Making the most of Guayaquil
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships provide transport to the Malecon. Its northern waterfront-promenade section has plazas, fountains, an antique Ecuadorian train and a large playground.
A printable map to bring with you.
Although the city receives more business visitors than tourists, Guayaquil has worthwhile sights. Old district "Las Peñas" is the only part where wooden houses escaped fire, offering a view of old, picturesque colonial Guayaquil. Refurbished riverside "Malecón 2000" has a mall and a park with historical monuments, open until 12am. Also see churches "La Merced" and "San Francisco", the beautiful cemetery below "Cerro el Carmen", several museums worth visiting and Botanical Gardens…
Guayaquil is growing quickly as people from the countryside arrive almost every day seeking work. Poverty and crime are serious, so guard belongings throughout the city, especially in the centre. Never walk around after dark or carry valuables.
Getting around
Taxi prices are highly negotiable because there are no meters. The US State Department advises against using taxis: choose cruise-organised excursions.
Food and shopping
Shopping near the port is limited. The best area is central Guayaquil around Parque Seminario, Malecon 2000 and Las Peñas, where most shops operate weekdays 1000-1900.
Money
Ecuador issues its own coins, identical in size and weight to American coins, and both are accepted. U.S. dollar coins are common and preferred to $1 bills. Higher values use American notes, as Ecuador prints none itself.
Staying connected
Spanish is spoken.
Commercial and tourist districts have hundreds of "coffee-nets" offering net2phone, email and internet at very reasonable prices.