8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s Largest City!

Guayaquil is the economic and commercial hub of Ecuador. It is larger in scale than the capital, Quito, and functions as the country's largest city. Unlike Quito, which is located in the mountains at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Guayaquil is a port city close to the sea. With a warm climate year-round, it is also known as a gourmet city where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Visiting Guayaquil allows you to discover a different side of Ecuador compared to Quito or the Galápagos Islands. This time, we will introduce eight recommended tourist spots in Guayaquil!

1. Seminario Park (Iguana Park)

One of the main attractions in the city is Seminario Park, located in the heart of Guayaquil. At first glance, this park may look like any other typical park in Latin America, but what makes it unique is the large number of iguanas living freely inside! Because of this, locals and tourists affectionately call it Iguana Park. The iguanas here are quite accustomed to people, allowing visitors to interact, touch, and even play with them.

Right next to the park is the Metropolitan Cathedral, another must-visit attraction. With its elegant white exterior, this cathedral has been a beloved symbol of Guayaquil for many years.

2. Guayaquil Historical Park

One of the must-visit attractions in Guayaquil is the Guayaquil Historical Park. This theme park recreates the atmosphere of Guayaquil in the 1900s and is divided into three main areas: Wildlife Area, Urban Architecture Area, and Traditional Area. Each section showcases a unique aspect of Guayaquil's charm.

The Wildlife Area is highly recommended. Walking through its dense jungle-like environment feels like stepping into the Amazon, where you can see colorful birds like parrots and macaws, along with sloths, tapirs, and other native wildlife living freely in their natural habitat.

The Urban Architecture Area allows visitors to explore historical buildings reflecting the blend of Christianity and local culture, showcasing the unique and beautiful architecture of South America. This area is popular among those interested in traditional Guayaquil structures.

This park is a great destination for both kids and adults, making it one of Guayaquil's top tourist attractions.

3. Santa Ana Hill

Located about 1 km north of Iguana Park, Santa Ana Hill is another must-visit spot. After climbing its 444 steps, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of Guayaquil from the hilltop plaza, where a beautiful church also stands. The stunning scenery from the top makes the climb well worth the effort!

The Las Peñas district, where this hill is located, is another highlight of Guayaquil. The neighborhood is famous for its colorful houses and souvenir shops catering to tourists. As you ascend the hill, you'll enjoy the charming streets and vibrant buildings along the way.

While Las Peñas was once known for safety concerns, significant improvements have made it a much safer area today. However, it is still advisable to take precautions at night, such as using a taxi for transportation.

4. Malecón 2000

Located along the Guayas River, Malecón 2000 is a park south of Santa Ana Hill, offering a modern and refreshing experience of Guayaquil. Unlike the historic surroundings of Santa Ana Hill, this newer attraction showcases a more contemporary side of the city. The area features large shopping malls, an amusement park, and playgrounds for children, making it an enjoyable spot for both kids and adults.

This riverside park is not only popular among tourists but also serves as a favorite dating spot for locals. At the center of the park stands the La Rotonda monument, adding a romantic touch to the area. Strolling along the riverbank is a relaxing experience, and there's even a section that resembles a tropical botanical garden. Since it is close to Iguana Park, you can conveniently visit both on the same trip.

5. San Francisco Church

Located near Iguana Park, San Francisco Church is a historic Catholic church that exudes traditional charm. Christianity was introduced to Ecuador and other parts of Latin America during the Spanish colonial era, and today, about 80% of Ecuadorians are Catholic. Among the many beautiful Catholic churches in Guayaquil, San Francisco Church is one of the most famous, attracting numerous visitors.

The church's elegant exterior is stunning in the daytime, but it becomes even more magical at night when it is illuminated by a warm orange glow, creating a romantic ambiance. This is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Guayaquil.

6. Santay Island

Santay Island is a protected natural ecosystem in Guayaquil. With the construction of a bridge connecting it to the southern part of the city in recent years, it has become an emerging tourist destination. The island’s greatest attraction is its beautiful natural scenery. There are wooden pathways through the forest, where visitors can enjoy hiking, jogging, or cycling while surrounded by nature. At the pond in the center of the island, you can see a variety of colorful birds. In the nearby protected area, you may even spot crocodiles!

Originally, Santay Island was home to fishing families, but in recent years, the government has invested in tourism to improve their livelihoods. Local residents now guide visitors through the mangrove areas, offer local cuisine, and provide a warm and welcoming experience. This is a highly recommended spot for those who want to immerse themselves in Guayaquil’s natural beauty.

7. Danesa Ranch (Hacienda la Danesa)

This outdoor adventure farm is perfect for nature lovers and offers a wide range of interactive experiences that both adults and children can enjoy! Visitors can camp, explore the forest, go horseback riding, interact with small animals, milk cows, and even try tubing (floating down the river on inflatable tires). There is also a cocoa plantation tour, making it not only fun but also an educational experience. In addition to the activities, the beautifully maintained gardens will leave visitors in awe.

The food at the ranch is highly rated by tourists, and one of the highlights is the traditional Ecuadorian performances featuring locals dressed in colorful ethnic costumes, singing and dancing. This is an experience you won’t find in the city, making it a must-visit destination near Guayaquil for those looking to enjoy nature and Ecuadorian culture.

8. Clock Tower (Torre Morisca)

The beautiful Moorish-style Clock Tower has a history dating back to the 18th century, serving as an essential landmark that has kept time for the city of Guayaquil for centuries. Over the years, the tower has gone through various changes—being built, relocated, and reconstructed—until finally achieving its current elegant appearance.

Standing at approximately 29 meters high, this four-story octagonal tower is a striking architectural piece. If you're lucky, you may get the chance to climb its stunning spiral staircase to the top, where you can see its large and impressive clock mechanism. At night, the tower is illuminated with a warm orange glow, making it even more picturesque. It remains a hidden gem in Guayaquil, not widely known among Japanese tourists.

◎ Summary

How did you find it? Guayaquil, bathed in Ecuador's warm sun, offers an incredible mix of wildlife, history, and modern attractions. You can experience daily encounters with iguanas, hike through stunning nature, and immerse yourself in South America's rich landscapes.

At the same time, Guayaquil also showcases grand cathedrals, contemporary parks, and historic architecture, offering a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Unlike Quito or the Galápagos Islands, Guayaquil presents a unique and vibrant charm. When traveling to Ecuador, make sure to visit this incredible city!