Founded in 1535, this country´s largest city (pop. 2.7 million) and business capital sits on the steamy Pacific coast, near where Guayas River drains into the ocean, and except for business travelers it´s not as popular a destination as, say the Galápagos, Quito, and Cuenca. But Guayaquil is still very much worth a visit, starting with this quintet of highlights:
Santa Ana Hill
One of Guayaquil’s oldest neighborhoods and a cornerstone of the city’s history, the 60-meter-high (197-foot) Cerro Santa Ana (top) is believed to be the site of its original settlement in the 16th century. Once neglected, it has been carefully restored and is now a major tourist draw. Visitors climb its famous 444 steps to reach colorful houses, cafés, art galleries, and scenic viewpoints. At the summit stand the El Faro lighthouse and a small chapel, offering sweeping views of the river as well as the modern city skyline. It also connects to the Malecón 2000 waterfront (see below), reinforcing its role as cultural gateway.
Las Peñas
The city´s most famous historic (and picturesque) neighborhood also dates back to the city’s colonial origins, and was shaped by rebuilding after the great fire of 1896. Today its wooden, pastel-colored houses, art galleries, museums, and cafés make it a vibrant destination, especially in the evening. Cobblestone streets host cultural events, music, and local craft shops, creating a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere. At the top stands the Santa Ana staircase, linking Las Peñas directly to Santa Ana Hill and its lighthouse overlook. Together, both areas form a single heritage district that blends Guayaquil’s early history with its tourism and cultural life.
Malecón 2000
Inaugurated as the name suggests in the year 2000, Guayaquil’s signature riverfront promenade stretches 2.5 kilometers (about a mile and a half) along the Guayas River, transforming a once deteriorated waterfront into a modern public space and major tourist attraction. Today it draws visitors with gardens, monuments, shopping areas, museums, and panoramic river views. Key highlights include La Rotonda monument (commemorating the 1822 meeting here between South American liberation heroes Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín), the MAAC museum of anthropology, an IMAX theater, crystal palaces, playgrounds, and food courts. Clean, safe, and scenic, Malecón 2000 is a central meeting place for locals and a must-see landmark for anyone visiting Guayaquil. It also connects directly to Las Peñas and Santa Ana Hill.
Built in 1999, the Parque Histórico Guayaquil recreates Ecuador’s past through architecture, nature, and traditions. Its eight hectares (20 acres) are divided into three zones: urban, which displays restored 19th- and early 20th-century buildings; rural, which presents traditional haciendas and farming life; and wildlife, which protects native mangroves and fauna. Visitors can explore historic homes, observe animals, enjoy boat rides, and attend cultural events. Its blend of education, recreation, and conservation makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Iguana Park
More properly known as Seminario Park, this little swath of downtown in front of the magnificent Cathedral of Guayaquil is home to a large equestrian monument to Simon Bolivar, but its best known for its population of hundreds of placid green iguanas. all over - in the grass, on the pavements, in the trees, even on the Bolívar statue. A singular experience!
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