Is it worth going to Guayaquil in Ecuador.?

Question

whats the best thing about the city and whats the worst?

Answer 1

its so worth going to guayaquil i mean it is so fun the night life and all the tourist spots are amazing. the worst thing i would have to say is the pollution a little just in busy streets. but from there its an amazing spot to go i love it. you have to go.

Answer 2

Sure, it's worth it...but only AFTER you go to Quito, Cuenca, Loja, the Amazon, Montanita, Galapagos, Banos, Papallacta and a handful of other places. All of these other cities and places are safer and nicer and have a lot more culture, plus the drivers don't zoom around like they're all trying to be the next Mario Andretti. The only thing Guayaquil has that the other places lack is a really hip, awesome nightlife. So if you want to go clubbing, then yes, go to Guayaquil. Otherwise, go after you've seen everything else, because it's loud, huge, dirty and unsafe.  

Answer 3

When I was in Ecuador from 98 to 2000, we were forbidden to go there due to the crime and I don't think it's gotten much better. I was there before the ban and didn't see anything special; just another city.

Go up the coast to Playas or, better yet, just stay up in the mountains. Quito, Cuenco, Riobamba, Otavalo, ALL are great to visit and the climate's better. A coastal city near the equator tends to be on the warmish side.

Answer 4

guayaquil is an absolutely gorgeous city in ecuador..it has surfing, great beaches, cheap stores, great hotels and is a lot of fun overall..the only thing i could see that is negative is that it is somewhat dangerous..just like any other city..just don't be in the streets at 2:00 am. and you'll be ok.

Answer 5

I wopuld say GO FOR IT!Its amazing!

Here are some of my Favorite sights in Guayaquil

1.Malecon 2000 - Clearly the major renovation of the Malecon sitting on the Guayas River has helped bring Guayaquil from virtual obscurity to a world class city. The Malecon runs about 1.5 miles and is steeped in history as a major port throughout several centuries. Dotted with monuments, entertainment, and food. However, the McDonalds stands out like a sore thumb and takes away from some of the uniqueness of the reconstruction of this incredible venue. There are two unique attractions both popular with Ecuadorians and visitors. The pirate ship that leaves the dock on the Malecon is a very fun time for all with food and drinks. Admission for adults is $5.00. It provides a wonderful view of the city and evenings are very dramatic. There is also a party or dance boat on the Malecon which runs up and down the river with music blaring and all having a good time.

The Hemicicio de la Rotanda is a historical monument on the Malecon is an outstanding piece of art of which all Ecuadorians are proud of. There is a statue of Simon Bolivar and San Martin meeting and deciding that Guayaquil would be annexed into Gran-Colombia. Constructed in 1937.

Also on the Malecon is a wonderful Moorish clock. It was originally placed at the city hall and then moved to the Malecon in 1903. It was later found to be structurally unsound and was demolished and reconstructed. It has been reported that a local scam artist sold the tower to unsuspecting foreigners a few years ago and took them for thousands of dollars. The story goes that they discovered they had been duped when police told them they had to leave the premises and the told officers they didn't have to leave because they had purchased the elegant tower.  

2. Las p***s - First constructed in the 1500's this was Guayaquil's first residential section. Totally destroyed in a fire in 1896 it was rebuilt in a neoclassic style. It provides a wonderful walk on cobblestone among art galleries and restaurants. At the end of the street is an excellent casual restaurant and club calle "Arthur's Place.

3. Santa Ana Hill - Adjacent to La p***s is an outstanding example of redevelopment. This neighborhood ten years ago was very dangerous and was reminiscent of the Casbah in the movie Algiers. No outsider would enter the area to visit the church on top of the hill knowing whether they would leave alive or dead. However, development funds have turned this area into a major tourist destination. Outstanding bars, restaurants, and galleries adorn the streets. Security is very tight. The walk is strenuous up the hill but well worth the visit and view.  

4. General Cemetery - Once in outstanding condition of white marble this cemetery is well worth a visit. Outstanding sculptures and landscape.

5. Cathederal - Constructed in 1948 in Neo-Gothic style, it is clearly a focal point in Guayaquil for the Catholic mainstay. Located at Chimborazo and Clemente Ballen. Open everyday.

6. MAAC - Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum was inaugurated  in 2004. It holds an impressive 50,000 archeological pieces and modern art. It is located next to the only IMAX theater in South America on the Malecon. Admission is $1.50. Free on Sundays.

7. Botanical Garden - A remarkable garden open to the public700 plant species. Showcased are over 80 varieties of orchids in amazing colors. Located  in the Cuidadela Las Orquideas at Av. Francisco de Orellana. Open daily from 8:00 until 6:00pm. $3.00 admission fee- Student discount offered. Best to take a taxi to this location. Also, use insect repellent.

8. Historic Park - . Located in Samborondon #3, this twenty-acre park has three themes. Theme 1, one can view the habitat that once encompassed all of the Guayaquil area.  Theme 2, you can view the cultural history of Guayaquil and the coast. Theme 3 provides you the essence of Guayaquil's architecture through the past to the present. On the weekends there are numerous musical and cultural activities. Nominal entrance fee.

9. Nahim Isaias Museum - Holds an outstanding collection of colonial art on two floors. Located at Pichincha y Clemente Ballan.

10. Puerto Hondo Mangroves - Much of the beautiful mangroves of Ecuador have been destroyed for commercial development. A non-profit ecological club has managed to save some remaining mangroves at km 17 on the highway to beach city of Salinas. Open everyday from 9:00 until 4:00pm visitors can take a boat ride through the mangroves and visit the environmental center. Prices from $8.00 to $12.00. Insect repellent recommended

Have Wonderful time