Guayaquil, Ecuador

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After the Incans expanded their empire to include Guayaquil in the late 15th century, they had no idea that just 50 years later the conquistadors would arrive in the small village located on the Rio Guayas. Founded by the Spanish in 1547, this waterfront town would originally be named, "The Very Nobel and Very Loyal City of Santiago of Guayaquil." However, legend says that it's named for Guayas, a brave indigenous leader who refused to surrender to the Spanish conquerors and, instead, killed his wife Quil before drowning himself in the river.

Through the centuries the city has become the country's largest home to almost three million people; it's also the country's largest port and leading economic center with bananas, cocoa and coffee and shrimp as leading exports. The city offers glimpses into its past and present. Excursions to Las Peñas reward you with colonial architecture and outstanding views. Strolls along the Malecon 2000 dotted with shops, restaurants and activities. Guayaquil is also your gateway to the prominent artisan centers in the Northern Highlands.

Read More about Guayaquil, Ecuador description

Points of Interest

  • La Rotonda
  • Barrio las Peñas
  • Malecon
  • Parque Seminario
  • Hacienda
  • Panama Hat Showroom
  • Tropical Flower Farm
  • Historical Park Guayaquil

More about Guayaquil, Ecuador Points of Interest

  • La Rotonda

    The Malecon's central area is home to the historic Civic Plaza, featuring grand sculptures and the Moorish Clock Tower. The plaza's crown jewel is La Rotonda, a spectacular semicircular monument commemorating the meeting of two Latin American liberators, Simon Bolivar and San Martin.

  • Barrio las Peñas

    Located at the foot of the Santa Ana hill is an area of the city with a coastal colonial architecture. Destroyed and reconstructed several times as a consequence of fires, in particular the great fire of 1896. Recently restored, this section of the city is charmingly historic.

  • Malecon

    The northern section of this new waterfront promenade boasts plazas, water fountains, an antique Ecuadorian train and an expansive playground.

  • Parque Seminario

    Sometimes still referred to by its old name of Parque Bolìvar and famous for the iguanas that make occasional appearances out of the trees and shrubs. The west side of the square is dominated by the huge, gleaming white Cathedral, a neo-Gothic confections of spires, arches and tall pointy windows.

  • Hacienda

    More than two million metric tons of cacao are produced every year in the tropical areas of Ecuador and are mainly exported to Europe. Take the route towards the beach to find one of the haciendas that are dedicated to the farming of cacao and bananas.

  • Panama Hat Showroom

    Learn about this traditional, lightweight brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin. Produced since the 17th century, they gained popularity when photographed being worn by President Theodore Roosevelt. The art of weaving these hats was recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

  • Tropical Flower Farm

    The region's topography and location along the equator make it one of the best areas to grow flowers. Home to an incredibly diverse range of exotic plant species such as indigenous ferns and colorful orchids, local growers export their products worldwide.

  • Historical Park Guayaquil

    One of the most interesting and beloved landmarks in Guayaquil is its Historical Park.Three distinct and equally fascinating zones comprise the Historical Park. The first is the wildlife zone, dedicated to the rich diversity of flora and fauna of the Guayaquil area and accessed through a raised path to leave the natural wonders undisturbed. The second is the urban architecture area, devoted to the flourishing urban history of Guayaquil. The last zone, the traditions area, focuses on the rituals and lives of the region's rural communities.

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