GUAYAQUIL
Guayaquil, the city that quite a few people skip. Only passing through on the way to the Galapagos, wary of its reputation. It is a large port city and perhaps your first taste of the tropics. It's trying hard to shake is violent reputation and we think it’s worth a visit. It's one of the most ecologically diverse places in Ecuador.
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It was first destination that we were a little concerned about visiting. A few days prior to landing numerous police officers had been killed in explosions targeted by gangs protesting the disappearance of their members. Bomb threats remained all over the city. A curfew was in place from 11pm till 5am. We still did not feel unsafe. Stick to where it’s busy, take basic precautions and be vigilant.
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getting there
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Guayaquil is a big transport hub with the biggest bus terminal we have ever seen and an international airport.
International | You can fly from most major South America cities, flights still aren’t cheap though. We flew from Cusco and three layovers later we were in Guayaquil, it can be somewhat indirect. It has lots of flights departing daily to the Galapagos, some of which transit on the tarmac. A return flight from Guayquil to Galapagos typically costs £225
From Quito | If you are coming from Quito on the bus then you can make a stop at Cuenca which is definitely worth visiting for Cajas National Park. Check out our Cuenca Blog for more information. From Cuenca it is a scenic 4/5 hour journey through The National Park with bus tickets starting at $9 (£7.30).
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To Stay
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The western tourists head to The Malecon 2000 and we don’t think it’s worth staying anywhere else. It has everything on your doorstep.
Manso Boutique Guesthouse | We stayed at Manso Boutique Guesthouse which was right on the Malecon with views of the Rio Guayas. It’s where most backpackers stay and for £25 night for a double room and shared bathroom with breakfast included it’s not bad at all. It has chillout areas, an on-site restaurant, an indoor clothes market of sorts and attentive staff.
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To do
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Walk the Malecon 2000 | The Malecon 2000 is a commercial boardwalk stretching along the river with play areas, parks, restaurants, shops and markets all along. It is worth a stroll, it takes around an hour to walk the length. Eat in the Mercado where you can find multiple food vendors in a cool setting on the front.
Cycle Isla Santay | Take a trip to Isla Santay and cycle its boardwalks to the indigenous village, grab a coffee and watch the crocodiles. Accessed across a pedestrian bridge just outside the town it costs $2 (£1.60) in a Uber to get to the entrance where you can hire a not so great bike for $4 (£3.30), or walk which is free. Once across the bridge you will see two routes to take, a long and a short one. The long one was closed when we went because a bridge had collapsed so we took the short route to the village, just a twenty minute cycle for any ability. At the village there is a restaurant and a little coffee shop and a small area where they have numerous crocodiles that you can spot in the lazing in the mud.
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NEXT STOP
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