Cityscape of Santa Ana Hill Church with colorful colonial houses in the background

Things to do in  Guayaquil

The last stop before Galapagos

Often overlooked by travelers rushing to reach the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, the city of Guayaquil is proving itself to be more than just a transit hub. A refurbished waterfront promenade serves as the beating heart of the city, and it offers upscale dining and drinking options, plus amusement rides, museums, entertainment complexes, and plenty of things to do. It's got all the hustle and bustle you’d expect from Ecuador’s largest city. Adding Guayaquil to your Ecuador itinerary is sure to enhance your experience.

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Top 1 attractions in Guayaquil

#1

Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas)

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Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas) is a charming urban oasis in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This park is home to numerous free-roaming iguanas, who wander among the lush green surroundings. You can enjoy the presence of these reptiles while taking in the peaceful ambiance of the park.More
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Top activities in Guayaquil

Cacao Farm Excursion Day Trip from Guayaquil

Cacao Farm Excursion Day Trip from Guayaquil

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27
From
$120.90
PREMIUM: Half-Day City Tour in Guayaquil

PREMIUM: Half-Day City Tour in Guayaquil

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47
From
$175.00
Half day: Visit to Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil

Half day: Visit to Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil

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6
From
$149.00
Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour

Small Group Guayaquil and Cocoa Farm Full-Day Tour

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100
From
$153.85
Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm

Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve and Cocoa Farm

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26
From
$170.00
Half day tour Mangroves, Estuary and Bird Watching.(departure from Guayaquil)

Half day tour Mangroves, Estuary and Bird Watching.(departure from Guayaquil)

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5
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$125.00
Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport

Guayaquil Layover Sightseeing Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transport

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19
From
$82.06
Dolphin Watching in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil

Dolphin Watching in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil

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3
From
$304.00
Day Trip: Meet Howler Monkeys at Churute & Make Organic Chocolate

Day Trip: Meet Howler Monkeys at Churute & Make Organic Chocolate

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41
From
$225.00
City Tour around Guayaquil

City Tour around Guayaquil

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5
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$74.68
Cocoa farm and Chocolate making!

Cocoa farm and Chocolate making!

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40
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$128.21
Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana

Guayaquil City Tour Including the Light House of Cerro Santa Ana

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6
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$93.00
Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels

Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels

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20
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$17.00
Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa

Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa

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2
From
$12.00
Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit

Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit

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40
From
$73.99
Dolphin Watching Experience in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil

Dolphin Watching Experience in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil

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2
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$165.00
Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita

Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita

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2
From
$250.00
per group
Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.

Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.

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3
From
$17.00
Full Day Ayangue Tour with Snorkeling in The Pelado's Islote

Full Day Ayangue Tour with Snorkeling in The Pelado's Islote

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1
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$295.00
Full day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cocoa Farm Visit

Full day to Ecological Reserve Churute Mangrove and Cocoa Farm Visit

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5
From
$398.00
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All about Guayaquil

When to visit

Guayaquil’s tropical climate means temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year, so expect warm conditions no matter what time you visit. The best time to visit is in Guayaquil’s dry season, June–December. Conversely, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is the warm season of December–June, as it's more pleasant then to spot wildlife in the biodiverse archipelago.

Getting around

Though Guayaquil is safe to explore on foot in the day, be sure to take taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Cabify for safe, registered rides at night. Located next to the international airport, Guayaquil’s modern bus station serves as the gateway to the rest of Ecuador and Peru—buses depart for Quito regularly.

Traveler tips

If you’re looking to escape the chaos of Ecuador’s largest metropolis, the nearby Santay Island (Isla Santay) offers respite from honking horns and crowds. Connected to the city by a long, pedestrian-only bridge, the small floating village boasts palm trees, mangroves, and a scattering of snack bars selling local specialities. There are no cars on the island, so it's an ideal place to explore by bike or on foot.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
ECT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+593
Language(s)
Spanish
Attractions
1
Tours
133
Reviews
703
EN
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People Also Ask

Is it worth staying in Guayaquil?

Though most travelers use Guayaquil as a stopover on the way to the Galapagos, the bustling city is worth staying in. The modernized waterfront promenade, Malécon 2000, is great to explore and home to an anthropology museum, cinema, and Ferris wheel. The colorful neighborhood of Las Peñas is another attraction.

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What is Guayaquil known for?

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and is known for being one of Ecuador's main transport hubs–it's home to the country’s second-largest international airport and the only way to reach the Galapagos Islands. It's nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, thanks to its prime location on the coast.

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What are the 444 Steps in Guayaquil?

The 444 Steps refer to the staircase that climbs Santa Ana Hill (Cerro Santa Ana) in the Las Peñas neighborhood. As you climb the 444 steps, you'll find bars and restaurants to stop in for a drink or snack before reaching the blue-and-white striped naval lookout tower at the top.

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How many days do you need in Guayaquil, Ecuador?

You need around two days to experience the major sights and energetic culture of Guayaquil. If you're also visiting the Galapagos Islands, spend a day in Guayaquil on either side of your island adventure. Then you'll have time to discover top cultural and historical sights at a more relaxed pace.

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How should I spend a day in Guayaquil?

If you’ve only got one day in Guayaquil, start by climbing the famous 444 Steps to the lookout point in Las Peñas; then, stroll the waterfront promenade, home to one of South America’s largest Ferris wheels; and, finally, wander Seminario Park, nicknamed Iguana Park after its population of land-based lizards.

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What are the top attractions in Guayaquil?

The top attractions in Guayaquil include the recently renovated Malécon 2000, home to a wealth of waterfront attractions and restaurants; Museum of Anthropology; 444 Steps leading to the top of Santa Ana Hill; and Isla Santay, a quaint fishing village a short cycle from the mainland.

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