Guayaquil Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Guayaquil [1] is the largest city in Ecuador.
Contents |
Understand
Get in
By plane
The airport is next to the bus terminal. Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attracts are located, is about $5.
If you are planning to visit the Galapagos, Guayaquil is the cheapest place to take a flight from. Both Aerogal and TAME have flights.
By car
By bus
Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but still keep an close eye on your belongings. There are frequent connections to almost every destination in Ecuador
By boat
Get around
See
These places are located in the downtown area, near the main hotels and at the heart of the regenerated area, very secure to walk.
- The malecon 2000. It is a long park besides the "Rio Guayas", with a mall, an Imax, relaxing gardens, a beautiful see of the river and the downtown, museums, child games, etc.
- The "Malecon del Salado" besides the "Estero Salado" (an estuary of sea water), here you can enjoy fresh air and wonderful sunsets, with restaurants of typical food, all framed into a very secure new park.
- The renewed central area (Area regenerada), very secure to walk and look around.
- Museums (Museo Municipal, Museo Nahim Isaias, located in the center of the downtown)
- Santa Ana & El Carmen hills, you can see almost the whole city from here. You can walk upstairs to the top from the Malecon 2000.
- Las Peñas, where the city was founded, actually rebuilt
- Parks, we recommend to visit the "Parque de las Iguanas", at the central area, with many "iguanas"
- Markets, you can visit the "Mercado Artesanal", where you can get some very cheap souvenirs from all regions of Ecuador. Near the Malecon 2000. You must be some careful here.
Other interesting places near Guayaquil:
- "Parque Histórico", an interesting re-creation of the earlier 20th century years of Guayaquil look, people and food and a small zoo.
- "Crucero Discovery", ridings around the Guayas River. You can take it in Malecon 2000. Crazy parties at night.
- Salinas, the main beach. Surfing, fishing and other water sports. Many moderns hotels and delicious sea food. Interesting night life.
Please visit following links:
http://www.visitaguayaquil.com (english/spanish) http://www.world66.com/southamerica/ecuador/guayaquil/sights (english only)
Do
Learn
Work
Buy
There are ten centros comerciales. Besides that, there are several popular spots like mercados Artesenal and la Bahia.
Eat
- There are many typical dishes to try from such as encebollado, seco de pollo, ceviche, and caldo de salchicha.
- There are also many international fast food chains throughout the city such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and more.
- It is recommended to eat at the Parrillada del Nato; foods such oven cooked pizza, grilled meat,and more are served.
- Chinese restaurants (Chifas) are found throughout the city, and their food is very good.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
- Great nightlife, you can go to 5 or more discos in one night, and don't need to travel much.
- The usual price for entering is $10-$15 consumable, depending on where you go.
- Usually the parties there last to 4 am. but you can always find something else to do in this town.
- Visit the "Zona Rosa", located at the secure regenerated area, with several options of night life.
- Several brands of beer are available.
Sleep
The city has hotels for every pocket. Some finer ones include
- Hilton Colon - 5 stars, located at the heart of the Northern area
- Hotel Oro Verde (Not to be mistaken with the Hotel Loro Verde)
- Hotel Continental - 5 stars
- Howard Johnson Hotel - 5 stars, near the airport
- Sheraton Four Points Hotel - 5 stars, in front of the Mall del Sol
- Best Western - 4 stars, near the main attractions
Actually, there are plans to build other big international hotels near Malecon 2000, the main attraction of the city.
However, decent hotel rooms can be had for around $10 a night.
Northern suburbs
If you're only in Guayaquil to take a plane or bus the next morning it's better to stay in the northern suburbs. Although accommodation is a bit pricier you'll save it on the taxi fare.
- DreamKapture hostal ([2]), Alborada 12 Av. Etapa, Mz-02 Villa 21. A friendly hostel with a nice outside area. They offer a book exchange and the accommodation comes with a delicious breakfast. Prices are on roombasis, but if it's possible you can share it with other people. A 4-person room cost $12.
- Ecuahogar, Av. Isidro Ayora ( Sauces Uno * Mz F-31 * Solar 20 ), 2245357 (2248241, 2273288, fax 2248357, email youthostal@telconet.net ). Basic, but expensive rooms with a ventilator and television. Bathrooms are shared. Two bread rolls with marmalade and a coffee for breakfast is included in the price. A night in a single room costs $12. It is far from the attractions area but near the airport and the national bus station (Terminal Terrestre).
Contact
Several consulates have offices in Guayaqul such as United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Syria, Switzerland, Japan, and others.
Stay safe
- Avoid walking around the downtown area at night.
- The Malecón 2000 is safe during the day and night. There are tons of security guards hanging around during the day.
- It is better to avoid wearing jewelry that is expensive or appears to be of high quality.
- Avoiding buying food from street vendors because it might make one sick. In addition, drink only bottled water.
- It is best not to consume lettuce due to the fact that it might not be properly cleaned and might make one sick.
Cope
Get out
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