For anyone transiting through the city, Guayaquil can definitely be well worth staying for a day or two to discover all of the charms of Ecuador’s largest city.

Why Guayaquil Is Worth Visiting

Guayaquil has recently gone through a resurgence. Many successful renewal projects have been implemented throughout the city, in addition to an assortment of new attractions. What once may have been considered a big grimy city, now boasts upscale dining districts and sparkling clean waterfront promenades. It’s a changed place!

In the past decade alone, Guayaquil has developed the creative architecture of Ecuador’s tallest building, erected the largest ferris wheel in South America, opened up many trendy entertainment complexes, and introduced a handful of brand-new tourism initiatives.

These efforts have all brought so many interesting things to do in Guayaquil in recent years.

Guayaquil is a city that is clearly modernizing and making a concerted effort to appeal to travelers.

Yet Guayaquil still manages to maintain historic charms too. Established in 1538, this port town is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador . Some of the colorful architecture from centuries past can still be seen today while wandering around the hot and steamy city streets.

This is the tropics after all!

Yet the warm climate can come as a pleasant break for anyone having come from the high Andes running through Ecuador’s midsection. And despite the toasty weather, thankfully most establishments throughout Guayaquil have great air-conditioning systems and aren’t afraid to use them!

The warm weather adds to Guayaquil’s tropical character just as much as the broad River Guayas scenically lining the city’s shore. It’s this position on the briskly flowing river that greatly contributes to the city’s uniqueness and even provides a few things to do in Guayaquil.

Guayaquil is also a bargain travel destination to visit right now.

We found that almost all the main things to do in Guayaquil are completely free , or very inexpensive. Guayaquil is a particularly budget-friendly city in South America and it’s easily possible to explore Guayaquil on a budget. Know that all of the recommendations throughout this Guayaquil travel guide come with prices listed that all budgets can afford.

We’ve crafted this informative travel guide not only to show why Guayaquil may be worth a stop but also to help make the most of a short visit when passing through the city. Guayaquil has something for everyone to do, whether you’re into nature, culture, history, food, family-friendly activities, or nightlife.

Before reading on for all the details on what to do in Guayaquil, be sure to check out the video below. It puts into motion all of the highlights of the best things to do in Guayaquil to give some idea of what all of Guayaquil’s attractions are like.

Best Things to Do in Guayaquil Ecuador

The following list is what we found to be the 15 best things to do in Guayaquil! All of the points of interest discussed in this article are listed on the map below.

1) Stroll the Malecón 2000

If you were to do only one thing in Guayaquil, our suggestion is to take a leisurely stroll along the Malecón 2000. This pleasant 2.5-kilometer riverfront promenade not only takes in excellent views of the River Guayas, but winds its way through gardens, monuments, museums, restaurants, and shopping complexes.

While in Guayaquil, you’ll hear the boardwalk referred to as Malecón dos mil , which translates to  Malecón two-thousand , the year the new waterfront stretch was opened.

The Malecón 2000 is often touted as one of the most successful revitalization projects in South America. What was once a dilapidated riverfront only a few decades prior, is now a thriving waterfront that’s filled with attractions and things to do.

The Malecón 2000 takes on different personalities depending on when visited. During a weekday it’s possible to enjoy the sprawling promenade almost entirely to yourself. Yet on a pleasant weekend afternoon, expect to find thousands of local families gathering for a day of fun on the river. It’s a nice scene to soak in and great people-watching.

There’s really a lot to do along the Malecón 2000 for both locals and visitors alike. In fact, many of the subsequent recommendations of things to do in Guayaquil can be found right along this malecón.

• MAAC – Museum of Anthropology (covered separately in this travel guide: #7)
• Cinema Malecón – Arguably the best movie theatre in Ecuador, with an IMAX theatre and 3D
• Museo de Miniatura – Guayaquil’s history is revealed through informative miniature displays
• La Perla – Giant ferris wheel (covered separately in this travel guide: #2)
• Malecon Garden – Park-like section of Malecón 2000 with gardens, coy ponds, and trees that attract birds
• La Rotunda – Rotunda monument to Guayaquil Independence
• Torre de Roloj – Iconic clock tower that is lit up at night.
• Guayas River boat cruise – Take a short boat tour on the Guayas River (covered separately in this travel guide: #4)
• Centro Comercial Malecón 2000 – Shopping mall, also known as C.C. Malecón
• Plaza Gastronomica Mercado del Rio – Indoor, upmarket food hall with nearly two dozen offerings ranging from international to Ecuadorian
• Patio de Comidas – Outdoor patio with quick-serve food stalls ranging from local seafood to KFC
• Palacio de Cristal – Vacant old South Market built by representatives of Gustav Eiffel
• Mercado Artesanal – Artisan market with Ecuadorian products to buy locally-produced souvenirs

💲 Cost : Free to stroll

🕒 Hours : 7:00 am-Midnight, although shops and restaurants may not open until after 11:00 am.

⌚ Length of visit : 1-4 hours, or more depending on attractions stopped at

📍 Location : 2.5-kilometers along the River Guayas, midsection: here .

🔗 Official Website : Malecon 2000

2) La Perla: Take a Ride One of South America’s Largest Ferris Wheels

One of those attractions to check out along Malecón 2000 is definitely La Perla! “The Pearl,” as it translates to in English, was completed in 2015, becoming what was touted as the largest ferris wheel in South America upon opening.

While its height has since been surpassed by a ferris wheel in Brazil, La Perla remains the largest Ferris Wheel in Ecuador and soars to a height of 57 meters (187 feet) high above Guayaquil!

During the 12-minute rotation into the air, the giant ferris wheel offers incredible views of the river, the boardwalk, and the city skyline. Each gondola is air-conditioned too, which comes as a relief while walking around the hot city. And we found there to usually be surprisingly few people riding La Perla. So a lack of queuing and a private ride can be an added bonus to the experience.

You’re even more likely to avoid any crowds on a weekday visit. It’s then that prices of La Perla drop from a mere $5 to the bargain price of $3.50.

Be sure to bring a camera, as the pods on the ferris wheel provide some great photo opportunities when in a high position. And since La Perla is located on the northern end of Malecón 2000, the giant ferris wheel also has some of the best views of the colorful hillside community known as Cerro Santa Ana, which is another must-see place in Guayaquil, as we show in the next thing to do in Guayaquil.

💲 Price : $3.50 Mon-Fri, $5 Sat, Sun, and holidays

🕒 Hours : 10:00-22:00 Sun-Thurs and ‘til Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays

⌚ Length of visit : 12-minute ride

📍 Location : Northern end of Malecon 2000: here .

🔗 Official website : La Perla

3) Las Peñas: Climb the 444 Steps of Cerro Santa Ana

On the northern fringe of Malecón 2000 is where to find what is arguably the most beautiful neighborhood in Guayaquil , Las Peñas. It’s a historic neighborhood that dates back over 400 years!

The colorful hillside enclave of Cerro Santa Ana has retained the allure of bygone eras. Quaint homes are perched down narrow alleyways as family-run neighborhood bars offer a most-welcomed reprieve while climbing up the 444 steps leading to the top of Santa Ana Hill.

If there’s any doubt about how far you’ve ascended in Guayaquil’s heat, each step is numbered to provide a gentle reminder.

There are plenty of benches and quaint plazas along the way to pause and catch your breath. About every few dozen stairs will be a vendor selling water to help keep you cool and hydrated as you make your way to the top. Reaching step #444 provides a visual reward for the sweaty effort, by offering panoramic views of the Guayaquil and the river down below.

Also in the Las Peñas area at the base of Santa Ana Hill is a scenic cobblestoned street known as Numa Pompilio Llona . It’s a famous street in Guayaquil that really shows off its wooden colonial architecture . Behind the colorful wooden doors are many artsy stores to pop into.

But that colorful neighborhood is at the bottom of the hill.

You’ll want to be sure to climb the stairs from there to reach the top of Cerro Santa Ana. That’s where there’s a small church and the “El Faro” lighthouse is located. It’s possible to go inside this hilltop lighthouse for 360-degree panoramic views down below.

Lining the top of this hill are also canons that were once used to protect Guayaquil from pirates. Look beyond the canons and out onto the Guayas River and you may even see a pirate ship floating by. And that’s another great thing to do in Guayaquil!

💲 Price : Free

🕒 Hours : El Faro (lighthouse) is open 10 am – 10 pm

⌚ Length of visit : About an hour or so

📍 Location : Just north of Malecon 2000. Start walking the main stairway at step #1:  here .

4) Take a Guayas River Cruise

After spending much time admiring the River Guayas from shore, it’s almost a necessary thing to do in Guayaquil to get out onto that river and experience it! Boat rides down the Guayas River cruise along the malecon offering a fun way to see Guayaquil’s sites.

Boat trips along the Guayas River cruise by the colorful Las Peñas enclave and also past the southern reaches of Malecón 2000. On the opposite side of the river, the ship voyages past a tranquil island known as Isla Santay, which is actually yet another fun thing to do in Guayaquil!

We suggest going around 6:00 pm to be able to see Guayaquil in the dwindling sunlight as the city begins to light up and the night sky takes over.

The Henry Morgan Pirate Ship has been a fun and popular way to tour the Guayas River but has been temporarily closed during the past few years. Rumors swirl that this pirate ship will be returning to Guayaquil. In the meantime, there are now other Guayas River boat trips to pursue along the Malecon.

RiverDock offers an hour-long Guays River trip on a catamaran for $10/person, Thursdays through Sundays. Additional tours and parties are also available.

Transporte Kacique operates a double-decker boat with 40-minute tours up the Guayas River for a mere $4 per person (weekday prices). To get an idea of what to expect on their boat tours, you can check out their Instagram .

On weekends Kacique’s two-hour boat tours include a trip to Isla Santay, which is another great thing to do in Guayaquil, detailed next in this Guayaquil travel guide!

• Riverdock: $4 for a 40-min Guayas River tour, $6 for a 2-hour Isla Santay tour – weekends only
• Kacique: $10 for the hour tour
• Riverdock: Thurs-Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM
• Kacique: Tuesday-Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

⌚ Length of visit : depends on the tour – 40 minutes to 2+ hours

📍 Location :

• Riverdock: Located here , on the northern side of Cerro Santa Ana
• Kacique: Northern end of Malecon 2000, right here . Look for the Popeye statue and signs for “ Paseo de Lancha ” (Boat Ride).

