City of Guayaquil, Ecuador: attractions and photos

The largest port of Ecuador is its largest city, which is home to more than three million people. Located along the banks of the Guayas River, the colorful metropolis, celebrated in 2012 475 years since its founding, is known for historical monuments that reflect the traces of past eras.

The local municipality cares about the improvement of the city and does everything to turn it into the main tourist center of the state, and in 2009 sister cities 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 the residents, outraged by the greed of uninvited guests, demanding gold and women, staged massacres and killed the Spaniards.

Arriving detachment of armed soldiers killed the Indians, and soon on the hill of Santa Anna was laid a new city, where the Spanish settlers sought. A large port, in which trade was boiling, flocked all the wealth of the world, and the young settlement was often attacked by pirates. At the beginning of the XIX century, the city proclaimed its independence, which was a turning point in finding freedom for Ecuador. In Guayaquil, many sculptures have been erected in honor of outstanding people who contributed to a story full of important moments.

In the last century the city turned into a major economic and commercial center and gained fame as the cradle of navigation. Local residents call their beloved city "a mirror of Ecuador", which is quite justified, because the history of the whole state was created here.

Climate and temperature

Tourists choose an exotic pearl as their holiday because of the comfortable climate from May to December, when it is warm and dry. The average temperature keeps at a level of 20 degrees, which is suitable for those who do not tolerate extreme heat. But the most rainy months are January and February.

City of contrasts

The largest 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 a modern large port, the city of Guayaquil in Ecuador is perfectly visible. This quiet corner seems to be created for romantic walks of local residents and foreign guests.

Malecón Simón Bolívar

The central embankment of Simon Bolivar attracts a special atmosphere, in which all worries and problems are dissolved. There is also a beautiful Hemiciclo La Rotonda - a snow-white colonnade serving as a backdrop for bronze statues of heroes of the war of liberation. Jose de San Martin and Bolivar met here at the beginning of the 19th century, and this landmark event was immortalized by the erection of the rotunda, in front of which the huge letters forming the word Guayaquil - Guayaquil (Ecuador) are lined up.

A photo of the embankment in the rays of sunset or dawn conveys the incredible romanticism of this place, saturated with positive emotions.

Malecon Boulevard

A wonderful corner where you can relax, have a snack and enjoy shopping, is Malecon Boulevard, which stretches along the embankment. Bulevar del Malecon is surrounded by delightful fountains and picturesque squares, and a variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers will be enjoyed by even the most demanding tourists.

Barrio Las Peñas

Travelers with great interest get acquainted with the buildings reminding the form of ancient buildings erected in the XVIII century, although in fact historical monuments appeared only about a hundred years ago. All the buildings of the Barrio-Las Peñas area were destroyed in the fire of a raging fire in 1896, and local authorities were concerned with the restoration of the original architecture, which now looks very colorful.

Old-fashioned lanterns, paved with cobblestones of the street, laced metal lattices of balconies - all this transports in the last era, when Guayaquil (Ecuador) just appeared, and tourists happily stroll 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 entertainment nightlife.

The square where iguanas live

Local residents admit that after all, they consider the Pargue Seminario area as the center of the city, where cultural and political life is boiling. Nearby is an inconspicuous square, which little is known about tourists. In it is located the so-called Park iguan, glorified for the whole world Guayaquil (Ecuador). The fact is that the city is very fond of these exotic reptiles, which are fed by local residents. Completely tame iguanas gather in the park and wait for treats from tourists who have previously reserved themselves with fruit.

Enjoying the delicacies of animals like to photograph the guests of the city, often come here to talk with cute lizards.

Parque Histórico Guayaquil

Colorful Guayaquil (Ecuador), whose attractions cause a desire to touch its past, is famous for its historic park, located near the airport and divided into three sectors.

In the area of urban architecture, you can get acquainted with copies of buildings 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, luxurious mausoleums, ancient sculptures will bring aesthetic pleasure from the contemplation of a necropolis recognized as a cultural heritage of the state. In addition, the park hosts costumed performances, telling about the life of an ancient city.

The zone of traditions in which farmer's estates (haciends) are represented, will acquaint you with the life and customs of local residents of the XIX century. There are also plantations of coffee, cocoa and rice, as well as grown all kinds of medicinal plants, the useful properties of which tell the guides. The sector is also famous for its unique house, located high on a tree, where tourists like to climb.

The wildlife zone will be surprised by the diversity of local fauna and flora, and the thickets resembling the fabulous mangrove forest will not leave anyone indifferent.

Guayaquil (Ecuador): what to bring?

When it comes to memorable gifts, tourists rush to the urban craft market, attracting everyone who dreams of bringing original souvenirs from an exotic country.

Guests take away famous felt hats, warm sweaters from llama, cotton shirts, and, of course, colorful ponchos. It should be noted that all the clothes were made by local residents, and there were never any complaints about its quality. On cold days in his native country it will be pleasant to wrap himself up in a gift that will evoke warm memories of the presence of contrasts in the city.

What else can Guayaquil (Ecuador) offer to its guests? Souvenirs in the form of pendants, carvings with symbols of the country will please tourists and their friends, and women will appreciate the taste of onyx crafts. Drinkers take a stronger banana liqueur, grape brandy and rum, and connoisseurs of real coffee and chocolate enjoy their purchases.

Pacific pearl is a city famous for its unusual hospitality. Tourists, delighted by local exoticism, rush to Guayaquil (Ecuador) again to feel its originality and indescribable atmosphere.