Things to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Welcome to our backpacking Guayaquil travel guide.
Most who come to Ecuador rarely spend time in Guayaquil, instead focusing more on the Andes and northern coast.
However, not all is doom and gloom in this coastal city, and as we’ll see later in this guide, there are actually quite a few worthwhile gems to explore here!
From its picturesque malecón to a colorful neighborhood situated in the hills, we believe that Guayaquil deserves at least a two-day stop between other major Ecuadorian destinations.
Backpacking Guayaquil, Ecuador
In this guide, we’ll explore some things to do in Guayaquil, including important landmarks to see, the best places to stay as well as our own top tips.
Why Travel to Guayaquil?
To be completely honest, when I was traveling through Ecuador (George), I kind of had to visit Guayaquil, since it was on the way to Montañita in the north.
I only spent a day and night there, but there were actually some worthwhile things to see and do, and the area I stayed in (the centre near the Malecón 2000) was also safe to walk around in.
The Malecón 2000 is one of the best attractions, with this long boardwalk running adjacent to the Río Guayas that connects to the Pacific Ocean. Here you’ll find the letters and other historical monuments along the way.
Also visit the Parque Seminario, where you can spot Iguanas climbing in the trees, as well as visit the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil.
The climate is also a nice change from the cooler Andes, making the evening walks up to La Peña and around the city much more comfortable, regardless of when in the year you visit.
How to Get to Guayaquil
Guayaquil is the other major city in Ecuador, with most already aware of the capital of Quito. Thankfully, this means getting here is pretty easy.
The international airport welcomes direct flights from all over the continent, and also with some from further flung areas like Europe too.
As well as booking your hostel in Guayaquil, we recommend booking flights around 4 months in advance if coming from here, since you’ll save on costs.
If you are already in Ecuador, then you can also take the bus to reach this coastal city. From Quito the trip will take roughly 8 hours, whilst it will take 5 hours from nearby Cuenca in the south.
Those heading onwards to Cuenca from Guayaquil can pre-book their private transport here, which includes a stop at the stunning Cajas National Park.
Things to do in Guayaquil
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics about Guayaquil, let’s take a look at the very best things to see and do here.
Malecón 2000
Inaugurated in 1999, this boardwalk was first made as part of an urban renewal project, and has since become one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Stretching for 2.5km along the Guayas river, you’ll find many monuments such as the Rotonda and the Civic Plaza. You’ll also find a mall with many nice restaurants and shops too for those looking for a more relaxed day out.
Those who are short on time in Guayaquil will want to head with this half-day tour, where you’ll visit all of these top highlights.
Parque Seminario
Also known as Parque Bolívar, this is the main park in Guayaquil, and is a great place to come for a stroll. Although there are many benches to sit on, you may find the sides are already taken up by the local residents – the iguanas!
They roam free here in this park, and can also be seen swinging in the trees up above. Here you can also see the stunning Catedral Católica Metropolitana, as well as some historical landmarks such as the statue of Simón Bolívar himself.
You will find that this organized tour is a great way to explore the park and nearby attractions, with a knowledgeable guide on-hand to teach you all about the history of Guayaquil.
Las Peñas
This district is perched on top of the Cerro de Santa Ana hill, and is the true colonial capital of Guayaquil.
Whilst most of the city is painted in more dull shades, here you’ll find brightly colored houses on every street, along with cute cobblestone pathways.
As well as walking around this safe area and getting to know gems such as El Fortín Museum and the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy, you’ll also have some awesome views over the rest of Guayaquil.
Gateway to Ecuador’s Pacific Coast
When backpacking South America and you’re intent on relaxing on some beautiful beaches, know that these are a stone’s throw away from Guayaquil!
Most move on to Montañita, however, there are some beaches that can be visited as a day trip whilst staying within the big city.
General Villamil Playas is a popular choice among locals, with the drive taking just an hour to reach. Another great option are the beaches in nearby Salinas, which is a couple of hours away.
Now if you’re ready to leave Guayaquil and are not sure where to next base yourself in, we highly recommend coming to Montañita, which is the undisputed king of beach destinations along the western coast of South America!
Also remember, safety starts with the place you stay, so choose a hostel or hotel in a safe area and be sure to take out travel insurance for protection on the road.
Where to Stay in Guayaquil
This section is one of the most important, so please read up. Guayaquil is pretty unsafe in many parts, especially along the north and in other neighborhoods.
The only real safe area is near the Malecón 2000 and by the Parque Seminario. We recommend staying at the Hotel Rizzo, which has some affordable private rooms. The location is also good, right next to the park in a safer area of the city.
Best Time to visit Guayaquil
Guayaquil has a pretty distinct dry and wet season which can vary the kind of experience you’ll have.
The dry season begins in June, and lasts until November. This is the so-called “coolest” time for a visit, however average daytime temperatures still hover between a pretty warm 75-77°F.
Highs can reach up to 86°F, with lows of down to 69°F. Here you can expect just 0-0.5 inches of rainfall each month, making it a great time for daytime exploring.
The rainy season begins in December and carries through until late May. Average temperatures are slightly warmer this time of year, with averages of between 79-81°F. Highs can rise as high as 87°F, with evening lows of down to 71°F.
This season sees a higher amount of rainfall, with anywhere from 1-8 inches falling throughout each month (with February and March the overall wettest). If heading during the wet season, be sure to bring this quality Poncho to keep yourself dry.
Guayaquil Backpacking Tips
Now we’ll share some of our best tips for exploring Guayaquil, based on our own experience here.
- As already mentioned, Guayaquil is not the safest city around, and you’ll want to raise your guard (especially if you’ve recently been in more tourist-friendly areas like Baños and Montañita). We suggest staying near the Parque Seminario, and to carry a waistpack (or equivalent) and avoid bringing valuables with you when out and about.
- We recommend spending 2-3 days in Guayaquil. This will give you enough time to see all of the best sites and visit a nearby beach, before moving onwards to Ecuador’s coast or more in-land.
- Check out Hostel Nucapacha if you’re looking for a safe and cosy place to stay in while you spend time in this chaotic city.
- The overall best time to visit Guayaquil is between the months of July and October. Temperatures are nice and warm this time of year, but not overbearing like it can be during other times of the year. There’s also hardly any rainfall too, so your plans won’t be interrupted by unexpected showers.
Got travel insurance for Guayaquil?
Things to do in Guayaquil
And that’s all for our backpacking Guayaquil guide!
One of the lesser popular destinations to visit in Ecuador, Guayaquil tends to be skipped by most travelers bombing around this South American nation.
However, having stayed here, we’ve found that this city has many worthwhile things to see. These range from the colorful neighborhood of Las Peñas and the picturesque Malecón 2000 to the iguana-infested Parque Seminario.
In this guide we’ve covered everything you’ll need to know about Guayaquil. This includes the best things to see and do, the best time to visit, where to stay and much, much more.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide! If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
See our backpacking Ecuador itinerary for more ideas on where to go here.
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