5) Go Cycling around Isla Santay

Just across the river from the traffic and honking horns on the busy streets of Guayaquil lies a tranquil island that feels worlds away from the city’s urban sprawl. It makes for a fantastic escape into nature from so close to the city.

There are no cars at all found on Isla Santay, as a long pedestrian bridge only allows walkers and cyclists onto the island. Alternatively, boats also ferry people from Guayaquil’s Malecon 2000 to Isla Santay. Or visitors can simply walk. Yet we suggest renting a bike to get across the bridge and around Isla Santay.

The pedestrian bridge spanning over the River Guayas is 850 meters long . Once across, visitors will transition to a network of boardwalks and pathways that weave through a mangrove swamp, tropical forest, and palm canopies filled with hundreds of birds. In fact, over 100 different species call this island their home! The biodiversity on the island further extends itself to 65 different plants and even 25 mammal species.

It’s a fairly easy and pleasant stroll of nearly a kilometer across the bridge, plus an extra two kilometers further along the island’s boardwalks. Whether cycling or walking, plan for 6 kilometers (less than 4 miles) round trip. We found Santay Island to be a particularly nice place to experience from behind the handlebars! At the base of the pedestrian bridge is a bike rental station with plenty of bikes and helmets to send you on your way, $4 for a 3-hour bike rental.

On Santay Island, the winding trails lead to a small fishing village consisting of 235 people that make up 56 families who live in modest homes built up on stilts. Each home includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, potable water, and solar power.

Within the eco-village, there’s also a small museum to learn about the nature of the island and the people who live here. There’s even a short boardwalk with platforms to view crocodiles.

A few snack bars greet visitors at the entrance of the village. But we recommend holding out for the barren open-air restaurant within the village that offers local dishes at inexpensive prices. For example, you can sit down to a lunch of seco de pollo for $2.50.

Near the village entrance, visitors can locate the trailhead of the Huaquillas Trail . That’s a half-kilometer walking trail that ventures more into the tropical forest canopy and where the most birds can be found. Mosquitos are thick on this trail too, so plan accordingly if you’re going to take the short trek.

Between this interesting little village and the nature found throughout the twisting pathways, Isla Santay is all literally a breath of fresh air so close to the big city!

💲 Price : Free to enter Santay Island.

🚲 Bike rental info : It’s $4 for 3 hours, including helmet and bike lock. IDs are needed as collateral for bike rental. At the entrance to the village, there’s a bike rack to lock up your bicycles while walking around.

🕒 Hours : Hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm.

⌚ Length of visit : 2-3 hours

📍 Location : Approximately 2 kilometers further south after Malecon 2000 ends, right here . Take a taxi or Uber.

⚠️ Note : There were once two different bridges connecting to the island, but the bridge from Duran to Santay Island was knocked down by a ship accident and is still out of use, as of January 2024. So be sure to use the Santay Island bridge , located here .

6) Visit the Parque Histórico for Culture, History, and Animals

Parque Histórico is one of the Guayaquil’s top attractions . The “Historic Park,” as its name translates, is much more than just a park about history, although that’s a part of it. This Guayaquil attraction is set on sprawling grounds that contain three separate areas  that flow into one another:

• Wildlife Zone,
• Urban Zone, and
• Traditional Area.

It’s another great thing to do in Guayaquil. Parque Histórico only has a modest entrance fee ($4), although you will need to budget an extra $5 for the Uber/taxi to reach this attraction, located about 15 minutes from the downtown/Malecon area. Yet we found it to be worth the short trip to spend a few hours exploring each of the different zones.

The Wildlife Zone gives a glimpse into local Ecuadorian fauna while meandering across a boardwalk trail. It’s essentially a zoo of sorts, but the animals are living in fairly spacious recreations of their natural environments, rather than in cages.

The Urban Zone is like a living history museum, full of beautiful architecture from Ecuador’s colonial heydays of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Some of the buildings are recreations while others are historic dwellings that were moved to the Parque Histórico and restored. On weekends, costumed performers have been known to amble about the historical buildings, adding to the charming historic atmosphere.

Of Parque Histórico’s three sections, we found the Urban Zone to be the highlight.

For anyone looking on Guayaquil, then consider stopping into the onsite 5-star restaurant, Casa Julian , located within Parque Histórico’s Urban Zone. This notable restaurant boasts an ultra-elegant atmosphere with high-end gastronomic delights to match the unique setting.

Finally, the Traditional Area gives a glimpse into Ecuador’s rural life and agriculture. Recreations of farm plots and cocoa plantations are found in the Traditional Area.

These three zones of Parque Histórico all add up to a must-visit Guayaquil attraction that we recommend venturing beyond downtown to experience.

💲 Price : $4 for adults, $2 for children up to 12 years old.

🕒 Hours : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Wednesday-Sunday

⌚ Length of visit : About 2 hours or so

📍 Location : It’s about a 15-minute Uber ride (~$5) from downtown Guayaquil or Malecon 2000. Located here .

7) Check Out the Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art

While strolling along the Malecon 2000, the Museo Antropologico y Arte Contemporaneo, abbreviated as MAAC, should be a compulsory stop when traveling to Guayaquil.

Admission to MAAC is entirely free, it’s well air-conditioned, and in a convenient location on the Malecon 2000. But the real reason to check out the museum is for the Ecuadorian archeology on display and the funky art exhibits.

Soon after entering the modern MAAC building with tall ceilings, visitors are first pointed to the contemporary art half of the museum. There are a few different halls filled with peculiar, interesting, and thought-provoking pieces of modern artwork.

The Anthropological half of the MAAC displays dozens of ancient artifacts that well predate the Spanish arrival. Many elaborate ceramic pieces on display were found throughout Ecuador.

It’s a nice collection. Those who can’t read Spanish should realize the signage does not have translations. To learn more about these exhibits, consider downloading a visual translation app, like Google Translate (free: Android , iPhone ), to have the ability to translate the informative plaques when visiting MAAC.

Of the half-dozen museums we’ve visited in Guayaquil, we found the MAAC to not only be the biggest but also the best. It certainly is well deserving of being one of the 15 best things to do in Guayaquil.

🕒 Hours : Tues-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Weekends 10 am – 4 pm.

⌚ Length of visit : 1-2 hours

📍 Location : It’s on the northern end of the Malecon 2000. Located here .

8) Find the Iguanas in Parque Bolivar  

Parque Bolivar is a quick yet quintessential and iconic stop on any Guayaquil itinerary. It’s here where you can find Guayaquil’s resident land iguanas lazily hanging out right in the middle of the otherwise busy city. That’s why the park is also known as Parque de las Iguanas , or Iguana Park.

This city square with iguanas is also referred to as Parque Seminario, but don’t let the multiple different names confuse you. It’s all the same place. This is where to find the iguanas in Guayaquil.

For those who have come to the iguana-fill park after visiting the Galapagos, you may not be overly impressed by the reptilian residents.

But do know that this is a different species of iguana than what is found on the islands. And for anyone heading to the Galapagos, this Iguana Park can be a great precursor of what’s to come.

It’s a nice yet small park that’s centrally located downtown and only three blocks away from the Malecon 2000. The iguanas are wild, roaming around the park as they please. Yet they are very tame, as locals come to feed them vegetables and flowers, sometimes even by hand.

Guayaquil’s Iguana Park is in a pleasant setting, located right in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral. The many benches throughout the park can make for a nice place to take a break and watch the reptiles.

🕒 Hours : Open 24 hours, but best to go during daylight

⌚ Length of visit : About 15 minutes

📍 Location : It’s three blocks west of the Torre Morisca on Malecon 2000. Located here .

9) Explore Downtown Guayaquil

The Iguana Park isn’t the only place in downtown Guayaquil worth straying off the Malecon for. That may be the most popular attraction amidst Guayaquil’s downtown, but it’s worth taking a wander further throughout downtown Guayaquil to explore other parks, monuments, churches, and architectural gems. It’s a safe bet to do this during the day.

Below are a few suggestions on points of interest to see in downtown Guayaquil, all of which are also marked on the map we made to use with this travel guide:

• Arosemena Passage – Ornate passageway running through the Municipal Palace
• Metropolitan Cathedral – Grand cathedral in front of the Iguana Park (bottom right in photo below)
• Iglesia San Francisco – Beautiful colonial church (upper left in photo)
• Avenida 9 de Octubre – Main commercial corridor of Guayaquil full of department stores and shops
• Parque del Centenario – The largest park within downtown Guayaquil contains many monuments (upper right in photo)

For those who may desire more information about each of these places or don’t feel comfortable wandering around downtown Guayaquil on your own, consider taking a guided tour of Guayaquil.

This Half-Day Guayaquil City Tour has 9 am and 2 pm pick-ups and is a great way to get acquainted with the city. It’s a perfect overview for anyone new to Guayaquil or someone with only a day in Guayaquil who wants to see the main sights.

This city tour visits all of the downtown highlights and then continues further to the Las Peñas neighborhood and Cerro Santa Ana. Check Viator for current availability and up-to-date prices .

10) Roam around Guayaquil’s Other Boardwalk: Malecón El Salado

Malecón 2000 gets all the love in Guayaquil. And deservingly so, as it’s a very enjoyable waterfront promenade. But it’s actually not the only malecón in town.

Malecón El Salado is Guayaquil’s other malecón and sports a different vibe compared to the main Malecón 2000.

Walking the entire length of the Malecón El Salado gives visitors glimpses into working-class neighborhoods that are a contrast to the built-up and more polished downtown area and Malecón 2000. Yet these neighborhoods lining Malecón El Salado carry their own special charm.

Malecón El Salado can be nice for a sunset stroll too, given its westward-facing location.

There are also snack bars and casual open-air restaurants to stop at, all along Malecón El Salado. These snack food stalls are open in 2024, some with lively music on weekend evenings.

The Plaza de Mariscos (Seafood Plaza) makes for a particularly inviting outdoor patio to pause along the boardwalk. As of Jan 2024, this section of casual eateries is still temporarily closed. So check the status during your visit if you want to try local fish in the open-air environment or simply enjoy some cervezas.

And while Malecón El Salado makes for yet another nice place to stroll in Guayaquil, there are a few other things to do here that deserve separate mentions of their own. The next few recommendations on this list of things to do in Guayaquil can be found on Malecón El Salado.

🕒 Hours : 6:00 am – 9:00 pm

⌚ Length of visit : An hour or so, depending on if you’re stopping to eat, drink, or partake in one of the subsequent recommended activities.

📍 Location : Along the Salado Estuary. A good central point to have a taxi or Uber drop you off is on the South end near Aguirre, here .

