Guayaquil

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 Malecon Simón Bolivar. It is a long park beside the Rio Guayas "Guayas River", with shops, an IMAX theater, gardens, and a beautiful view of both the river and downtown.

The "Malecon del Salado" located next to the "Estero Salado" an estuary of sea water, here you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sunsets, with restaurants of typical food, all framed within a very safe new park.

The renewed downtown area Area regenerada, very secure to walk and look around.

Museums Museo Municipal, Museo Nahim Isaias, MAAC and Presley Northon Museum are located in the center of the downtown

Santa Ana & El Carmen hills

you can see almost the whole city from here. You can walk up the 400 odd steps to the top from the Malecon Simón Bolivar. There is a lighthouse, museum, small chapel and park at the top. Along the stairs, vendors sell water, ice cream and other snacks.

Las Peñas

where the city was founded, was actually rebuilt and painted bright colors where most of Guayaquil's colonial buildings are.

Parks, we recommend to visit the "Parque de las Iguanas" downtown, which is home to hundreds of tame iguanas, some fish in a pond and a black squirrel or two, and do not forget some turtles.

The Central Bank Building

has several giant paintings on the outside of the building.

Markets

you can visit the "Mercado Artesanal", where you can buy some very cheap souvenirs from all regions of Ecuador. Near the Malecon Simón Bolivar.

The cemetery north from the centre has few impressing graves and statues as well as plenty of more normal graves. Worth a visit if you're into graveyards.

Other interesting places near Guayaquil:

"Parque Histórico"

an interesting recreation of the early 20th century years of Guayaquil, the look, the people and the food. Includes a small zoo.

"Crucero Discovery"

rides up and down the Rio Guayas. You can catch it at Malecon Simón Bolivar. Crazy parties at night.

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.

The following places are interesting to see if you are daring:

6 de Marzo is an interesting street to visit about 10 blocks from the downtown area during the week before New Year's Eve, because the street is lined with "Años Viejos" or old years, paper maché figures ranging in size from about 12 inches up to 10 or more feet tall. These are often political, movie or cartoon characters.

La Bahía

just off the southern end of the Malecon Simón Bolivar. Huge market area full of shops and stalls of almost anything imaginable. Because it is so cheap you will have lower social class people and have to be a little careful with belongings.

Cocoa or Banana plantations are located around Guayaquil city.