Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador, and the capital of the Guayas province. Located on the Pacific coast, it has a tropical climate, and is known as the "Pearl of the Pacific". It is the main port of the country, therefore, it is of great economic importance for the country. The city was named after an indigenous chief, "Guayas", and his wife, "Quil". Both preferred to die before surrendering to the Spanish.
Francisco de Orellana founded Guayaquil on the slopes of Cerro Santa Ana on July 25, 1534. At the top of this hill you can see cannons that were used to defend the city from pirate attacks. Few houses retain their original architecture, with defense walls facing the river. Many of these houses were built on different levels on the hill, very common for the Spanish and the Portuguese. The surroundings of the city offer the archaeological sites of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Valdivia, Machalilla, Chorrera, Guangala and Manteña. The Gulf of Guayaquil, the river, the monuments, museums, parks, and its exciting nightlife are part of this city.
Guayaquil is located on the western bank of the Guayas River, which empties into the Pacific Ocean into the Gulf of Guayaquil. Due to its location, the city is the center of Ecuador's business and manufacturing industries.
It is the main attraction and a symbol of the city. It is a mixture of green areas, commercial areas and the Guayas sailboat. It covers 2 1/2 km. Along the Guayas River, it is the large-scale urban regeneration project.
Considered as the architectural jewel of Guayaquil, it is located in front of the Malecon, here are the offices of municipal and provincial officials. Built in a neoclassical style, it is considered one of the most important architectural works in the country. Next to the municipality is the Government building, built in 1924 and completely renovated and maintained with the original facade.
It is the artistic center of Guayaquil, located in the northeast corner of the city center. Many of the area's 400-year-old houses have been converted into art galleries, and several notable artists have studios in the area.
It is a natural habitat and the perfect setting to bring the past to life. Inside we can find the history, cultural manifestations, fauna and flora of the region. It also has original pieces of ancient architecture from Guayaquil destroyed by some fires in the 19th century.
This is the largest plaza in Guayaquil, which covers four blocks from the city and has several monuments. The most important monument is the great central column crowned by Liberty and surrounded by the country's founding father - a monument to patriotism.
This dazzling white cemetery contains hundreds of huge tombs, monuments, and mausoleums. A walk, lined with palm trees, leads to the impressive tomb of President Vicente Rocafuerte.
También conocido como Parque de las Iguanas, su atractivo se debe a que en su interior habitan una gran cantidad de iguanas. Algunas miden hasta 1 ½ de largo, observe como estos reptiles suben por los árboles, y como se alimentan de vegetación, mientras posan para las cámaras.