11) Go Row-boating around the Estero Salado

There’s a small rowboat rental pier along the Malecón El Salado, right nearby the Plaza de Mariscos . You get a workout by paddling around the river on your own. Or opt to hire a paddler to do the work for you, to instead enjoy a romantic and leisurely row around the estuary.

Mangroves line one side of the riverbank and the boardwalk lines the other. Additional rowboats fill this section of the skinny river, as does the occasional fisherman.

The thirty-minute paddle takes 1-4 passengers under a few bridges and past the Monumental Fountain of Dancing Waters, which is another Guayaquil attraction of its own merit.

💲 Cost : $4 per boat (not per person) + $2 for a rower

🕒 Hours : Go during daylight hours, no official hours posted.

⌚ Length of visit : It’s a 30-minute paddle

📍 Location : The small pier is in front of the Seafood Plaza. Located at this point . Look for a blue sign in front of the ticket booth that reads “Embarcaciones Recreativas” (Recreational Boats).

12) Watch the Monumental Fountains of Dancing Waters

This dancing fountain display is an awe-inspiring attraction in Guayaquil. The fountains blast up 40 meters (131 feet) high in the air. Although the fountains are on during the day, it’s most special to visit them in the early evening.

When night falls in Guayaquil the fountains light up and become choreographed to music. It’s really quite the spectacle and more impressive than we had envisioned. The music ranges from Italian opera to local tunes specific to Guayaquil.

It’s comparable to Vegas’s famed Bellagio Fountains, albeit slightly smaller in size. Yet Guayaquil’s fountains go on to dance much longer.

There’s a platform adjacent to the fountains for an up-close view. Yet we recommend watching them from the Malecón El Salado on the opposite side of the river. There’s a snack bar selling beers, empanadas, and more. And the tables set up on the upper level make for an inviting place to sit back with a cerveza and enjoy the show.

If you’re in Guayaquil on a weekend evening, don’t miss seeing the Monumental Fountain of Dancing Waters come to life.

💲 Cost : Free

🕒 Hours : Weekends at 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00 pm.

📍 Location : The fountains themselves are here . We suggest watching from across the river on the upper platform, located here .

13) Eat Cangrejo Criolle – That’s Crab!

If you only have one night in Guayaquil consider making dinner plans to enjoy one of the city’s most iconic dishes: cangrejo criollo , or creole crab! The experience of eating cangrejo criollo is really one of the best things to do in Guayaquil. And it is an experience!

These red mangrove crabs are a local favorite in Guayaquil. After the crabs are boiled, it’s upon you to do the rest of the work. That’s half the fun!

Mallets are brought to the table to help reach the crab meat after tearing into the claws and legs with your bare hands. The entire restaurant is filled with a symphony of people pounding away on the tables. Bibs help to protect from the inevitable resulting splatter. But these crabs are every bit as delicious as they are messy to eat.

These red crabs are boiled up in a big pot of beer after all, along with spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic to perfectly flavor the delicate crab meat. It takes some time and energy to crack into each of the crab legs, yet each tasty bite will remind you that it’s definitely worth the effort!

So where’s the best place in Guayaquil for cangrejo criollo? That’s a matter of opinion, of course. And there’s no shortage of crab restaurants or opinions about the matter.

Here are just a few suggestions among the dozens of crab restaurants in Guayaquil:

• Red Crab is recommended in many popular guidebooks and has three locations, all north of downtown.
• Los Cangrejos de Pepito Loza receives the highest ratings on TripAdvisor among restaurants serving cangrejo criollo , located a bit northwest of the airport.
• La Pata Gorda was most often recommended to us by locals and has a central position near Iguana Park, among other locations.

Whichever creole crab restaurant you choose, just slap on a bib and get cracking!

💲 Cost : Varies by restaurant. The cangrejo criollo at La Pata Gorda costs $12.77 (2024 prices)

🕒 Hours : Check with each restaurant.

14) Drink Pilsener Right Where the Beer Was Born

Pilsener is Ecuador’s national beer, which can easily be found all throughout the country. Yet Guayaquil presents a unique opportunity to drink this cerveza right where it originated in Guayaquil’s colorful Las Peñas neighborhood, having been brewed here since the late 1800s!

What began brewing up in an icehouse on the colorful hill way back in 1887 has become Ecuador’s most popular beer. Pilsener is particularly celebrated in Guayaquil and even a riverfront plaza has been named in its honor.

The Pilsener Brewery had its origins along the base of Cerro Santa Ana near the Plaza Pilsener . The original 1800s brewery is long gone, yet there are plenty of places in this area, and all throughout Guayaquil, to enjoy this longstanding Ecuadorian brew.

While you can order a Pilsener at virtually any bar or restaurant across Guayaquil, we’d suggest walking up the steps near Plaza Pilsener, where a nice family will serve you Pilsener in a giant cup from the bottom floor of their apartment. It’s here you can gaze down onto the location of that original riverfront brewery.

Also nearby, is a small beer museum, Museo de la Cerveza , where you can learn a bit more about Pilsener and the history of beer in Ecuador. It’s certainly not a must-do, but perhaps a quick stop if in the area and are enthusiastic about beer.

But how is this Ecuadorian Pilsener beer?

Although not as complex or tasty when compared to some of Ecuador’s better artisanal beers, Pilsener just hits right as a nice thirst-quencher in Guayaquil’s tropical heat. Ironically, this beer is not a true pilsner as the brand name would suggest; but rather a pale lager beer (like Budweiser, Corona, etc). Whatever the case, Pilsener is always welcomed and refreshing after a day of roaming around Guayaquil.

💲 Cost : Beers in Guayaquil tend to be priced at $1 on the low end, and $4 on the high end.

📍 Location : The small beer museum is here , right next to where the original Pilsener brewery once stood. Our secret little overlook with big cheap Pilsener beers is located here on Callejon Del Galeon .

15) Take a Day Trip from Guayaquil

For those who are staying in Guayaquil for more than a few days, consider taking a day trip or two to fill the extra time after checking out all the other aforementioned things to do in Guayaquil. From Guayaquil there is an interesting train trip to take, a few different eco-tours to pursue, and even cocoa plantations to visit!

Here are a few suggested Guayaquil day trips to consider.

🛶 Manglares Churute – This is Ecuador’s largest mangrove reserve that is particularly known for the endemic birdlife that abounds here. Trips to Manglares Churute usually include a walk around the dry forest and a small motorized canoe ride around the mangroves for birdwatching.  This small-group tour of the mangroves includes those experiences, in addition to a chocolate tasting at a cocoa plantation along the way! Check availability and prices .

🐒 Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco – This dry tropical forest is known for its bird and wildlife, particularly the resident monkeys. A series of guided hikes are offered up the hilly terrain that is best pursued on the weekend, as people visiting during the week have been turned away. It’s located about 30 minutes away from downtown Guayaquil and can be reached by public bus or even Uber. Or consider this guided tour of Cerro Blanco .

🐬 Puerto El Morro – Approximately 90 minutes from Guayaquil, towards the coast is a series of waterways known for its wildlife and particularly dolphins. Taking a small boat tour here usually reveals the wild dolphin residents in addition to endemic birds in the tropical setting. Try this Puerto El Morro tour on Viator .

🚂 Tren de la Duraza – (temporarily closed, expected to reopen) The “Train of the Sweetness” from Guayaquil to the town of Bucay has not been operating during the past few years. Government officials announced that Ecuador’s tourist trains (including this train from Guayaquil) would return in 2023. Yet as of January 2024, there still has been no official announcements regarding opening dates. So check back to see if this train route may have returned, to see farming plantations while learning about cocoa and sugar production before ultimately arriving in the cloud forest environment of Bucay for a waterfall trek.

Travel Tips and Guayaquil Safety

In addition to all the things to do in Guayaquil, we want to impart some tips and safety advice to make this Guayaquil travel guide complete.

Many travelers ask “ Is Guayaquil safe? ” So we’re here to shed some light on that topic.

  Is Guayaquil Safe?

Guayaquil sometimes carries an unsafe reputation and crime has been increasing in recent years. The situation on the ground is changing rapidly. Travelers to Guayaquil must carefully research the current situation and make a personal risk assessment.

Despite ongoing issues and safety concerns, we found Guayaquil to be a welcoming city in which we did not witness such threats in the areas mentioned throughout this guide where tourists go. Guayaquil has come a long way over the past few decades to increase safety in Guayaquil and make tourists feel safe. And we do.

Guayaquil is largely a big, beautiful, friendly, and modernizing city. The tourist areas of Guayaquil are places where children play freely and families come out of their apartments to enjoy life. Plentiful tourist police in touristic areas help to ensure that. We wouldn’t let safety concerns prevent a visit to Guayaquil.

That said, there are precautions to be aware of while roaming around Guayaquil.

There are bad neighborhoods in Guayaquil that are easily avoided, like most major cities around the world. Gang violence has flared up in Guayaquil during the past few years. Yet such incidents have been largely away from Guayaquil’s tourist areas mentioned throughout this travel guide.

Recent government warnings have warned of an increased risk of crime south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, which is away from the things to do listed throughout this travel guide. Locals in Guayaquil have warned us against venturing into this area too, particularly close to the port. It’s easily avoided.

Meanwhile, in the touristic areas of Guayaquil, perhaps the biggest safety concern is simply petty theft . There have been reports of pickpockets targeting tourists. It’s not rampant and widespread, but it has been known to occur. Personally, we’ve never noticed pickpockets in Guayaquil, as we have observed in Quito and other parts of South America.

Yet a threat of pickpockets and theft does exist in Guayaquil. This should be no cause for major concern or paranoia when walking around the city. But it’s a good idea to simply be aware and keep vigilant of your pockets and belongings, particularly when in any crowds.

And while Guayaquil’s tourist areas are typically considered safe for travelers, it can be possible to stray off the beaten path and into trouble. It’s best to stick to the main tourist areas, particularly so at night.

There’s also a known scam in Guayaquil involving false taxis. We recommend only using registered taxis. Better yet, use Uber which is trackable, has security features, and is largely deemed as one of the safest ways to get around Guayaquil.

Really, to stay safe in Guayaquil is simply to use common sense tactics that travelers would use in any large city. Don’t get involved with drugs. Don’t get into a stranger’s car. Don’t wear flashy jewelry. Be vigilant of your surroundings. Don’t carry large sums of money. Stick to the tourist areas. Don’t get drunk. Stay clear of bad neighborhoods.

