Places / South America / Ecuador
Guayaquil
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At a glance
- Country
- Ecuador
- Region
- Guayas Province
- Population
- 2.7 million
- Best time to go
- June to December
- Main airport
- José Joaquín de Olmedo International (GYE)
- Coordinates
- 2.17°S, 79.92°W
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Overview
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and its commercial engine, a hot, humid port on the wide Guayas River. It's often just a stopover on the way to the Galápagos, but a day or two here is well spent.
The revamped riverfront, the painted hillside of Las Peñas and a square full of iguanas make for a good first impression. Stick to the main areas, take registered taxis and you'll find the city friendly.
Things to see
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Malecón 2000
A long riverside promenade of gardens, monuments, museums and cafés, the city's showpiece.
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Photo: Desconocido (Foto de 1920), Public domain Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana
Climb the numbered steps past brightly painted houses to a lighthouse with views over the river.
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Photo: Silva pedro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Parque Seminario
A small square where dozens of land iguanas wander between visitors' feet.
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Photo: Internet Archive Book Images, No restrictions Guayaquil Cathedral
A neo-Gothic cathedral facing the iguana park.
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Photo: Autor: Francisco Velasques Zambrano, CC BY-SA 4.0 MAAC
Anthropology and contemporary art museum at the north end of the Malecón, with pre-Columbian ceramics.
Things to do
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Photo: Ministerio de Turismo Ecuador from Ecuador, CC BY-SA 2.0 Eat encebollado
A tangy tuna and cassava soup with pickled onions, the classic coastal breakfast.
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Photo: Carlitos Manuel Ronquillo Ordóñez, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ride the Aerovía
A cable car crosses the river to Durán, with good views over the city.
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Photo: Maria Jose, Public domain Day trip to the coast
The Pacific beaches of the Ruta del Spondylus are a couple of hours west, including surfy Montañita.
Where to stay
Centro and the Malecón
Convenient for the sights, with business hotels.
Hotels in Centro and the MalecónUrdesa
A residential area with many restaurants and a relaxed feel.
Hotels in UrdesaSamborondón
Modern, upmarket suburbs across the river, with malls and newer hotels.
Hotels in Samborondón
Getting around
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, especially at night. The Metrovía bus system serves main routes.
The airport is close to the centre, around 15 minutes by taxi.
When to go
June to December is drier and slightly cooler. From January to April it's hot with heavy rain, though this is also the beach season on the coast.
Plan your trip to Guayaquil
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
Been here? Share a tip, or ask me anything about it, in the comments.