Guayaquil
Travel Guide > South America > Ecuador > Guayaquil
Introduction
Located on the coast, Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and the commercial hub. Even though it is in the same small country, it is a world apart from its mountainous neighbor, Quito. Guayaquil, with a population of about 3 million, has far more Western influence than most of the neighboring Latin cities. Smog, traffic, dirty streets and numerous stores displaying flat panel TVs and fancy electronics show the sharp contrast between what's coming and what has been. With a clear taste for the American way (and American fast food) much of Guayaquil is turning modern. This city is perfect for those looking for a cheap place to visit with a few nice things to see and access to the Galapagos Islands (by plane) and the beaches of Ecuador (by bus or car). With the use of the U.S. dollar the currency is easy to understand and negotiate. The mass importation of goods allows you to buy anything you want at any price you please.
The locals speak fast and have a very strong accent, which can be a challenge if you're still just learning Spanish.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Best thing to see and do in Guayaquil is the spectacular multi-million dollar board walk. A few miles long, the state of the art walk way borders the inlet to the ocean. It has every thing from a physical exercise area, to a play ground, to an Imax theater, many restaurants, security guards every few hundred yards, a huge monument (on every postcard) to Simon Bolivar and much more...
From the board walk you can pick a famous replica pirate ship and sail for a day for not too much money. The ship is old and well maintained and may well be the highlight of your trip to Guayaquil.
Events and Festivals
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Taxi drivers do not use their meters. As soon as they see a foreign face, they try to overcharge you. Make sure you ask at your hotel what the cost should be for your journey, and haggle with the taxi driver to agree a price before you start the journey.
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
This is version 10. Last edited at 15:35 on Nov 30, 08 by Hien (+12). 5 articles link to this page.
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