That’s our two cents about safety in Guayaquil, based on our experience in the city. For a more objective outlook, check the up-to-date government warnings your home country advises. Here are the official government safety warnings for Ecuador from the following countries:

🇺🇸 US Department of State – Travel Advisory for Ecuador 🇬🇧 UK Foreign Travel Advice for Ecuador 🇨🇦 Government of Canada: Ecuador Safety & Security 🇦🇺 Australia Smart Traveller Safety & Security Advice 🇳🇿 New Zealand Safe Travel: Ecuador

Guayaquil Travel Tips You Need to Know

Before packing your bags, consider the following Guayaquil travel tips.

🏨 Where to Stay in Guayaquil

Visitors should consider staying around downtown Guayaquil and near Malecon 2000. This is the location of the majority of the things to do listed throughout this Guayaquil travel guide. Hence staying in this area will be the most convenient and many locations will be walkable from your hotel. If staying outside of this area, you’ll need to take many Ubers or taxis. So be sure to factor that into your decision.

Within the downtown area of Guayaquil, there is a wide range of accommodations, from hostels and budget hotels to higher-end luxury hotels. Whether a cheap place or upscale, we found that most hotels around Guayaquil offer good value for the price.

With nearly 400 Guayaquil properties listed, we’ve found that Booking.com has the most hotels to choose from and usually the best prices too. Search Guayaquil hotels during your travel dates to find the perfect place for your trip.

☀️ Beware of the Sun

Guayaquil is hot, hot, hot. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses and a hat. Also, be sure to pack sunscreen with you since it tends to be much more expensive in Guayaquil compared to US prices. Use at least SPF 50. So snag a good price for sunscreen on Amazon before getting on the plane to Ecuador.

☔  Know the Rainy Season in Guayaquil

If traveling through Guayaquil between January through April, be sure to pack a good rain jacket or a compact travel umbrella like this . This is the rainy season. While it doesn’t rain all day, every day during those months, it will likely rain at some point during a Jan-April visit.

🆔  Carry your ID around Guayaquil

It’s not only the law in Ecuador. Your ID will be required for most of the free things to do listed in this Guayaquil travel guide. Also, bars often require an ID upon entry regardless of age. IDs are further required for any credit card purchases.

💸  Cash is King in Guayaquil

More and more places are beginning to accept credit cards in Guayaquil, but cash is more often the norm. The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar and ATMs are frequent to withdraw.

💵  Use Small Bills

Almost anywhere in Guayaquil won’t accept $50 or $100 bills. Come with smaller change as you’ll otherwise have a very difficult time breaking that $100 note. Even twenties can sometimes be cumbersome to break.

🚱 Don’t Drink the Water in Guayaquil

The tap water in Guayaquil is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water only. Also, consider traveling with this compact LifeStraw . We have one and it’s come in handy a few times during our travels when water wasn’t drinkable and stores were closed.

💦 Stay Hydrated

You’ll likely sweat a lot more in Guayaquil than you’re accustomed to at home. Make it a point to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. It’s easily found all over the city.

🚽 Know Where To Go in Guayaquil

After drinking all that water, you’ll certainly need to pee. Thankfully, there are many free public toilets all throughout both malecons and most of Guayaquil’s tourist areas. You’ll just need a dime (10 cents) to buy some toilet paper. And remember, in Ecuador, used toilet paper goes in the bin, not in the toilet.

🦟 Keep Mosquitoes Away

Being the tropics, mosquitos are buzzing around Guayaquil. Zika has almost disappeared from the region, although the rare case still pops up. It’s best to protect yourself from those pesky disease-carrying mozzies. You can use the heavy-duty stuff with DEET but we find that this natural Repel Lemon-Eucalyptus repellent works well, isn’t as harsh on your skin, and is better for the environment, particularly if you’re going in the water.

💬 Learn Some Basic Spanish

There’s not much English spoken along the streets of Guayaquil, so it can be a great idea to learn some basics before a trip here. Even simple pleasantries can go a long way with pointing and a smile. We like to use Babbel as an easy, fun, and inexpensive way to learn Spanish. With each lesson just 10-15 minutes, it’s something we can always work into the day and the associated app even lets us use it on-the-go. Right now you can use this discount link to save 25% off a 6-month or longer subscription.

⚠️  Important: Be Sure to Have Travel Insurance in Guayaquil

You never know what could go wrong during a trip to Guayaquil, from a minor incident like lost luggage or flight cancelation to a major disaster like an earthquake or a tsunami. Travel insurance will not only come to your rescue to help you out of a jam but will also cover those unexpected costs.

Whether you get into a car accident or get pickpocketed along Guayaquil’s malecon, travel insurance will come to the rescue. We always use travel insurance while roaming around Ecuador and recommend it. We like World Nomads , which has what we’ve found to have the best price and coverage combination (particularly for longer trips).  Enter the dates for your trip   to get a quick estimate.

💼  What to Pack for Guayaquil

Pack for Guayaquil as you would for any hot weather destination. We recommend plenty of dry-wicking clothing and sun protection. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Travel Packing List for all our packing tips and travel gear ideas.

Traveling to Guayaquil, Ecuador?

We hope this Guayaquil travel guide has helped to show all of our favorite things to do in the sprawling city in Ecuador. If you’ve used this guide to help plan a trip to Guayaquil, please let us know in the comments, as we always love to hear from people who may have stumbled across our posts.

Or if you have any questions as you plan a trip to Guayaquil, feel free to ask and we’ll try to answer.

Finally, if you’ve been here and have your own favorite thing to do in Guayaquil, let us know so we can check it out next time and keep this post up-to-date!

Where to Next in Ecuador?  

If you found this Guayaquil Travel Guide helpful, then you may be interested in other travel guides we’ve published about Ecuador.

 🇪🇨 For a comprehensive round-up on traveling Ecuador, be sure to check out our article that sums up the best experiences and shows exactly where to go.

Read : 20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador & Interesting Places to Visit

🐢 Did you know that you don’t have to take a pricey Galapagos tour? You can actually visit the Galapagos independently for cheap! This post reveals exactly how it’s possible.

Read :  How To Afford the Best of the Galapagos: Budget Travel Tips

⛪ Cuenca is Ecuador’s third-largest city and a colonial gem in the Andes that’s been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city is nicknamed the “Athens of Ecuador” for its history and culture, yet lots of adventure also abounds in the mountains that surround it. And it’s all less than a 4-hour drive from Guayaquil!

Read: 20 Best Things To Do in Cuenca Ecuador: Travel Guide

🚠 Like Guayaquil, many people tend to bypass Quito . But there is lots to do. There is even more going on in Quito than in Guayaquil! So check out our big fat Quito Travel Guide:

Read: 20 Best Things To Do in Quito Ecuador: Travel Guide

🏔️ From Guayaquil, it’s a 4-5 hour bus up into the Andes to Riobamba. This city sits at the base of Ecuador’s tallest mountain and offers so many adventures into the Andes.

Read :  Riobamba Ecuador Travel Guide: Best Adventures & Things to Do

Publishing note: This article about the best things to do in Guayaquil was originally written in January 2019 and most recently updated in January 2024, to reflect current conditions and up-to-date info.

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February 19, 2023 at 12:17 PM

Ciao guys! I jumped off a yacht in Galapagos and was only going to transfer through Guayaquil then read your amazing post!!! Thanks an absolute million. Guayaquil is fantastic….I’m in a hostel overlooking the mighty Rio Guayas and Los Penas, the lighthouse and Santa Ana all just incredible and super quiet on a Sunday. Tourism hasn’t bitten here yet but it should!!! Extraordinary place….so thanks so much for inspiring me to stay!!!

January 3, 2023 at 8:21 PM

Quite glad I stumbled upon your post. I love planning trips and reading your commentary on some of the things we’ve planned (and some that we hadn’t yet added) is reassuring. We’re heading to Guayaquil for a six day city-break in Feburary and then on to Montanita for a while. Really looking forward to checking out all that the city has to offer.

July 22, 2022 at 4:18 PM

Thanks for this very informative and helpful guide. As a solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe in Guayaquil, and I used the local buses at night. One thing you may need to update though, is that Parque Historico is no longer free – it cost me $4 to get in. I was a bit disappointed, given the entry fee and the cost to get there and back by taxi.

September 6, 2022 at 5:46 PM

Thank you for letting us know. It’s comments such as this that help us to keep these articles up-to-date. I’ve just updated this post to reflect the $4 pricing. The park recently changed hands and is now run by the municipality of Samborondón, which began charging admission in July 2022.

July 2, 2022 at 4:15 PM

January 12, 2020 at 4:16 PM

So glad I stumbled on this! Planning a trip in March 2020 to Ecuador and this is the perfect resource! Well laid out and informative! Thanks so much!

October 23, 2019 at 9:25 PM

My daughter is planning on going to azoques in December to meet her boyfriend and his family. She will be traveling alone and they will pick her up from the airport travel around and all fly home together. Do you think the airport is safe for a 19 year old girl?

October 28, 2019 at 2:54 AM

Yes, she should be just fine. We’re not aware of any safety issues at the airport. The airport is very secure. It’ll just be good if she has a firm plan in place to meet the people picking her up, so there’s no missed connection.

September 11, 2019 at 4:39 PM

John, Once again thanks for your blog. This is really nice and informative. I am planning to be in Guayaquil for 3 days at the end of September and then Salinas. I am planning to stay at the Sheraton hotel which is adjoining to the Mall del Sol. Would you mind telling me which hotel you all stayed in Guayaquil and how you got around to see so much in the Malecón area? Was it walking? Tour using car/van/bus? Taxi? Thanks in advance for the information as I want to prepare to cover a lot of the same areas you all went when I am there with my wife. Thank you!

September 14, 2019 at 6:53 PM

So glad it has proven helpful! 🙂 We stayed at the hotel Rio Guayas. It’s a budget-friendly hotel just south of where Malecon 2000 ends. It worked fine as a cheap place to stay, decent location, and was great for the price ($20/night). But ultimately we may consider staying somewhere when we come back. As for getting around the Malecon – we simply walked. The Malecon 2000 area is easily walkable. When needing to go further or late at night, we simply used Uber, which works quite well in Guayaquil, just so long as you have a phone with data that works in Ecuador. Hope you have a great trip!

June 26, 2019 at 12:08 PM

Thank you so much for this guide. I plan to visit Guayaquil in August and this information is very helpful.

July 1, 2019 at 10:20 AM

So glad to hear this has proved helpful – have a great trip next month!

