Guayaquil

About

Guayaquil was founded by the Spanish in 1538 on the site of a native village, and has since grown into the largest city in Ecuador, and one of the main Pacific ports in South America. Its heritage is still visible in the colorful colonial buildings of the Las Peñas district, particularly in the hillside enclave of Cerro Santa Ana, which takes a trying 444 steps to summit. The Parque Histórico offers a look into different elements of Ecuadorean heritage and includes an open air zoo with native fauna, an early 20th century settlement, and agricultural area. However, the real soul of the city is the Malecón 2000 - Guayaquil’s waterfront promenade where you’ll find everything from gardens to the Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art, and South America’s largest Ferris wheel. If you’re hungry, you can get some fresh local seafood from one of the many food markets.