Guayaquil and its iconic corners that every visitor should know

Guayaquil celebrates 202 years of independence. Starting with the mayoralty of León Febres-Cordero, the city underwent an abysmal change, turning it into a local, national and international tourist reference. We consulted two tourism experts about which sites are must-sees and that every visitor should know no matter what. Both coincide in two places.

Verónica Baquerizo Álava is a magister, she worked until very recently as president of the Chamber of Tourism of Samborondón, now she will be its vice president, and she is dean of the marketing and communication faculty of the Ecotec university. She has worked and specialized in the public, private and academic areas focused on tourism. Her career spans 20 years, also holding positions in the Ministry of Tourism for different years, in the Prefecture of Guayas. She has worked in radio, has achieved master’s degrees, and is a tourism advisor. She has chosen five ideal places in Guayaquil:

1. Malecon 2000

It’s like the jewel in the crown. I tell visitors that it is a source of pride to see the Malecón 2000. The first time I saw it was when it was closed due to its remodeling. My parents told me what this place in Guayaquil was like and the meaning it has for the city. This part makes me proud. Having known what the South Marking was like, now converted into the Crystal Palace; the monument to José Joaquín de Olmedo, its history; the Torre Morisca, among others, each one with his anecdotes. The beautiful thing is that the Malecón did not stop there because it continues to diversify with new proposals and fun attractions for the whole family. Not everyone has the privilege of walking along a river in the way Guayaquileños have, of being able to enjoy both the river and the city, even from the Guayas River itself if you decide to rent a boat and see what it’s like. has turned this beautiful city. I love hearing when foreign visitors tell me what a beautiful river they have.

2. Port Santa Ana

If we continue walking, we see this site that I think is aimed at a more specific target. I recently received a delegation from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Peru. Each one was fascinated because they stayed there and they were delighted to be able to come down from their rooms, go for a walk and enjoy the gastronomic proposals, all under the security that being in Puerto Santa offers. Ideal for lovers of gastronomy and perhaps, of nightlife; also take a walk, enjoy the infrastructure. It is an excellent option during this month and every day.

3. Las Peñas neighborhood

We cannot fail to mention this site. I know that sometimes it gets a bit complicated because as some say, it’s a little dangerous when you get to certain points. Hence, it is important that here, as in every city, we must take care of ourselves. There have been some security hiccups there, but the Las Peñas neighborhood is the Las Peñas neighborhood. For example, going up the 444 stairs, not to say I did it, but to see what there is at each little stop and observe how people opened the doors of their houses and, even if they sell you glue, chewing gum or others, you can breathe that Guayaquil that you don’t you feel elsewhere Walking Numa Pompilio Llona street… let’s remember that the city was born there, learn how pirates attacked the city there, that is part of our history and people must walk through its cobbled streets, observe the old facades that preserve the most houses. It’s cool when by chance you’re there and someone opens the doors and the view forces the sapada (laughs) to get in and see what the interior is like, the furniture and everything. The art, there are some galleries, artists that show their works; it also has gastronomy, handicrafts, places of entertainment. You have to be very observant to realize and discover something new there and in any corner of the city. You have to live history and what better place than this to learn more about the people of Guayaquil.

4. The Cathedral of Guayaquil

Quite apart from other icons of the city center, a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayquil is a must, no matter what religion one has. Get to know her inside, see her gothic details. Let’s remember that the province of Guayas is the only one in the country that has two cathedrals -the other is in Milagro. The one in Guayaquil was built around 1547. Let’s remember that in its beginnings it was made of wood, like all the buildings in Guayaquil at that time, and when there was a fire, most of it disappeared. Its striking neo-Gothic style impresses, its interior keeps details that must be known, its tall, beautiful towers; At the top, and perhaps many do not know, is the statue of the Apostle Santiago el Mayor, the patron saint of the city that is officially called Santiago de Guayaquil. The beauty of the cathedral is also that in front the story continues with Parque Seminario -better known now as Parque de las Iguanas-. You have to go through it, see details that speak of its history. This park is ours, it is unique.

