Guayaquil is a vibrant city located on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and numerous attractions, it is a must-visit destination for any traveler. In this three-day travel guide, we will show you the best things to do and see in Guayaquil, along with some travel tips, recommended routes, and suggestions for accommodation and food.
Day 1: Exploring the Historic Center
On your first day in Guayaquil, start your adventure by exploring the city’s historic center, known as the «Malecon 2000». This area is a lively waterfront promenade that offers breathtaking views of the Guayas River and the city skyline.
What to see:
- The Moorish Clock Tower: Built in 1842, this clock tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Guayaquil. Climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- The Metropolitan Cathedral: This neoclassical cathedral dates back to the 16th century and is home to some of the most impressive religious artworks in Ecuador.
- The Municipal Palace: This beautiful building houses the offices of the Mayor and the Municipal Council. Its architecture reflects the city’s colonial past.
- The Malecon Gardens: Take a stroll through the gardens and admire the sculptures, fountains, and greenery. Don’t miss the colorful iguanas that roam freely in the park!
Routes:
You can follow the «Malecon 2000» route, which starts at the Moorish Clock Tower and ends at the Santa Ana Hill, or you can take the «Historic Center» route, which covers the main landmarks in the area. Both routes are easy to navigate and offer plenty of opportunities for taking photos and enjoying the sights.
Where to sleep:
For a comfortable stay in the historic center, we recommend the Hotel Oro Verde, located on Avenida 9 de Octubre. This 5-star hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent service, and stunning views of the river.
Where to eat:
For a taste of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, head to «La Canoa» restaurant, located on Calle Numa Pompilio Llona. This cozy eatery serves delicious dishes such as ceviche, empanadas, and loco moco, and also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Day 2: Nature and Culture
On your second day in Guayaquil, immerse yourself in the city’s natural and cultural attractions. Start early in the morning to make the most of your day.
What to see:
- The Guayaquil Historical Park: This park is a living museum that showcases the flora, fauna, and culture of the coastal region of Ecuador. You can see animals such as giant tortoises, howler monkeys, and Andean bears, as well as traditional houses and crops.
- The Las Peñas Neighborhood: This picturesque neighborhood is located on the slopes of Santa Ana Hill and is characterized by its colorful houses, art galleries, and small cafes. Climb up the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city.
- The Malecon del Salado: This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the local vibe. You can walk or bike along the river, watch the boats pass by, and try some street food.
Routes:
You can take the «Nature and Culture» route, which covers the Guayaquil Historical Park and the Las Peñas Neighborhood, or you can combine it with the «Malecon del Salado» route for a longer walk. Both routes are safe and offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and learning about the local culture.
Where to sleep:
If you want to be close to the Guayaquil Historical Park, we recommend the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel, located on Calle Numa Pompilio Llona. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
Where to eat:
For a unique dining experience, head to «La Taberna del Pirata» restaurant, located on Calle Numa Pompilio Llona. This pirate-themed eatery serves delicious seafood dishes and cocktails, and has a fun atmosphere.
Day 3: Relaxing and Shopping
On your last day in Guayaquil, take it easy and enjoy some leisure time. You can go shopping, visit a museum, or simply relax at a spa.
What to see:
- The Mall del Sol: This is the largest shopping mall in Guayaquil, and offers a wide range of local and international brands, as well as cinemas and restaurants.
- The Nahim Isaias Museum: This museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian and colonial art, as well as temporary exhibitions. It is located in the heart of the city and has free admission.
- The Oro Verde Spa: This luxurious spa is located in the Hotel Oro Verde and offers a variety of treatments and services, such as massages, facials, and hydrotherapy.
Routes:
You can take the «Shopping» route, which includes the Mall del Sol and other shopping areas in the city, or you can combine it with a visit to the Nahim Isaias Museum or the Oro Verde Spa. Both options are great for relaxing and enjoying some downtime.
Day 2: Nature and Culture
On your second day in Guayaquil, immerse yourself in the city’s natural and cultural attractions. Start early in the morning to make the most of your day.
