Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. This article also covers Durán, which is a UNESCO Creative City on the other side of the river.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Guayaquil is a sea port, and its personality derives much from that fact. Also, the climate is hot and humid. These two factors give the city a 'Caribbean' soul, where foreigners are usually well received, tropical music rules and seafood is a must do. An old travel book once counted the attractions in Guayaquil as one: "The Public Cemetery". Not so, anymore; the city has undergone a great change as a result of great efforts made by the city administrators.
Metrovía is a modern bus rapid transit (BRT) system that runs mostly from north to south and east to west of the city. The fare per ride costs 25 cents (as of 2017). You can use either cash or an electronic card (la Tarjeta Metrovía) to pay. It is a reliable and easy-to-navigate transport system; has modern buses and stops. It offers a good connection between downtown and to the main bus terminal and the airport. The Rio Daule terminal is across the street from the main bus terminal and some blocks away (around 15 minutes walking) from the airport. Match the code of the bus (e.g. T1, CS, T3) with the station where are you heading to, since not all buses stop at all stations.
These places are located in the downtown area, near the main hotels and at the heart of the regenerated area, a very secure walk. The 1 Malecon Simón Bolivar. It is a long park beside the chocolaty Rio Guayas ("Guayas River"), with shops, an IMAX theater, gardens, and a beautiful view of the river and downtown. From north to south: La Planchada - a bastion sort of point with cannons that could be fired at pirate ships. MAAC : Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo Museum - contemporary art, ceramics, archaeological exhibits. Cinemamalecón - 4k streaming in a 3D movie theater LA PERLA "Rueda Moscovita" - Ferris wheel Jardines del Malecón Simón Bolivar Hemicycle De La Rotonda - a tribute…
"Captain Morgan", rides up and down the Rio Guayas aboard a pirate ship. You can catch it at Malecon Simón Bolivar. Bring out your inner pirate. Traditionally, Salinas has been the main beach, but since 2008 General Villamil Playas has attracted a big part of the local and international tourism. Fishing, surfing, and other water sports. Many modern hotels and delicious sea food. Interesting night life. Wonderful whalewatching during June to September. These are both quite a distance from the city, along the coast. 1 Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco (about 15 km west of city on Route E40). 08ː00-16ː00 daily. Hilly forest reserve where you can do some hiking.
There are many traditional dishes to try, such as encebollado, seco de pollo, ceviche, and caldo de salchicha. There are also many international fast food chains throughout the city such as Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Pollo Tropical. Parrillada del Ñato; foods such pizza, grilled meat, and more are served. Red Crab. Coastal food: fish, crabs, shrimp; a big variety of dishes and combinations. A little pricey for the medium. Has two locations: 1. in Urdesa: Av. V.E.Estrada 1205 y Laureles. 2. in Samborondón: Plaza Nova, Km. 2,5 vía a Samborondón.
Great nightlife; you can go to 5 or more discos in one night, and don't need to travel much. The usual price for entering is $10-$15 consumable, depending on where you go. Usually the parties there last to 04:00. but you can always find something else to do in this city. Visit the "Zona Rosa", located at the secure regenerated area, with several options of night life. Several brands of beer are available. El Gran Yate, Alborada (close to Dreamkapture). Crabs and beers, $1 a crab Bar los 80s, Local 12A, Av Las Monjas (in Aventura Plaza), ☏ +593 4 222 0203. Retro bar. Large iguana statue outside the Aventura Plaza center. Other bars and eateries here too. (updated Nov 2020)
Guayaquil is considered to be a dangerous place as of 2018. There is violent crime, and women travelers should be particularly careful. The port area and south Guayaquil are especially dangerous. Be aware in Plaza Centenario, especially when it is very crowded. If going up the Las Peñas - use only the main, wide staircase. It is a favela, multiple armed robberies were reported by tourists on smaller streets and staicases there. The U.S. Department of State warned in 2018 that: "Visitors should exercise extreme caution in the downtown area and the southern part of Guayaquil.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Guayaquil typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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