Location: Guayaquil
Top Things to do in Guayaquil
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Founded in the 1530s, Ecuador's largest city and main port is the top access point for Galapagos cruises and home to a bustling import-export business. Tourism is on the rise as well, thanks to a new international airport and urban renewal projects along the River Guayas promenade and in the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas. The 465-step climb to the top of Santa Ana Hill provides sweeping views and a chance to stand on the site of the city's birthplace.
Restaurants in Guayaquil
1. Hacienda La Danesa: Charming Farmhouse and Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 161 reviews
Hacienda La Danesa (accommodation available) is a traditional dairy and cacao farm with over 145 years of rich heritage and history, located about an hour drive from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Family-owned and managed by the third generation Olsen family, the farm offers a unique selection of tailor-made activities for guests, including horseback riding trails, hands-on artisan chocolate making and other hacienda-related programs. La Danesa offers an intimate and authentic experience for those who would like to spend the night.
Reviewed By flaneur40 - New York City, New York
Sorry to be the contrarian here, but I was disappointed with my time at this Hacienda. I opted for the $80 taxi service to the Hacienda from Guayaquil and that service was fine, albeit pricey. I was given the option with that taxi service to purchase a bilingual guide for an additional $60. I thought that was a guide affiliated with the taxi. I did not realize that by not purchasing the bilingual guide I would not be able to understand anything said to me during my visit to the Hacienda. The guide who accompanied us on bikes to the cacao demonstration and the tubing on the river did not speak a word of English, and, if not for a kind fellow guest who was bilingual and translated for me, I would not have been able to understand anything the guide said. The tubing was an awkward and excruciating experience. I was told to bring a bathing suit and towel, which I did. You should also bring a change of clothes. The tubing experience involves you sitting on an inner tube and then being pulled, yanked, and pushed along a muddy shallow and narrow winding river by the guide who is up to his chest in water manipulating you down the body of water for what seemed an interminable length of time. It is not a smooth passage. There are two obstacles involving trees laying horizontally across the river. At these points the guide basically has to lift you over the trees while you are lifting yourself up and off the inner tube. It is very difficult to balance and I almost went into the river entirely on both blockage occasions. I have had much worse experiences happen to me that were out of my control, however this was one of the least pleasurable experiences I elected and paid to experience. It is about as much fun as sitting in a car while it is being towed to the garage. The most romantic comparison I can make is Humphrey Bogart in the African Queen pulling the boat through a shallow section of the river. Luckily in the case there were no leeches! I have never been happier to reach the end of a ride. The bike ride back to the Hacienda was very muddy and I arrived for lunch splattered with mud over my shirt and legs. They have a shower which I used, but as I didn't have a change of clothes, I had no option other than to sit in the restaurant eating my 3-course lunch in a filthy shirt. The food was good but not as amazing as these reviews have made it seem. It is very good, but not worth the travel or cost.
I was greeted warmly by a young woman with limited English and served a welcome coffee and dish of plantains with white cheese. After that though I had to continually ask, "what's next?" "What do I do now?" "Where do I go?" I would have preferred that all of these needs were anticipated rather than there be a need for me to seek out a resolution. Granted this is an experience geared for couples and families. It is not ideal for solo travelers. This may have led to some of my awkwardness, but I think, given the amount of English-speaking guests this destination attracts, there should be more bilingual staff. I wanted to really love this experience and went into it with all good expectations and positive energy, but unfortunately it was not an enjoyable day.
2. Parque Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
3. Parque Historico Guayaquil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
It includes 8 hectares divided in three zones: Wild Life, Traditions and Urban - architectural, where the nature, rural and urban aspects are brought together in one concept: encouraging the environment preservation, rescue and promotion of our customs.
Reviewed By Brian H - Layton, Utah
The park was really interesting. There were several unique regional creatures just living off the boardwalk as you walk through the habitat. I think only the alligators were behind a fence; everything else was more or less free-roaming in the park. Very cool.
There were a number of interesting exhibits on the production of chocolate, historical housing displays (actual houses, I believe), and some churches and other old buildings. This is definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Guayaquil. Worth half a day to explore.
4. El Faro de Guayaquil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Mark S - Hereford, United Kingdom
Well worth the climb up 440+ steps (through interesting paths and alleys) to the top where you can visit the church and climb the lighthouse. Great photo opportunity with views in all direction, covering the city to the South and the newer developments to the North. Suggest you go up and come down using different routes to make the trip more interesting. We walked it at midday and it was hot, but plenty of little shops selling water and ice lollies.
5. Las Penas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Cindy A - Los Altos, California
We climbed up the stairs and were rewarded with an amazing view. It is very worthwhile to get to the top. The way to get there is relatively clear and there are lots of security people throughout the neighborhood. However, on the way back we took a wrong turn and got completely lost. Instead of going towards the water, we accidentally went inland and found ourselves in a not very friendly neighborhood. Google Maps was not working on my phone and it was starting to get dark. Fortunately, we found a policeman and were able to ask him (in Spanish) how to get back to the Malecon. We were very close, but it was not easy to find. Be sure you know where you are and can retrace your steps to stay on the main path and not get lost.
6. Cerro Santa Ana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 918 reviews
Like the ugly duckling to swan tale, this once poor area was transformed into a prime tourist attraction – a 465-foot stairway flanked by colorful houses, eateries, gift shops and galleries.
Reviewed By Bjorn B - Selfoss
recently i was wisiting Guayaquil and amongst places wisitied was Cerro Santa Ana. The place is all clean and safe with lots a good restaurants ,upper class. Not cheap there but very elegant and top food in every place there. Recomend any traveller to see this since it is close to both Malecon 2000 and Las Penas.
7. Malecon 2000
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Stretching for several miles along the Rio Guayas, this lively boardwalk is well-patrolled day and night and features small food stands, other eateries and a blend of historic and modern buildings.
Reviewed By Escape-overseas - Stevenage, United Kingdom
We walked the length of the Malecon, boardering the estuary. Lots of shops, cafes, play areas for children, Gardens, boardwalks, statues, museums and places of general interest to all. This must be a highlight of any visit to the city. Really enjoyed the walk and our activities along the way.
8. Iglesia San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By alexanderwag - Guayaquil, Ecuador
this church and the place with the same name is in the center of Guayaquil, just 5 minutes away from the River Walk, the iguana park etc ...so you will cross probably this place.Nice old church but nothimnh special. Its surounded by high modern building ,The Main Street 9 de octobre passes on one side.This Main Street is full of small business and fast food places and the principal Park of Guayaquil( centenario) is 300 m away
9. Parque de las Iguanas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Philip C
Park Seminario
It’s a small park, a single small block adjacent to the metropolitan Cathedral.
As a park it’s nothing special but there are an awful lot of sizeable iguanas. They’re pretty tame. They sometimes do this head shaking thing which is a “back off” signal but never really threaten.
Treat them with a little respect and you’ll be fine. They’re big and impressive.
The place is a bit of a novelty but worth a look.
10. La Perla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By Isam R - Houston, TX
Very beautiful Ferris wheel. Fits up to 6 people in each cabin. Well paced ( 12 minutes to finish the ride). Allows you to see the entire city from high above with a great view of the river.
Very clean as it's still new attraction. The cabin's temperature is controlled.
The ride is more expensive on weekends though.
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