February 5, 2019 at 5:11 PM

Your post has just convinced me. Guayaquil is worth of a stop. The wooden colonial architecture of Numa Pompilio Llona is simply stunning! And I wouldn’t mind climbing the 444 steps to the top of Cerro Santa to reach “El Faro” lighthouse to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views down below.

February 6, 2019 at 12:06 PM

It’s so worth a stop! 🙂 And tackling those 444 steps is worth the views from the stop, yet is also just a fun experience onto itself. Well, once you catch your breath, hehe!

February 4, 2019 at 2:07 PM

Guayaquil sounds like such a charming place to visit. So many of these things appeal to me. The pirate ship at sunset would be such a great way to end a busy day. A bike ride around Isla Santay to see the colorful fishing village would be dreamy. For sure I would love to see all the wildlife. If we every get to go to the Galapagos, I will be sure to plan in several days in Guayaquil.

February 6, 2019 at 12:14 PM

Yeah this big city in Ecuador ending up being so much more charming than we had ever expected! 🙂 It was great to see so much plentiful birdlife/wildlife on Isla Santay, so close to the city itself. What a great little refuge that island is!

February 4, 2019 at 7:09 AM

Good to know that Guayaquil has improved its infrastructure, makes it more attractive. Las Peñas looks stunning with its colorful facades! Row boating seems such a fun option there. Great place to holiday.

February 4, 2019 at 12:09 AM

Since we are travelling as a family, I’d go for a Ferris Wheel ride and the Boat Cruise as our priority when going to Guayaquil. My kids would also love to see the Dancing Fountain Waters and my husband would surely love the Big Crab! Great precaution tips, it’s very helpful and a heads-up for all travellers.

February 6, 2019 at 12:18 PM

Come to think of it, Guayaquil makes for a particularly nice place for families. There are lots of things to do in Guayaquil with kids! The Ferris Wheel and Pirate Cruise would for sure appeal to niñas and niños traveling to Guayaquil. Also, not mentioned in this post, there are many kiddie rides, adventure parks, and arcades spread across the Malecon 2000 too.

February 3, 2019 at 2:28 PM

I didn’t even know there was so much to do in and around Guayaquil/ Had always heard of the place only in respect to Galapagos. The Guayaquil Riverfront and Parque Historico are such great places to experience the town! Plus I love quirky neighborhoods and those pictures of Las Peñas stole my heart!!

February 3, 2019 at 2:42 PM

We hadn’t realized there was so much to do there either! 🙂 It was a pleasant surprise discovering all the city has to offer, which was motivation to write this post. 🙂

February 3, 2019 at 10:05 AM

We have South America on the books for 2020 so I am starting to make my list of things to see and do. It looks like Quayaquil looks like a spot worth visiting. I did not know that there is the biggest ferris wheel in South America in Quayaquil. Love when cities have lots to see and do that are free or cost very little. We would definitely want to go to the top to get a panoramic view over the city. Love all those colourful buildings. Thanks for introducing Quayaquil.

February 3, 2019 at 2:44 PM

Yes, Guayaquil is a great place for budget travel, as there is so much to do here without having to spend much on any single activities. There are so many free things to do, it’s really nice! The colorful buildings throughout Cerro Santa Ana are lovely indeed! 🙂

February 2, 2019 at 5:02 PM

Sounds like you spent a fair amount of time in that region. I was in Quito a few days before going to the Galapagos and missed Guayaquil completely except for changing planes. We went up to Ibarra after. Loved exploring Ecuador and I appreciate your precautions. I never felt unsafe but it does pay to be smart about your belongings and stay out of bad neighborhoods no matter where you are in the world. Great post.

February 3, 2019 at 2:49 PM

We had initially did the same thing a few years ago when we simply transferred through Guayaquil from the Galapagos. So upon returning to Ecuador we wanted to take the time to explore the city and see what it may have to offer and were so pleasantly surprised! 🙂 Hence this post. We should be heading back towards Quito later this month and look forward to potentially visiting Ibarra for the first time ourselves.

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12 Best Things to Do in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Known as the gateway to the Galapagos Islands and Pacific Beaches in Ecuador, Guayaquil is a large port city located on the banks of the Guaya River that attracts a variety of visitors year-round. There are many enticing things to do and see in Guayaquil, Ecuador, including a scenic esplanade walk, museums, churches, parks, nature reserves, historic areas, and nearby beaches and resorts. Whether you're looking to experience Ecuadorian food and culture or you'd rather relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you're sure to enjoy your trip to Guayaquil any time of year.

Walk Along the Malecón 2000

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One of the most prominent and popular destinations in Guayaquil since it was constructed in the mid-1800s, Malecón 2000 is the name for the waterside boardwalk where locals and visitors alike spend their evenings enjoying the cool breezes of the river, strolling through the parks, and admiring its many sculptures.

Malecón 2000 stretches one and a half miles from the Mercado Sur in the south to Cerro Santa Ana and Las Peñas in the north. Along the way, you'll find a number of sculptures and monuments including the semicircular La Rotonda, which honors the historic meeting of Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who together shaped the revolutionary movements of Ecuador's fight for independence from Spain.

Visit Las Peñas Neighborhood

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With over 400 years of history, Las Peñas is one of the oldest residential areas in the country. Located on Santa Ana Hill in Guayaquil, the neighborhood is full of beautifully-restored and brightly painted houses placed along cobblestone streets.

Stroll along Numa Pompilio Liona Street to the Plaza Colon, where cannons overlooking the river are a reminder of earlier defenses against pirates attacking the city's original inhabitants. Alternatively, stop by boutique shops and local restaurants where you can sample Ecuadorian chocolates and other tasty treats of the city.

Explore the City's Museums

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As one of the major cultural centers of Ecuador, Guayaquil is home to several of the best museums in the country, which explore topics from art and science to history and culture in the region. Visitors can spend their entire trips visiting all of the anthropological and archaeological museums in the city, but some of the highlights include:

• Museo Municipal : Located in the center of town, this museum holds a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and religious art from the Colonial Period as well as exhibits explaining the history of Ecuador, Guayaquil, and the surrounding region. 
• Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo : The Museum of Anthropology and Modern Art (MAAC) has an extensive collection of local tribal artwork and ancient pottery as well as a variety of temporary exhibits of visiting artists.
• Museo del Bombero Ecuatoriano : This museum is dedicated to the firefighters of Ecuador and around the world and contains an extensive collection of antique firefighting gear, equipment, and machinery.
• Museo Naval Contemporáneo: Dedicated to the naval and military history of the country, which is centered around its largest port in Guayaquil, this modern museum is a must-see for history buffs.

Learn About Local Customs at Guayaquil Historical Park

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Located in northeastern Guayaquil across the Daule River in the La Puntilla parish of Samborondón, the Guayaquil Historical Park is a multi-purpose public park that's separated into three main sections: The Wildlife Zone, the Urban Architectural Zone, and the Traditions Zone.

Touring the Guayaquil Historical Park is a great way to spend the day getting to know some of the city's history and a little of the coastal region's culture. The wildlife zone recreates the habitats of over 50 native species of Ecuador and allows guests to explore it via elevated paths. The Architectural Zone, on the other hand, recreates early 1900s life in the region, when the cocoa boom brought business and developments to the city. Meanwhile, the Traditions Zone teaches guests about the cultural development of the city, its inhabitants, and their life on the cocoa farms through a variety of historical displays and recreations.

Spend the Day at Other Parks

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Whether you're in the mood for a picnic or you want to get some exercise, Guayaquil has a number of expansive parks that are free for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Parque Bolivar—also known as Iguana Park for the large iguanas who like to rest on tree branches there—is a small park located in the Chimborazo neighborhood and centered around an octagonal pavilion surrounded by sculptures. The city's largest park, Parque Centenario, is a showcase for many monuments including the Columna a los próceres del 9 de Octubre , which is dedicated to the heroes of Ecuador declaring its independence from Spain in the city in 1820. For something completely different, head out to Isla Santay. Located in the middle of the Guayas River just west of Guayaquil, this small island is home to a number of museums, monuments, and even residences for over 50 families that have lived there since the 1950s.

Pay Respects at the Churches of Guayaquil

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Roman Catholicism and Christianity have both played an important role in the history of Guayaquil. As a result, a number of historic churches dating back as early as the 1500s still remain in the city today. The modern Iglesia Episcopal del Ecuador cathedral and the impressive San Francisco church, both restored after a devastating fire in 1896, are among the most-visited churches in the country. Also stop by the vibrant white and gold Santo Domingo, also known as the Church of Saint Vincent, which was the first church built in the city in 1548.

Take a Gateway to the Galapagos

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No matter where you come from in the world, you have to pass through mainland Ecuador before visiting the Galapagos Islands. In fact, flights and cruises to the Galapagos used to be the main reason visitors went to Guayaquil. The quickest way from Guayaquil to the Galapagos is by booking a flight directly from the city, but there are also a number of charter boat services and cruises that run to the islands.

Get Lost in the Botanical Garden

Orchids, water, fountains, and thousands of plants offer a welcome respite from the bustling city of Guayaquil at the Botanical Garden. Located in the northern Pascuales parish of the city on Francisco de Orellana Avenue, the Botanical Garden is home to five hectares of wildlife native to the region. There are approximately 324 plant species, 73 bird species, and dozens of mammal and fish species that call the Botanic Garden home. Open Mondays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round, this unique collection of wildlife is a must-see for nature enthusiasts visiting the city.

Take a Tour of the Ruta del Sol

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From Guayaquil, the Ruta del Sol (Sun Route) takes you to great beaches at Playas, Salinas, Punta Blanca, Montañita, Ayampe, Ayangue, Olon, and Puerto López—among many others. Embark on a minivan or bus tour departing from Guayaquil and spend the full day exploring the many attractions along this historical road. Services run between Salinas and Guayaquil every hour between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily throughout the year, and you can pay a little extra to be dropped directly outside your hotel.

Venture to the Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

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Despite being bordered by Guayaquil’s almost three million inhabitants, the protected forest of Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco harbors populations of jaguar, ocelot, agouti, peccary, and other mammal species. Cerro Blanco is a great day-trip outside the city of Guayaquil. Easily accessible by bus, visitors can take advantage of a self-guided tour along their two trails or request a trained guide for a more educational experience.

Take a City Tour of Guayaquil

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Discover Guayaquil on a guided tour of the city which will take you to see all the must-see places as well as some amazing surrounding scenery, tropical plants, wildlife, and cultural establishments. A number of different tour companies offer services around Guayaquil, but the Guayaquil City Tour offers three hours of sightseeing and education about the many facets of city life.

