10 Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador That You Should Try

Are you planning a trip to the Galapagos island with Guayaquil as your launching point? That may be a disservice to this vibrant and thrilling city of Guayaquil Ecuador. 

One of the most diverse Ecuadorian cities, Guayaquil is also the largest, with the metropolis sprawling over 1,000 square miles (2,590 square kilometers) and the most populous, with 2 million people. This South American city is usually considered a stepping stone, or a gateway, to the Galapagos Islands and beaches on the Pacific side of Ecuador and has improved its reputation as a tourist-friendly spot in the past decade. 

Visited by millions of people every year, Guayaquil is an excellent place to plan a short trip of a few days, offering many exciting experiences. It is now filled with exciting activities, creative architecture, and modern infrastructure, such as the Malecon 2000 riverside boardwalk. Home to the largest Ferris wheel in South America, Guayaquil is an ideal spot to spend vacations with your family.

Let’s zero in on these memorable sceneries and adventures for travelers to this remarkable port city. 

Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador – Activities 

1. La Perla Ferris Wheel

La Perla stands for “The Pearl.” It was built in 2015, introducing the largest Ferris wheel in South America, and became one of the main tourist attractions of Guayaquil. The Ferris wheel is around 57 meters high above the city. 

If you choose to ride on the giant Ferris wheel, the mesmerizing views of the river, city skyline, and boardwalk will keep you busy for the entire 12-minute rotation. Every gondola is equipped with air-conditioners, which is a relief from the hot weather outside. 

The whole activity would cost only around $5; if you visit during weekdays, it can get as low as $3.50.

2. Guayas River Cruise

If you want to get the ultimate experience of the Guayas River, get on the Henry Morgan pirate ship. The cruise is usually an hour long, but the views will make sure you won’t get bored. We recommend taking the riverboat ride at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the sunset. 

Drinks and food will be served during the whole trip. However, to improve the overall experience, pay an extra $8 on top of the $7 ticket price to get access to a free-flowing open bar.

3. Cycling at Isla Santay

Isla Santay is a small island located near Guayaquil. It is a great escape from heavy traffic and crowded city areas. The pedestrian bridge connects the city to the island, where no cars can pass. 

You can walk or cycle to the island through a 2,789-foot-long (850 meters) bridge. 

Upon reaching the island, you will find amazing sights and plenty of activities. There is a tropical forest, a mangrove swamp, and palm canopies filled with more than a hundred different birds. After passing through the bridge, you will have to walk around 2 more kilometers to reach the island’s main area. 

The entrance to the island is free. However, renting a bike would cost around $4 for 3 hours. 

4. Explore Downtown

Exploring the whole downtown area requires at least a day. There are many places, such as the Municipal Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Iglesia San Francisco church, and Parque Del Centenario. The half-day city tour is also available if you want a guide to help you along the way. 

It starts at 9:00 a.m. and costs around $18 per person. 

Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador – Sights 

5. Malecon 2000

Malecon 2000 is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Guayaquil. With a 1.6 mile-long (2.5 km) riverfront, this charming promenade is an amazing spot to spend some time admiring the beauty of the river Guayas. There are gardens, museums, monuments, shopping complexes, and much more. 

If you want everything in one place, Malecon is the place to be. 

6. Las Peñas

As Guayaquil’s oldest neighborhood, Las Peñas is quite popular among tourists for its 444 steps ascending to the top of Santa Ana Hill. The treat for completing all 444 steps is the amazing views of Guayaquil and the Guayas river. 

Numa Pompilio Llona is a scenic cobblestoned street flanked by colorful heritage homes that the government reconstructed early in the previous century. Revel in its colonial ambiance as you enjoy a stroll along this historical street.

7. Parque Historico

Parque Historico is for people who want to learn about Guayaquil’s heritage, culture, and fauna. The park’s entrance fee, $4 for adults and $2 per child, will be well worth it.

The park is divided into 3 sections: Wildlife zone, Urban zone, and Traditional area. You can enjoy Ecuadorian fauna roaming near the boardwalk trail in the wildlife zone. The Urban zone is where you can find the museum and old architecture restored to make it more attractive. 

Lastly, the Traditional area will give you an experience of rural Ecuadorian life. 

8. Parque De Las Iguanas

As the name suggests, Parque de las Iguanas is famous for its large iguanas roaming in the park. The place has multiple names. It is also known as Park Bolivar or Parque Seminario. 

Parque De Las Iguanas is only 3 blocks away from Malecon 2000 and is a great spot to spend a few hours. 

Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador – Food and Drinks

9. Cangrejo Criollo

Cangrejo Criollo is the local crab dish. Local Ecuadorians love to eat it for dinner. The best place to try the dish is in Pata Gorda restaurant, which serves the crab at around $12. 

10. Pilsener

Pilsener is the national beer of Ecuador. You can enjoy the drink at almost any restaurant in Ecuador, but the place to enjoy it is Casa Pilsener, a Pilsener-themed restaurant with a great atmosphere.

How To Get to Guayaquil Ecuador

There are 3 ways to get to Guayaquil, Ecuador: by bus, plane, and car.

• By Bus

Bus is the easiest and most fun way to travel to the city. If traveling from Quito, head to the main terminal. Buses leave every half hour for an 8-hour trip to Guayaquil. 

Other popular cities, such as Cuenca, also have bus services. 

The total trip from Cuenca costs around $5.35. 

• By Plane

If you want to travel by air, you can fly to the main international airport of Guayaquil, Jose Joaquin de Olmedo. It is located only a 10-minute drive away from the Guayaquil downtown area. Air travel would be quite affordable if you travel from within the country. 

