15 Best Things To Do In Guayaquil Ecuador


Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and main port, offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. As a bustling metropolis with a lively character, it serves as the gateway to the Pacific beaches and the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re just passing through or planning an extended stay, here are the 15 best things to do in Guayaquil.

### 1. Explore Malecón 2000
The Malecón 2000 is a must-visit waterfront boardwalk stretching for about 2.5 kilometers along the Río Guayas. It is perfect for a leisurely stroll with views of the river, and it’s dotted with monuments, gardens, museums, shopping malls, restaurants, and bars.

### 2. Visit Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
This urban park, commonly known as Iguana Park due to its large population of free-roaming iguanas, is located in the heart of Guayaquil. Apart from iguanas, you can spot turtles and various bird species. The park also features a charming pond and historical statues.

### 3. Climb Cerro Santa Ana
For panoramic views over Guayaquil and beyond, climb the 444 steps up Cerro Santa Ana. The colorful houses and bohemian vibe make it an enjoyable experience. At the top, you’ll find a lighthouse, chapel, and several eateries.

### 4. Discover Las Peñas Neighborhood
At the base of Cerro Santa Ana lies the neighborhood of Las Peñas, the oldest part of Guayaquil. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted colonial houses that host art galleries and cozy cafes.

### 5. Tour La Perla Ferris Wheel
Enjoy breathtaking views of Guayaquil from La Perla Ferris Wheel located on Malecón 2000. This attraction lights up at night providing a magical panorama of the cityscape.

### 6. Visit the Historical Park
Guayaquil’s Historical Park is both an educational resource and a conservation center that showcases Ecuadorian culture, architecture from late-19th to early-20th century urban Guayaquil as well as local wildlife in settings resembling various ecosystems.

### 7. Admire Art at Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (MAAC)
This museum is dedicated to preserving Ecuadorian cultures with extensive collections ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary Ecuadorian art.

### 8. Relax at Parque Histórico de Guayaquil
This park blends historical reconstruction with nature conservation aiming to recreate life on an early-20th-century coastal hacienda including typical vegetation of mangrove wetlands.

### 9. Enjoy Local Cuisine at Mercado del Río
Located near Malecón 2000 this gourmet market offers varieties of local and international cuisines making it perfect for food enthusiasts wanting to taste traditional dishes like encebollado or ceviche alongside craft beers or coffee.

###10: Shop at Mercado Artesanal
This artisans market is one of Ecuador’s largest offering everything from handmade crafts jewelry traditional clothing to indigenous artworks providing visitors with authentic souvenirs right in downtown Guayaqil

###11: Experience Nightlife in Zona Rosa
For those looking forward lively evenings Zona Rosa has numerous pubs clubs restaurants which become particularly active after dark offering varied entertainment options

###12: Take Day Trip Santay Island
Just short ferry ride away Santay Island provides peaceful escape city life featuring ecological trails wooden houses elevated pathways ideal spot bird watching biking

###13: Learn About City History Municipal Museum
Housed neoclassical building Municipal Museum displays extensive collection related history development region from pre-Hispanic times present day

###14: Watch Performance Teatro Sanchez Aguilar
Catch show Teatro Sanchez Aguilar which hosts wide range performances including theater concerts dance shows events showcasing both local international talent

###15: Wander through Botanical Garden
Located north city Botanical Garden offers tranquil environment explore diverse plant species endemic region such orchids bromeliads along themed gardens rainforest area

These activities highlight only part what makes visiting exploring unique exciting When planning trip remember pack comfortable shoes plenty water enjoy countless adventures await this dynamic South American destination