We explored Guayaquil in total in two days. However, some attractions spread through the city, so walking for a reasonable amount of time or simply taking an Uber is necessary.
This city has a different charm compared to Peru. It is busier, less touristy and more local.
Malecón 2000 - the riverfront promenade
One of the first things I'd recommend doing is strolling along the riverfront promenade. Enjoying the view on the water, surrounded by food shops, playgrounds for kids, skaters, and families, it is an excellent place to enjoy the calm city atmosphere and relax. You will pass different areas and reach the museum and the Ferris wheel in the end. Although we needed to wear a mask these days, at least some police officers walked around and urged us to do so. You might also meet some people offering fresh juice or mangos that tasted amazing.
Cable Cars Aerovia of Poma
Also, a huge highlight, installed only in 2020, the cable cars across the river Babahayo connecting Guayachil and Duran. Famous attractions even for the locals! We were confronted with a long waiting line of people to enter the cable cars and buy a ticket. The ticket is approx. $8. If you are ok with waiting, I'm sure it depends on the daytime, we went there around noon, you can enjoy the fantastic ride and the crazy view.
With La Perla Ferris Wheel, Plaza Gastronomica
This impressive ferris wheel glamours at the Macelcón, close to the cable cars. In September, there was also an exciting amusement park with crowds of families and kids, fast food, sweets, and music. A place to spend quite a long time! The Ferris wheel ride costs approx. $5 a person.
Las Penas (444 steps up) to the Lighthouse
A very touristic and famous attraction: the 444 stairs up to the Lighthouse in one of the oldest and most beautiful districts in Guayaquil. So they say! We planned on going there and taking a cab to that area, he left us close to a football field, and we started walking. Then suddenly, wild people would wave to us hectically, stressed. They were trying to show us something. I didn't realize it till an old lady came to us and told us we should not proceed here. We landed in the middle of a robber area with gangs that usually rob tourists. I mean, we could feel it was strangely calm here and nobody outside. But especially with the local's advice, we decided to leave this area again. The steps are very close, but not inside of this area. I was still shocked by what happened. I didn't want to go there, maybe another time not bringing my phone and cash with me. So we saw the steps from far, lots of kid groups sitting there and chatting. People are starring at us through their windows. But nothing more. Coming back to the more touristic part was a relief. Still, from the outside, this area looks fascinating, colored tiny houses, broken and straightforward but listed on the side of the hill like art.
Parque Historique
An extensive historical Parque from 1997 full of animals, botanical gardens, and things to see and stroll. Sadly it was closed on Sunday and in general during Corona. In general, it includes three zones: first, a wildlife section led through a trail with lots of species to explore. Then an Urban city area was restored like the 20th century representing the architecture and culture from the old Guayaquil lifetimes. And the traditional side, including the cities history and the rural areas.
Iguanas Parque Seminario
A beautiful city park, close by to a church, with high trees and pretty fences. And full of Iguanas! They walk on the sidewalk, in the grass, sit on the trees, or crawl to the next food bowl. You won't even be able to spot all of them. They are excellent hiders and fit quite nicely into the landscape. Besides that, they are amazing creatures, proud and old. People would approach them to take photos; the Iguanas don't even seem to care about that. Close by, you will also meet turtles, lots of them resting in the water or drying in the sun. And all of that in the middle of the city. What a fascinating idea and a well-created attraction.
Boat Rowing
To enjoy the Babahayo river, even more, you can rent a boat and row around. As often, during those Corona times, it was not possible to do so, sadly. However, the riverside looked calm. Babahayo is curving through the combination of nature and city, wide and dark, and relaxing to row on.
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