Take an Excursion to Salinas Beach With Lunch

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Get away from the city and take a tour to Salinas beach where you can choose to relax all day or something a little more active—fish! See some amazing scenery and interesting wildlife, including the stunning Pink Flamingo, or just spend the day lazily lounging on the sand. Salinas is easily accessible by bus, minivan tour service, or rental car, but is located about 88 miles west of Guayaquil on Via a la Costa.

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Cityscape of Santa Ana Hill Church with colorful colonial housing, Las Penas district, Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Things to Do in Guayaquil: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Attractions & things to do in guayaquil, ecuador, plan your perfect trip with our trusted travel partners, guayaquil, ecuador: ratings, beyond the city: exploring surroundings and stays in guayaquil, ecuador, faq about things to do in guayaquil, ecuador.

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s bustling port city, is a vibrant blend of modernity, history, and tropical charm. For those pondering things to do in Guayaquil, strolling along the Malecón 2000, a riverfront promenade lined with gardens, monuments, and entertainment venues, and exploring the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, with its colorful houses and art galleries, are top activities.

Parque Seminario, also known as Iguana Park, is a unique urban space where dozens of iguanas freely roam amidst visitors. Nearby, Santa Ana Hill offers a panoramic view of the city, with its lighthouse and 444-step climb providing both a vantage point and a glimpse into the city’s history.

Beyond its urban attractions, Guayaquil is a gateway to the Galápagos Islands and the Pacific coast’s beaches. For those seeking the best places to visit in Ecuador , Guayaquil’s blend of urban energy, historical sites, and strategic location makes it a pivotal destination for travelers.

1. Malecón 2000

Stretching for several kilometers alongside the Guayas River, Malecón 2000 is a modern boardwalk with attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums. It provides locals and visitors with a refreshing space to walk, jog, or admire the panoramic views of the river.

Travel Tip: Visit during sunset for a picturesque view and a more relaxed atmosphere, as Guayaquil can get hot midday.

2. Parque de las Iguanas

Located in the heart of Guayaquil, this unique park is famous for its large population of iguanas that freely roam among visitors. It’s a serene oasis amid the urban hustle, where people can observe these creatures up close and feed them.

Travel Tip: Do be cautious and avoid touching the iguanas. They’re generally peaceful but can be startled if disturbed.

3. La Rotonda Monument

This iconic monument in Guayaquil commemorates a historic meeting between the liberators Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín in 1822. The monument is a testament to the city’s rich history and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens.

Travel Tip: Consider hiring a local guide or reading up on the history before visiting to appreciate the monument’s significance truly.

4. Santa Ana Hill (Cerro Santa Ana)

Offering a panoramic view of the city, Santa Ana Hill is a must-visit. With its colorful houses, narrow streets, and 444 steps leading to the top, where the Chapel of Santa Ana and a lighthouse are located, it’s both a cultural and historical attraction.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable climbing shoes and bring a water bottle. The view from the top is worth every step.

5. Historical Park (Parque Histórico Guayaquil)

This park combines history, culture, and nature, offering visitors an insight into Ecuador’s coastal traditions and lifestyles. It features exhibits, including traditional houses, wildlife zones with native animals, and performances showcasing regional dances and music.

Travel Tip: It’s an expansive area, so ensure you’ve set aside a few hours to immerse yourself in the experience truly.

6. Artisan Market (Mercado Artesanal)

For those interested in local crafts, arts, and souvenirs, the Artisan Market in Guayaquil is the place to go. There’s plenty to explore and buy, from handmade jewelry and clothing to traditional Ecuadorian crafts.

Travel Tip: Bargaining is common practice, so don’t hesitate to haggle a little for the best price.

7. Las Peñas Neighborhood

The oldest neighborhood in Guayaquil, Las Peñas, is a vibrant area with colorful colonial-style houses, art galleries, and bars. Its cobbled streets and artistic atmosphere make it a favorite for locals and tourists.

Travel Tip: Visit in the early evening when the area comes alive with music and local activities. Don’t forget to check out the art galleries showcasing the work of Ecuadorian artists.

8. Guayaquil Botanical Garden

A true green escape within the city, the Guayaquil Botanical Garden houses various native plants from all over Ecuador . It’s a great place to learn about the country’s diverse flora and spot local wildlife.

Travel Tip: Carry insect repellent with you, especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season. The gardens are lush, which can attract mosquitoes.

9. Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (MAAC)

Situated on the Malecón, this museum is a testament to the region’s ancient and contemporary arts. With exhibits spanning pre-Columbian artifacts to modern art pieces, it provides a comprehensive look into the area’s cultural evolution.

Travel Tip: Try to visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, allowing you to enjoy the exhibits leisurely.

10. Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil

Standing tall in the city’s heart, this beautiful neo-gothic cathedral is one of Guayaquil’s prominent religious landmarks. The architecture and stained-glass windows inside are awe-inspiring.

Travel Tip: Ensure you dress modestly when visiting any religious site in Ecuador. It’s respectful to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.

11. Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve

Located a short drive from Guayaquil, this reserve is a haven for nature lovers. From mangrove forests to tropical dry forests, it provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys and various bird species.

Travel Tip: Consider taking a guided boat tour through the mangroves to gain deeper insights into the ecosystem and enhance the chance of spotting wildlife.

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Kid-Friendly Activities in Guayaquil: 7/10 – Guayaquil offers several family-friendly attractions, such as the Malecon 2000 waterfront promenade, which includes playgrounds, gardens, and the IMAX Theater. The city also features the Parque de las Iguanas, where children can see iguanas up close, and the Guayaquil Historical Park, which provides educational and interactive exhibits.

Nightlife in Guayaquil: 7/10 – Guayaquil has a lively nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues, particularly in areas like Las Peñas and Urdesa. The city offers a mix of traditional salsa clubs, modern dance clubs, and casual bars, catering to diverse tastes and providing a vibrant evening atmosphere.

Sport in Guayaquil: 7/10 – Guayaquil provides various opportunities for sports enthusiasts, including facilities for football, basketball, and tennis. The city’s coastal location makes it a great spot for water sports such as sailing and kayaking. Outdoor activities like jogging along the Malecon and visiting nearby natural reserves are popular.

Culture and Attractions in Guayaquil: 8/10 – Guayaquil is rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the iconic Malecon 2000, the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas, and the Parque Histórico Guayaquil. The city’s vibrant cultural scene includes museums, theaters, and festivals, reflecting its dynamic heritage.

Gastronomy in Guayaquil: 8/10 – The culinary scene in Guayaquil is diverse, featuring traditional Ecuadorian dishes such as encebollado, ceviche, and arroz con menestra. The city offers a range of dining options from street food vendors to upscale restaurants, providing a rich culinary experience that highlights local flavors.

Shopping in Guayaquil: 7/10 – Shopping in Guayaquil includes modern malls like Mall del Sol and San Marino Shopping, as well as traditional markets such as Mercado Artesanal and the Central Market. The city offers a variety of products, from fashion and electronics to local crafts and souvenirs, providing a comprehensive shopping experience.

Prices in Guayaquil: 8/10 – Guayaquil is generally affordable, with reasonable prices for accommodation, dining, and shopping. The city offers good value for money, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.

Average price for a hotel night: $50 Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $5 Price of a beer: $2 Price of a coffee: $1.50

For those looking to explore beyond Guayaquil’s urban charm, top day trips near Guayaquil invite travelers to experience the beauty of Ecuador’s Pacific coast and its surroundings. The historical allure of Cuenca and the exotic wildlife of Isla de la Plata, often referred to as the mini Galápagos, are just a journey away, offering a taste of the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Guayaquil accommodations offer a variety of choices, from high-rise hotels with panoramic river views to boutique options in the heart of the city, ensuring visitors can find the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

What are the top attractions in Guayaquil?

Some of the top attractions in Guayaquil include the Malecón 2000, Las Peñas neighborhood, Parque Seminario (also known as Iguana Park), and the Guayaquil Historical Park.

Is it worth visiting the Santa Ana Hill?

Absolutely! Santa Ana Hill offers panoramic views of the city and is home to the iconic Las Peñas neighborhood, known for its colorful houses and artistic vibe.

Are there any museums worth visiting in Guayaquil?

Yes, the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum (MAAC) and the Nahím Isaías Museum are two famous museums that showcase Ecuadorian culture and history.

Where can I experience local cuisine in Guayaquil?

The Mercado Caraguay is excellent for trying traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including seafood specialties like ceviche and encebollado.

Is Guayaquil a good starting point for exploring the Galápagos Islands?

Yes, Guayaquil has an international airport that offers regular flights to the Galápagos Islands, making it a convenient gateway for travelers.

Are there any parks or green spaces to relax in Guayaquil?

Certainly! Parque Samanes is a vast green space ideal for picnics, jogging, and family outings. Parque Seminario in the city center is also famous for its resident iguanas.

Can I take a boat tour in Guayaquil?

Yes, you can take a boat tour along the Guayas River, which offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and waterfront attractions.

Is the Guayaquil Botanical Garden worth a visit?

Definitely! The Guayaquil Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis showcasing various native plants and wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guayaquil https://www.getyourguide.com/guayaquil-l532/

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.

David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

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Top 15 Best Things To do in Guayaquil, Ecuador

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Guayaquil Bucket List: Amazing Places to Visit in Guayaquil, Ecuador

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G uayaquil in Ecuador has a lot of tourist sites and experiences to offer. While this city is primarily a stopover for tourists going to other cities in Ecuador and Puerto Rico, there are plenty of things to do which occupy your time, such as visiting historical sites and roaming around towns. During your visit, wearing comfortable clothes is advisable, given that Guayaquil has tropical weather. Here are the things you can do during your stay:

Roam Around Malecón 2000

Malecón 2000 is one of the busiest streets in Guayaquil. What was once a dilapidated riverfront has become a promenade that measures up to 2.5 kilometers, filled with shops, gardens, monuments, and restaurants.

Despite the street’s busy atmosphere, you can opt to enjoy the sight of the Guayas River. On quiet walks is recommended during weekdays while the opposite can be said for weekends.

Ride the Henry Morgan Pirate Ship

The Henry Morgan Pirate Ship is just around the corner as such can be found in Malecón 2000. In fact, this is an active and sailing ship as part of the Guayas River Tour.