Flights to Guayaquil from Quito and Cuenca cost around $60 to $90, depending on how long in advance you book.

• By Car

To get to Guayaquil by car from the capital Quito, head towards the Pan-American Highway until you reach the Alóag route. From there, move west towards Santo Domingo de Los Colorado. 

Now head to E25 south to Quevedo. The road will take you to Guayaquil through Babahoyo.

What is the Weather Like in Guayaquil?

Guayaquil has 2 kinds of weather throughout the year. It’s rainy from January to May and dry with hot sun from June to December. The best time to visit Guayaquil is late May to mid-October and enjoy the summer activities. 

Where To Stay in Guayaquil Ecuador

Malecon 2000 

Malecon is part of downtown Guayaquil and is quite safe to stay in. The place is quite popular for its location, as you can get to almost anywhere without traveling long distances. The best hotels for you to stay in this area are as follows. 

Hotel del Centro

Hotel del Centro is located within a 5-minute walk or 164 feet (50 meters) of local restaurants, bars, shops, and other entertainment options. Accommodations include a double room with two single beds, subject to taxes and charges.

Amenities include a balcony with a city view, air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.

Hotel Ramada 

The Hotel Ramada is located in the center of downtown Guayaquil, a 4-star hotel overlooking the Malecón Gardens and the Guayas river. Hotel facilities include an indoor pool, solarium, sauna, and fitness center. 

Prices may vary according to the booking date and room type.

Guayaquil City Center

Guayaquil City Center gets the largest number of tourists in the city. It also includes the Malecon 2000. If you cannot find a hotel within Malecon 2000, staying in the nearby hotel within the city center is a great alternative. Some of the best hotels here include:

Hotel Alexander

The highly-rated GH Alexander Hotel is centrally located 0.62 mi (1 km) from the west bank of the Guayas River and close to many of the city’s main attractions, such as Biblioteca Municipal de Guayaquil, a 10-minute walk away. 

A superior double or twin room with a choice of a large double bed or 2 single beds comes with air conditioning, flat screen TV, en suite bathroom, and free WiFi.

Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels

Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels is a 5-star hotel that offers more popular amenities, including free WiFi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. 

A standard queen room for 2 adults features a large double bed and free breakfast.

Las Peñas

Las Peñas, located northwest of downtown Guayaquil, is another great place to stay. You will be close to many great restaurants, museums, and, best of all, Santa Ana Hills. The best accommodation options in this area are: 

Hotel Boutique Mansion del Rio

The elegant mansion from the 1920s transformed into a Hotel Boutique Mansion del Rio, which features luxurious marbled interiors and panoramic terrace views of the Guayas River. 

Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil

If you want to get the celebrity treatment with world-class service, book this 4-star Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil, located around 50 mi (80 km) from the Montañita Beach area and 3 mi (4.8 km) from the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Guayaquil Ecuador – Safety Concerns

Safety has been a major issue in Guayaquil in the past decade. The threat still roams the streets, but you can avoid them by taking certain precautionary measures. 

Pickpocketing and scamming are the 2 most common crimes in the city. To reduce the chances of getting targeted by criminals, ensure you do not walk alone on the streets at night, ask your hotel to call a taxi, and avoid flashing your valuables. 

Important Tips To Enjoy Guayaquil Ecuador

Here are the 5 most important travel tips you should consider while visiting Guayaquil, Ecuador:

• Guayaquil Independence Day is celebrated in October. Visit during this month to enjoy Ecuador’s most artistic and cultural events. 
• If you love shopping, stay in the area of Malecon 2000. 
• Guayaquil is less safe than other cities in Ecuador, so keep your valuables at home while visiting areas with few crowds. 
• Use Uber and Cabify for travel around the city. They are much safer than other transportation. 
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Guayaquil Ecuador

Is Guayaquil Safe for Tourists?

Guayaquil, Ecuador, is not the safest place in Ecuador. However, if you stick to the right areas and take all the precautionary measures, you can escape any unwanted situation.

What Is Guayaquil Ecuador Known For?

Guayaquil is known for its reconstructed colonial structures for the Malecon 2000 riverfront promenade, among other attractions. It is also quite famous for its large iguanas, which can reach up to one meter in length, some of which are on view at downtown Seminario Park. 

You can also take day trips or overnight excursions from Guayaquil to nearby destinations, such as Galapagos Islands, Cotopaxi National Park, or Cuenca Cathedral. 

What Is the Crime Rate in Guayaquil, Ecuador?

Guayaquil’s crime index (71.80) is higher than Quito’s (61.49), considered one of Ecuador’s safest cities. However, as big cities, they share similar concerns, like the prevalence of petty crimes, especially in certain neighborhoods. 

Traveling safely in Guayaquil can be a breeze if you take the basic precautions to protect yourself against crime. 

Does Guayaquil Have a Beach?

No, Guayaquil has no beaches of its own since it is not located along the coast. The nearest beach outside the city is Playas de General Villamil in Guayas province, which is 60 mi (96 km) away on a 1.5- hour car drive. 

If you love water sports like parasailing and surfing, Punta Carnero in Salinas is a good destination as it is a regular venue for surfing competitions.

Conclusion – Guayaquil Ecuador

Whether you’re looking for the best ceviche in town, seeking to experience the treks to its famous nature reserves, or simply wanting to chill on the nearby beaches, Guayaquil has it all for you. 

With this overview of what this must-visit city offers, you may be packing up for an extended vacation now. Safe travels, and enjoy Ecuador!

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