If you are planning to visit Guayaquil, the largest and most populous city in Ecuador, you might be wondering what are the main tourist attractions in this vibrant metropolis. Guayaquil is not only a gateway to the Galapagos Islands, but also a destination that offers a rich cultural and natural heritage, as well as a variety of entertainment options. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss when you are in Guayaquil.
» Malecón 2000: This is a 2.5-kilometer (1.6-mile) boardwalk along the Guayas River that features gardens, monuments, museums, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. It is a great place to enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline, as well as to learn about the history and culture of Guayaquil. Some of the highlights of Malecón 2000 are the MAAC Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art, the Crystal Palace, the Rotonda Monument, and the Henry Morgan Pirate Ship.
» Parque Histórico Guayaquil: This is a unique park that honors all of the things that represent Guayaquil’s history- past and present. It consists of three zones: wildlife, traditions, and urban architecture. In the wildlife zone, you can see native animals such as monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and turtles in their natural habitats. In the traditions zone, you can experience the rural life of Guayaquil in the 19th and 20th centuries, with replicas of farms, houses, workshops, and crafts. In the urban architecture zone, you can admire the colonial and republican buildings that were relocated from the city center to preserve them.
» Las Peñas: This is the oldest neighborhood in Guayaquil, dating back to the 16th century. It is located on a hill overlooking the river and the city, and it is characterized by colorful houses, narrow streets, art galleries, cafes, and bars. The main attraction of Las Peñas is the Santa Ana Hill, where you can climb 444 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of Guayaquil. On your way up, you can also visit the lighthouse, the chapel, and the naval museum.
» Parque Bolivar: This is also known as Parque de las Iguanas (Iguana Park) because of the large number of iguanas that live there. It is located in front of the Cathedral of Guayaquil, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and watch these fascinating reptiles. The park also has a pond with turtles and fish, as well as statues of Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, who met in Guayaquil in 1822 to discuss the independence of South America.
» Reserva Ecológica Manglar Churute: This is a natural reserve that protects one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in Ecuador. It is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Guayaquil, and it covers an area of 49,383 hectares (121,999 acres). The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including crabs, oysters, shrimps, dolphins, birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. You can explore the reserve by taking a canoe trip through the dark mangrove forests or by hiking on one of the trails that lead to waterfalls and lagoons.