DESTINATIONS > ECUADOR > THE COASTAL REGION > GUAYAQUIL

Santiago de Guayaquil , the principal port of Ecuador, is located in the border of the Guayas River. Called the Pearl of the Pacific, this city offers a variety of beautiful historical places to visit. Fragata Guayas (sailing ship seen on image) is one of the many things to see.

Guayaquil is the most important marine port and largest commercial city in Ecuador. About 75% of Ecuador’s international transactions go through this modern city. This coastal city has passed through many an historical drama, including ravages by pirates, fires, and disease. Guayaquil has managed to come through all these setbacks with its coastal spirit strongly intact. Visits here include the Rotonda along the waterfront of the Guayas River, the Parque Seminario—locally known as Iguana Park—and a walk through Las Peñas’ colonial district for a visit to one of the most colorful neighborhoods of the city.

	Guayaquil City Tour Enjoy a general view of the city with a combination of panoramic views and visits to specific attractions like Parque Seminario, locally known as The Iguana’s Park, here you will have an opportunity to see hundreds of large iguanas living peacefully among the park visitors.  Continue to the Guayas River Waterfront, walk from the Cristal Palace to the Rotonda, passing by the classical Moorish Tower, the Governor’s office Building and then follow to the charming St. Anne’s Hill, where the city was born; a picturesque neighborhood of small wooden houses painted in bright colors with the best view of the city.  On the way back to the hotel pass by the Estuary Pier Park, and the famous Cementery with its classical statues and luxurious mausoleums.
	Guayaquil Historical Park Located outside of the city, this park includes  the Urban.Architecture zona that intends a reconstruction of the urban life of Guayaquil during the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Fashion and clothing from Guayaquil; the manufacture of sweets, tobacco and other products derived from agricultural activities. The Traditions Exhibition zone lets you meet face to face with the past rural world that often feels too far away for us to ever really know, the exhibition includes gardens, a farm house, handicraft center and rural architecture.  To complement the previous shows, there is the Endangered Wildlife exhibition covering almost 4 hectares, recreates the natural habitat of animals that lived in this region and houses more than 50 species of birds, mammals and reptiles.