This family-friendly pirate ship lets you see other tourist sites like Isla Santay and Las Peña’s enclave. Going on this river trip during the afternoon is highly recommended so that you can enjoy a refreshing atmosphere while enjoying your drinks.

Ride La Perla – The Largest South American Ferris Wheel

During your walk in Malecón 2000, you can’t possibly miss out on seeing La Perla (The Pearl). La Perla measures up to 187 feet and gives you a 12-minute rotation.

This ride gives you a breathtaking view of the city, so be sure to bring photos to capture lasting memories. Also, the gondolas are air-conditioned, which adds to the relaxing experience of this ride.

Experience Isla Santay

Isla Santay offers a rare experience of having no cars. In fact, visitors can only walk or ride a bicycle while exploring this peaceful island.

Isla Santay has incredible biodiversity, consisting of 85 bird species, 12 reptile species, 25 mammal species, and 65 plants. This island also has a simple fishing village filled with simple homes.

Explore Las Peñas

Las Peñas gives you a taste of Guayaquil’s history as the neighborhood is 400-years old. This town is known for 444 steps on the way to the peak of Santa Ana Hill.

There are plenty of things to see on your journey to the top, such as colorful colonial architectures, plazas, and water vendors, to help you keep climbing. The top of Santa Ana Hill has a lighthouse that can give you a full 360 -view.

Chill at Casa Pilsener

While the Ecuadorian Pilsener can be found nationwide, nothing can compare to drinking at Casa Pilsener, where such a drink was born.

After climbing Las Peñas, Casa Pilsener provides patio seating where you can drink and rest. In fact, this is where the original Pilsener brewery was built.

Visit the Botanical Garden

The Guayaquil Botanical Garden is a must-visit place for wildlife lovers. Visiting this garden is a chance to explore Ecuadorian wildlife and plant species. This 5-hectare garden was built ten years and has attracted many tourists worldwide.

The garden consists of 324 plant species and 73 types, such as Amazonas and Harinosa Parrots.

Visit Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco (Cerro Blanco Protected Forest)

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco is a place where you can witness various Ecuadorian mammal species. This reserve tropical dry forest measures up to 6.078 hectares managed by the Pro Bosque Foundation.

The ecosystem is mostly known for its 54 mammal species, such as a Jaguar known as Panthera Onca and 21 bat species. This environment is complemented by 221 bird species and 700 vascular plants.

Learn about history in Parque Historico (Historical Park)

Parque Historico exhibits the lifestyle of Guayaquil’s citizens during the 19th and 20th centuries. This park is divided into Wildlife Area, Urban Architectonic Area, and Traditional Area.

The Wildlife Area consists of natural habitats and multiple forms of wildlife such as birds, spider monkeys, and crocodiles.

The Urban Architectonic Area displays the lavish lifestyle of Guayaquil through architecture and exhibitions. The Traditional Area highlights the old livelihood of Guayaquil through houses and vegetation.

Go Museum-Hopping

Guayaquil is home to some of the country’s best museums. Some of the museums you can visit are Museo Municipal, The Museum of Modern Anthropology and Architecture, and Museo del Bombero Ecuatoriano. Museo Municipal covers Ecuador and pre-Columbian history through the artifacts.

The Museum of Modern Anthropology and Architecture displays historical Ecuadorian pottery and tribal paintings. Museo del Bombero Ecuatoriano is dedicated to firemen by exhibiting fire fighting equipment worldwide.

Take a look at Iguanas in Parque de las Iguanas (Iguana Park)

One of Guayaquil’s highlights is the rare Iguanas. Iguanas have actually been in this city since colonial times, given how it is nearby the river.

The park consists of ornate gardens where iguanas live, adding to the historic atmosphere. Visitors are allowed to pet the iguanas by feeding them vegetables and flowers.

Roam Around Downtown Guayaquil

Guayaquil’s downtown city is an architectural paradise for tourists. The architecture is displayed through churches and malls.

Some of the churches you can visit are the Metropolitan Cathedral and Iglesia San Francisco. There is also a mall known as Avenida 9 de Octubre, filled with department stores.

Walk Along Malecón El Salado

Malecón El Salado offers a more natural and refreshing atmosphere compared to Malecón 2000. The three parts of this boardwalk are the Writers Walkway, Health Square, and Seafood Square.

Writers Walkway has dedicated monuments to Guayaquil’s famous writers. Health Square is where cultural events are held. Seafood Square is filled with restaurants that offer Ecuadorian sea cuisine. Make sure to taste one of the city’s signature dishes, creole crab.

Ride a boat around Estero Salado

Another activity you can do in Estero Salado is row-boating. When choosing a rowboat, you can rent a paddle or paddle on your own.

This 30-minute boat trip includes seeing the mangroves and some fishermen as well.

Go to the Monumental Fountains of Dancing Waters

While you’re in Estero Salado, you shouldn’t miss out on going to the Monumental Fountains of Dancing Waters.

The fountain has a geyser that shoots up to approximately 40 meters, while 64 pumps shoot the water up to about 20 meters. The waters are complemented with music, colors, and images.

Guayaquil Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan out your visit to Guayaquil, we listed places to visit and other amazing Guayaquil, Ecuador. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Guayaquil hotels and resorts via Agoda , Booking , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Guayaquil, Ecuador? Follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , Twitter ,  Instagram , Bloglovin, and Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

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The Top Things to See and Do in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Founder, Not Your Average American

Guayaquil is not only the largest city in Ecuador, but it is also where the majority of international companies come to do business. It has pockets of modernity and quaint stories of old-time smugglers just trying to make a living in the big city. The city is also home to turn-of-the-century buildings in the neoclassical style , green spaces shared with heat-loving land iguanas, and plazas where locals sit and enjoy the early evening drop in temperatures. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Malecón 2000.

The new Malecón 2000 has become the main attraction for many residents of Guayaquil. In the early mornings and late afternoons, families stroll the gardens or sit and enjoy a slight breeze while sipping on a cool drink. Tourists come to snap photos with the statues of Simón Bolivar and San Martin or with the large Guayaquil sign, each letter about six feet (1.8 meters) tall and decked with the sky blue and white colors of the city flag.

Iguana Park

Officially called Parque Seminario , this small green space in the heart of downtown Guayaquil is an attraction for both locals and international visitors. It is home to dozens of land iguanas. They congregate on tree limbs hanging over the path, on the tile bordering the small pond, and sometimes on the park benches themselves. If you want a close-up photo of an iguana, this is the best chance you will ever have.

Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil

Just outside the gates of Parque Seminario lies the majestic City Cathedral . Although a church has been in this spot since the early colonization of Ecuador, this current version was built in the early 20th century in the neoclassical style. Inside, locals, some at prayer and others escaping the heat, sit in the pews lined up with a view of the gorgeous altar.

Parque Histórico Guayaquil

The Historic Park of Guayaquil is home to a delightful outdoor zoo as well as a collection of historic buildings. Families with children may want to skip the buildings and head straight for the small zoo where the parrots and macaws perch themselves very close to the walkway without barriers, making for a great photo op.

The colorfully painted homes of the Las Peñas neighborhood are part of the daytime draw to this cute area. However, in the evenings, the location transforms into a vibrant bar scene. Local addresses are marked by the number on the step closest to your place of business. Look for Escalera 1 if you want to start at the beginning and make the entire trip up to Escalera 444. The best time of day to photograph the neighborhood is in the cool early morning or during the golden hour and sunset, but be careful with expensive equipment; pickpockets and thieves frequent this area.

Cerro Santa Ana

At the top of the walkway through the neighborhood of Las Peñas, at Step 444, lies the hilltop of Santa Ana. While the walk is half the fun, the views are even better, with those of Río Guayas, the city of Guayaquil, and the quaint neighborhood of Las Peñas greeting visitors. It is also possible to visit both the famous lighthouse and a small church.

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Museo Presley Norton

Of all the museums in Guayaquil , the Presley Norton Museum has the best collections of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Valdivia culture, who once lived along the coast of Ecuador. For archaeology buffs and history lovers, this museum provides insight into a civilization that remains unknown to most visitors from other countries.

Isla Santay

The Isla Santay National Recreation Area was created to protect both a habitat, primarily mangroves and wetlands, and a local community of about 200 individuals. Visitors can walk or bike the raised trails, canoe or kayak the local waterway, eat lunch in the small village, and learn about the local culture and environment. The relatively new pedestrian bridges on either end of the island make touring easier than ever before.

Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest is a private reserve created to protect a unique habitat, the tropical dry forest of coastal Ecuador. The reserve includes a loop hiking trail that leads to an established community of howler monkeys, a native species that has lost much of its prime habitat to human encroachment. The reserve is also home to 53 other species of animals, including jaguars and other types of wildcats, and more than 200 species of birds, nine of which are on the endangered species list.

Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute

The Manglares Churute Ecologic Reserve protects more than 35,000 hectares of endangered mangrove forests. Areas with mangroves make excellent locations for shrimp farms, and the government of Ecuador is attempting to protect some of the last primary mangrove forests before they all disappear. One of the best ways to explore this local reserve is by canoe or kayak, as many of the narrow waterways are some of the best locations to see shyer species of birds.

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Guayaquil is not only the beating commercial heart of Ecuador but a vibrant sprawling city, growing ever more confident. A half-dozen high-rises give it a big-city profile, and several hillsides are engulfed by colorful favelas, but it’s the Río Guayas’ malecón (the riverfront town square) that defines the city’s identity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo

Marking the end of the riverfront is the modern MAAC, a museum of anthropology and archaeology that hosts a superb permanent collection of pre-Colombian…

Malecón 2000

One of the most extensive urban-renewal projects in South America, Malecón 2000 is made up of monuments, playgrounds, sculptures, gardens and river views…

Cerro Santa Ana

One of Guayaquil's most iconic sights is this hillside enclave, which is dotted with brightly painted homes, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Follow the…

Plaza Lagos

One of Guayaquil's most charming and upscale settings for a bite or a drink is Plaza Lagos, a handsomely designed complex of restaurants, designer…

Parque Histórico Guayaquil

Colonial history meets the animal kingdom at this large site across the Puente Rafael Mendoza Aviles Bridge, east of Río Daule. The park is divided into…

Numa Pompilio Llona

This historic street, named after the well-known guayaquileño poet (1832–1907), begins at the northern end of the malecón, to the right of the stairs that…

Balcon Mirador Cerro Paraiso

If you'd prefer to get away from the crowds at Santa Ana Hill, this little known viewpoint offers staggering views over Guayaquil, including downtown, the…

You can climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse for spectacular 360-degree views of the city and its rivers. It's 444 taxing steps up through…

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Top 5 Tourist Attractions In Guayaquil, Ecuador

The largest and most populous city in Ecuador, Guayaquil is best known by travelers as the tour gateway to the Galapagos . Whether you’re traveling through on your way to the islands or just visiting Guayaquil, make sure to allow at least a couple of days to explore this city itself and the many tourist attractions Guayaquil has to offer- there is a lot to do in Guayaquil! The vibrant metropolis is becoming more popular than ever, with urban-renewal projects, a strong economy, growing arts and nightlife scene, and a steady flow of travelers who are making a destination out of this former stop-over point. Here are the top 5 attractions of this beautiful, riverfront city which one should consider including in any vacation you plan to Ecuador.

