Best of Guayaquil

Guayaquil is both the largest city in Ecuador and its economic engine, home to looming high-rises and a fast-growing population. A beautifully revitalized riverfront, excellent museums and historic hillside neighborhoods are the main attractions, while some spectacular coastline lies just outside the city. The tropical vibe, unique cuisine (heavily leaning towards seafood) and intriguing history make Guayaquil a fascinating counterpoint to the highland city of Quito. 

On a city tour, you can see the Malecón, the waterfront along the Río Guayas that’s much loved by locals. Here you’ll find open-air restaurants, leafy parks and gardens, historical monuments and a wide promenade stretching for 1.6 miles (2.5km) with views over the churning waterway. Just above the waterfront, the neighborhoods of Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana are full of brightly painted homes, galleries, cafes and staircase-like lanes where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city. Outside of Guayaquil, you can explore Churute Mangrove Reserve, home to the nation’s densest collection of red and black mangroves, and a hotspot for viewing aquatic birds and other wildlife.