Ecuador's largest port is its largest city, home to more than three million people. Located along the banks of the Guayas River, a colorful metropolis, which celebrated 475 years since its foundation in 2012, is known for historical monuments that reflected traces of past eras.
The local municipality takes care of the improvement of the city and does everything possible to turn it into the main tourist center of the state, and in 2009 twinning relations were established with St. Petersburg.
The history of the modern metropolis
Founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century, Guayaquil (Ecuador) appeared on the site of an Indian settlement. At first, the conquistadors peacefully agreed with the tribe and founded their colony, but later expelled from their homes, outraged by the greed of uninvited guests demanding gold and women, massacred and killed the Spaniards.
A detachment of armed warriors dealt with the Indians, and soon on the hill of Santa Anna a new city was laid down, where the Spanish immigrants sought. All the riches of the world flocked to the large port, where trade was in full swing, and the young settlement was often attacked by pirates. At the beginning of the XIX century, the city declared its independence, which was a turning point in the acquisition of freedom of Ecuador. In Guayaquil, many sculptures were erected in honor of prominent people who contributed to the eventful history.
In the last century, the city turned into a large economic and commercial center and gained fame as the cradle of navigation. Locals call their favorite city "the mirror of Ecuador", which is justified, because the history of the whole state was created here.
Climate and temperature
Tourists choose an exotic pearl as their holiday due to the comfortable climate from May to December, when it is warm and dry. The average temperature is kept at 20 degrees, which is suitable for those who can not stand the intense heat. But January and February are recognized as the rainiest months.
City of Contrasts
The large economic and tourist center of the smallest country in South America can rightfully be called a city of contrasts, which combines modern quarters and the remains of colonial buildings with narrow streets and wooden houses.
From the hill of Santa Anna, which has become the cradle for the modern large port, the city of Guayaquil in Ecuador is perfectly visible. This quiet corner is as if created for romantic walks of local residents and foreign guests.
Malecón Simón Bolívar
The central promenade of Simon Bolivar attracts with a special atmosphere in which all worries and problems are dissolved. The beautiful Hemiciclo La Rotonda, a snow-white colonnade that serves as the backdrop for bronze statues of the heroes of the war of liberation, is also installed here. José de San Martin and Bolivar met here at the beginning of the 19th century, and this landmark event was perpetuated by the erection of a rotunda, in front of which huge letters lined up in the word Guayaquil - Guayaquil (Ecuador) are lined up.
Photos of the promenade in the rays of sunset or dawn convey the incredible romance of this place, saturated with positive emotions.
Malecon Boulevard
A wonderful corner where you can relax, have a bite and enjoy shopping is Malecon Boulevard, which stretches along the promenade. Bulevar del Malecon is surrounded by delightful fountains and picturesque gardens, and even the most demanding tourists will like the variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers.
Barrio las peñas
Travelers with great interest get acquainted with buildings that resemble the shape of old buildings erected in the XVIII century, although in fact historical monuments appeared only about a hundred years ago. All structures of the Barrio Las Penas area were destroyed in the fire of a raging fire in 1896, and local authorities took care to restore the original architecture, which now looks very colorful.
Old-fashioned lanterns, cobblestone streets, laced metal grilles of balconies - all this carries over to the past era, when Guayaquil (Ecuador) just appeared, and tourists enjoy walking around the area, admiring every detail on the buildings.
Of particular interest is the staircase leading to the lighthouse, consisting of 444 steps, and along it are cozy restaurants and nightlife.
Square, where iguanas live
Local residents admit that nevertheless they consider the center of the city Pargue Seminario Square, where cultural and political life is in full swing. Nearby is an inconspicuous square, which tourists know little about. It is located the so-called iguana Park, which made Guayaquil (Ecuador) famous throughout the world. The fact is that the city is very fond of these exotic reptiles, which are fed by local residents. Totally tame iguanas gather in the park and wait for refreshments from tourists who have previously stocked up fruits.
Visitors to the city, who often come here to chat with cute lizards, love to enjoy animals at the delicacies.
Parque histórico guayaquil
Colorful Guayaquil (Ecuador), whose attractions make you want to touch its past, is famous for the Historical Park, located near the airport and divided into three sectors.
In the area of urban architecture, you can get acquainted with copies of structures built in past centuries, go on an excursion to the Central Cemetery, which is a real open-air museum. A huge number of unusual monuments, magnificent mausoleums, ancient sculptures will bring aesthetic pleasure from the contemplation of the necropolis, recognized as the cultural heritage of the state. In addition, costumed performances telling about the life of the ancient city are held in the park.
The tradition zone, in which farmsteads (hacienda) are represented, will introduce the life and customs of local residents of the XIX century. There are also plantations of coffee, cocoa and rice, as well as all kinds of medicinal plants are grown, the beneficial properties of which will tell the guides. The sector is famous for its unique house located high on a tree where tourists like to climb.
The wildlife zone will surprise you with the diversity of local fauna and flora, and the thickets of fabulous mangrove forest will not leave anyone indifferent.
Guayaquil (Ecuador): what to bring?
When it comes to souvenirs, tourists rush to the city handicraft market, attracting everyone who wants to bring original souvenirs from an exotic country.
Guests take away famous felt hats, warm llama sweaters, cotton shirts, and, of course, colorful ponchos. It should be noted that all the clothes are made by the hands of local residents, and there have never been complaints about its quality. On cold days in your home country it will be nice to wrap yourself up as a gift that will inspire fond memories of being in the city of contrasts.
What else can offer its guests Guayaquil (Ecuador)? Souvenirs in the form of pendants, carvings with symbols of the country will delight tourists and their friends, and women will like onyx crafts. Fans of drinks take away more banana liquor, grape brandy and rum, and connoisseurs of real coffee and chocolate enjoy their shopping.
The Pacific Pearl is a city famous for its extraordinary hospitality. Tourists, delighted with local exoticism, rush to Guayaquil (Ecuador) again to feel its originality and indescribable atmosphere.