5 Top Guayaquil Tourist Attractions

Malecon 2000, Cityscape Of Guayaquil City At Sunset

1. Malecon 2000

Like many “malecons” in South America, walking along this riverfront path is the perfect thing to do when you first arrive in Guayaquil. With historic monuments, restaurants, gardens, outdoor concerts, a shopping mall, and even an iMax theater, there’s a little something for every type of visitor.

Building Facade Of The 19th Century In A National Park, Guayaquil

2. Parque Historico Guayaquil

This unique park honors all of the things that represent Guayaquil’s history- past and present. Divided into three zones (wildlife, traditions, and urban), you get a glimpse of how the different elements interact. In the wildlife zone, you’ll see 45 species of birds, animals, and reptiles in their natural habitat. In the urban architecture zone, you’ll find early 20th century relics and a restaurant. And lastly, in the traditions zone, you can learn about rural customs, crafts, and architecture found in Guayaquil. If you want to get a glimpse of everything in one spot, this is the place to go!

Las Penas Neighborhood In The City Of Guayaquil, Ecuador

3. Las Penas

Considered the best view in Guayaquil, Las Penas is a delightful attraction and often claimed as a visitor’s favorite thing to do in the city. However, there’s a catch: to witness the restored multicolored homes, 360-degree views of the city, and great bars and restaurants lining the path, you’re going to have to work for it. Reaching the top involves climbing 444 steps (each one numbered), and during the middle of the day, this can be a challenge for some. But take your time, stop along the way, and you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this gem. Tourist police line the path in case you need anything, and the lighthouse at the top will offer a breathtaking view of the city, and the coast of Ecuador , which makes it more than worth it.

4. Numa Pompilio Llona

Beginning at the northern end of the Malecon, explore this historical little street along which you’ll see former presidents’ homes, art galleries, and craft shops. Look for the subtle signs indicating which were the residences of past presidents, and admire the beautifully preserved architecture along the cute windy road.

Seminario Park (iguanas Park) And Metropolitan Cathedral Guayaquil, Ecuador

5. Parque Bolivar (formerly Parque Seminario, better known as Parque de las Iguanas)

If you thought the Galapagos was the only place in Ecuador to see exotic animals , think again! Located in the heart of downtown Guayaquil, this park is home to many land iguanas- some over a meter in length. It’s quite an unexpected sight to see, and a favorite thing to do in the city for locals and visitors alike.

Even if Guayaquil is just a stop on the way to your Galapagos Cruise , make sure to check out a couple of the things to see in the city that we listed above! With more tourist attractions in Guayaquil than ever, a day or two rest before flying home can be the perfect chance to get a little dose of the culture. Feel free to contact us to see how you can include a stay in Guayaquil in your Galapagos plans.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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Pacific Coast (Costa Region) > Guayas province > Guayaquil

Malecón del Salado is a linear park/boardwalk along the estuary Salado. It is a well-known place in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The area is distributed on two floors. Malecon del Salado has beautiful gardens, swimming pools, rest areas, outdoor plazas, pedestrian bridges, and a micro-theater named “La Bota”. This place is very popular with the locals, who visit ... Read more

Las Peñas neighborhood is a colorful colonial place located next to the Guayas River in Guayaquil. Located at the end of the Malecón 2000, in the Santa Ana Hill. It is the tradition of visitors to climb the stairs of Las Peñas to the top of the hill, where there is a beautiful viewpoint that ... Read more

Guayaquil Historical Park is a place where visitors can learn about the traditions and legends of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, major port, and leading commercial center. The park is made up of three parts: the Wildlife Zone that shows examples of local fauna and flora, the Traditions Zone with examples of construction ... Read more

20 Best things to do in Guayaquil

Wondering what are the top must-see places in Guayaquil, Ecuador? Here's your key to the city. A definitive guide of the best local spots. Discover the best things to do in the cosmopolitan city of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Tourist Attractions Map of (Guayaquil) Guayas, Ecuador

Here find a tourist map of the Pichincha province of Ecuador. Quito and its surrounding towns and attractions  ...

Tourist Attractions

Nearby places, location - map, what to do where to go top tourist attractions to see points of interest & landmarks.

Centenario Park

Parque Lago Recreational Area

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Guayaquil Tourist Attractions: Explore the cultural heritage and natural sites of our port city.

Words, Photos & Maps: Trail Forth Journal.

Guayaquil is a charming city for activities and tours. The city has fascinating places such as the Malecones, Torre Morisca, La Rotonda, Las Peñas neighbourhood , Iguana Park , Centenario Square, Palacio de Cristal, and other sites that are unique symbols of the city and Ecuador.

The Salado estuary and the Guayas River bathe this city. It is not the political capital. However, it is the financial capital of the country. It has the largest seaport in Ecuador. It is the country’s link to other latitudes, such as Panama, Taiwan and North America. 

Guayaquil tourist attractions

Its geographical location, it is the gateway to the Galapagos Islands and is the winner of several world travel awards. These include:  South America’s Leading City Break Destination  and  South America’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Destination . This city is also known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” . It is a place of countless architectural constructions of great national value, shopping centres and a varied national and international gastronomy. You must visit and enjoy the many activities , tours and excursions offered in Guayaquil.

Guayaquil tourist attractions.

Let's discover, guayaquil walking tour of the linear parks and boardwalks..

The boardwalks and linear parks are traditional for a walk in Guayaquil. Surrounded by rivers and estuaries, this city can be explored and crossed through its linear parks, boardwalks and bridges. There are two places to visit, the Malecon 2000 and the Malecon del Estero Salado.

The Malecón 2000 is the largest in the city. It connects to the Las Peñas neighbourhood and through Numa Pompillo Llona street you can reach Puerto Santa Ana. It is one of the most visited places in the city by both locals and foreigners. Here you will find important museums such as the MAAC and the Museo De Miniatura. And iconic places like the Torre Morísca, the Hemiciclo de La Rotonda and the Palacio de Cristal.

The Malecón del Estero Salado hosts theatrical activities: La Bota. The Plaza Rodolfo Baquerizo Moreno also hosts important events and is the starting point for boat trips on the Salado Estuary.

Religious sites tour in Guayaquil.

These immense buildings are notable for their Romanesque-Gothic design, their works of art and stained glass windows, as well as for the legends and acts of faith that surround them. These features have made them a tourist attraction for locals and foreigners alike.

In Guayaquil we find the Metropolitan Cathedral when we visit the churches. This building was built in 1547, next to the City Hall and the Plaza de Armas. Continuing our tour, we arrive at the Basilica de la Merced, located on Victor Manuel Rendón Street, between Córdova and Pedro Carbo. This temple, inspired by the Neo-Gothic-Byzantine school, was built in 1927. The church of San Francisco, known as Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. It was built of wood in 1702, but was destroyed by fire several times. It was restored in 1920, using stronger materials and respecting the details of its original construction.

Guayaquil Shopping Centre Tour.

Guayaquil has around 20 shopping centres spread throughout the city, offering visitors the best shopping experience and convenience. The first shopping centre built in the city was Policentro, founded in 1978 by the former President of the Republic, Jaime Roldós.

The following are some of the city’s shopping centres: San Marino, Mall del Sol, Mall del Río, Mall del Sur, Mall El Fortín, Ríocentro Norte, Ríocentro Sur, Policentro, Centro Comercial Plaza Mayor, Plaza Quil, Unicentro, Centro Comercial Albán Borja. Ríocentro Sur, City Mall, Policentro, Centro Comercial Plaza Mayor, Plaza Quil, Unicentro, Centro Comercial Albán Borja. Plaza Orellana Shopping Centre, La Piazza Ceibos, Plaza Triángulo, Malecón 2000, Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil.

Enjoy traditional gastronomy in Guayaquil.

It would be impossible to define Guayaquil’s gastronomy in a single word. What we can say is that its cuisine makes us fall even more in love with this city. The great gastronomic variety, the result of the fusion with other cultures and groups that have migrated to the city, has made the city a mixture of customs and traditions that are reflected in its gastronomic ingredients. The Porteño roots of this variety of dishes are infinite.

Some of the city’s typical dishes are: encebollado, described by the Taste Atlas as the second best soup in the world. There is also seco de chivo, caldo de manguera, pork sandwiches, bolón de verde, cangrejada and, of course, rice with roast meat and stews.

Tour en Guayaquil, landmarks.

Every city in the world has a place that identifies it. New York has the Statue of Liberty. London has Big Ben. Buenos Aires has the Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio. And Guayaquil also has its iconic places that make the city unique.

The Torre Morísca and the Hemicycle of the Rotonda are two monuments that are part of the historical heritage and cultural identity of this city. The Hemicycle of La Rotonda commemorates the meeting between Simón Bolívar and San Martín in Guayaquil. And the Torre Morísca, also known as the Public Clock, despite the fact that it has moved around the city. It has been Guayaquil’s constant companion since the days of the Paseo de las Colonias, now the Malecón 2000.

There is also the traditional Barrio Las Peñas, located on the Santa Ana hill, a place that can be visited along the Guayas River. Another iconic place is the Parque de las iguanas or Seminario.

Guayaquil tourist attractions map.

Tours in guayaquil., choose one of guayaquil's tours., guayaquil city walking tour: self-guided., guayaquil: city walking tour with local guide., guayaquil walking tour: culture and art., guayaquil bike tour: cocoa., download our map of tourist attractions in guayaquil..

Guayaquil is currently the largest and most populous city in Ecuador. Considered a vibrant city, cultural and economic centre on the Pacific coast, it is affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Pacific” and offers a unique blend of modernity, history and nature, making it a must-see destination for tourists from all over the world. Below we present a general tourist map of Guayaquil with some of its main tourist attractions that should be considered to be visited.

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