What to see:
- The Guayaquil Historical Park: This park is a living museum that showcases the flora, fauna, and culture of the coastal region of Ecuador. You can see animals such as giant tortoises, howler monkeys, and Andean bears, as well as traditional houses and crops.
- The Las Peñas Neighborhood: This picturesque neighborhood is located on the slopes of Santa Ana Hill and is characterized by its colorful houses, art galleries, and small cafes. Climb up the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city.
- The Malecon del Salado: This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the local vibe. You can walk or bike along the river, watch the boats pass by, and try some street food.
Routes:
You can take the «Nature and Culture» route, which covers the Guayaquil Historical Park and the Las Peñas Neighborhood, or you can combine it with the «Malecon del Salado» route for a longer walk. Both routes are safe and offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and learning about the local culture.
Where to sleep:
If you want to be close to the Guayaquil Historical Park, we recommend the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel, located on Calle Numa Pompilio Llona. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
Where to eat:
For a unique dining experience, head to «La Taberna del Pirata» restaurant, located on Calle Numa Pompilio Llona. This pirate-themed eatery serves delicious seafood dishes and cocktails, and has a fun atmosphere.
Day 3: Relaxing and Shopping
On your last day in Guayaquil, take it easy and enjoy some leisure time. You can go shopping, visit a museum, or simply relax at a spa.
What to see:
- The Mall del Sol: This is the largest shopping mall in Guayaquil, and offers a wide range of local and international brands, as well as cinemas and restaurants.
- The Nahim Isaias Museum: This museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian and colonial art, as well as temporary exhibitions. It is located in the heart of the city and has free admission.
- The Oro Verde Spa: This luxurious spa is located in the Hotel Oro Verde and offers a variety of treatments and services, such as massages, facials, and hydrotherapy.
Routes:
You can take the «Shopping» route, which includes the Mall del Sol and other shopping areas in the city, or you can combine it with a visit to the Nahim Isaias Museum or the Oro Verde Spa. Both options are great for relaxing and enjoying some downtime.
Where to sleep:
If you want to be close to the Mall del Sol, we recommend the Hilton Colon Guayaquil hotel, located on Avenida Francisco de Orellana. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a casino.
Where to eat:
For a delicious and affordable meal, head to «El Churrasco» restaurant, located on Avenida Francisco de Orellana. This popular eatery serves grilled meats, salads, and local dishes, and has a friendly atmosphere.
Travel Tips in Guayaquil
Before you visit Guayaquil, here are some travel tips that can help you make the most of your trip:
- Bring comfortable shoes, as the city has many steep hills and stairs.
- Be careful when walking at night, especially in less touristy areas.
- Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent stomach problems.
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases, as not everyone speaks English.
- Use taxis or Uber for transportation, and negotiate the price before getting in.
Free Tours in Guayaquil
If you want to explore the city with a local guide, there are several free walking tours available in Guayaquil. These tours are led by volunteers and are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture. Some of the most popular tours include:
- The Malecon 2000 Tour: This tour covers the main attractions along the Malecon 2000 promenade and lasts about 2 hours.
- The Las Peñas Tour: This tour takes you through the colorful Las Peñas neighborhood and up to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city.
- The Food Tour: This tour introduces you to the local cuisine and takes you to some of the best street food stalls in the city.
For more information on these tours, visit the official tourism website of the city of Guayaquil: https://marcaguayaquil.com/en/
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about traveling to Guayaquil:
- What is the best time to visit Guayaquil? The best time to visit Guayaquil is from June to September, when the weather is dry and mild.
- Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador? It depends on your nationality. Check with the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate in your country.
- Is Guayaquil safe for tourists? Guayaquil is generally safe for tourists, but like any big city, it has some areas that are more dangerous than others. Avoid walking alone at night and be aware of your surroundings.
- What is the currency in Ecuador? The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
- What is the official language in Ecuador? The official language in Ecuador is Spanish, but many people also speak English.
Guayaquil is a fascinating city that offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and leisure. In this three-day travel guide, we have shown you some of the best things to do and see in Guayaquil, along with travel tips, recommended routes, and suggestions for accommodation and food. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, you will find something to enjoy in this vibrant and welcoming city.