5. The willow crabs

To choose this place I had to consult with my husband, to whom I affectionately call ‘my little mountain’ because he is from the mountains. What do you think he told me? Well, the street of the cangrejales in Sauces, many visitors do not know them, perhaps because it is outside the usual tourist perimeter. The city of Guayaquil is also famous for its gastronomy and crabs stand out. This street, with due security and care, I think would be an excellent option to visit.

There are many places like Cerro Blanco, says Verónica. “If you want to know about the natural environment of Guayaquil where you can go with your family, have a picnic, explore its routes; there is also Puerto Hondo. Sometimes people say ‘I don’t know where to go’, but in our city there is a lot to do, see and discover because there is always something different and wonderful. I listen with emotion when the foreigners who visit us refer to the warmth of the people of Guayaquil, which is another aspect that is part of tourism, or when they say ‘what a rich gastronomy they have’”.

Roberto Moreno Flores has a master’s degree in science, a teacher at the Ecotec Faculty of Global Studies and Hospitality and at the Pan-American Lyceum Bilingual Private Educational Unit (Samborondón). He is also a tourist service provider. For him these are the emblematic places of Guayaquil:

1. Centennial Square

Located on Av. 9 de Octubre, was built to commemorate the First Centenary of this revolution in 1920. In the center of it, is the column of the heroes, created by the Spanish Agustín Querol. It also has the Fountain of the Lions, its gardens, beautiful statues and allegories each with a different meaning. Secure place with surveillance and is open to the public. It is part of urban regeneration.

2. Boulevard – av. October 9

Once called San Francisco. Its limits are the Guayas River up to the Estero Salado. For a long time it was the main artery of this city. Used for parades, rallies and political marches, among other events of great importance. It is a mix of modern and heritage buildings. Almost at the end on the east side, is the San Francisco Church, next to which the first monument in Guayaquil stands, in honor of Don Vicente Rocafuerte y Bejarano, inaugurated on January 1, 1880. It is a safe place to walk and is part of urban regeneration.

3. Boardwalk next to the Guayas River

Once considered the “backbone of the economy” of this city and the country, it was the world’s gateway to our nation since time immemorial. Many foreign characters entered this waterway who decided to make this city their definitive home, such was the case of some of the heroes of our independence such as the Venezuelans: León de Febres-Cordero, Luis Urdaneta, the brothers Luis Felipe and Miguel de Letamendi, among others. At the beginning of the Malecón Simón Bolívar avenue is the monument to Don José Joaquín de Olmedo, who was elected on November 8, 1820, as president of the Governing Board of the Free Province of Guayaquil. It is a safe place with constant surveillance.

4. Administration Square and the MI Municipality of Guayaquil

It is an ideal place to go on foot, without vehicular traffic and thus be able to appreciate the monument called La Fragua de Vulcano, which represents the secret meetings of the conspirators in favor of the libertarian cause, since October 1 at the residence of the hero José de Villamil. Towards the sides of this monument rise the Government of the Province of Guayas, and the Municipal Palace inaugurated on February 27, 1929, considered the maximum expression of the so-called “Italian construction fever” in the 20th century. The old House of the Cabildo originally functioned there, and in its basement, the Grenadiers Barracks, whose capture was in charge of Cap. Gregorio de Escobedo, during the early hours of October 9, 1820. The sector is considered safe to visit. There is surveillance.

5. Las Peñas neighborhood and Cerro Santa Ana

Located at the northern end of Simón Bolívar Avenue next to the Malecón del Río, known during the colonial period as “Old City”, where Santiago de Guayaquil would finally settle, after a complex founding process. The Las Peñas sector has its cobbled street called Numa Pompilio Llona, ​​which is adorned with beautiful restored heritage buildings. When ascending the steps of Cerro Santa Ana, you finally reach the highest point next to the Lighthouse. Already in that place, they will have a wonderful 360-degree view of our city, and it is there that they will be able to appreciate, the route that would take that same 1820, the Three Libertarian Campaigns of the so-called army of the “Protective Division of Quito”, whose mission would culminate successfully in 1822 on the slopes of Pichincha. Without October 9, there would not have been a May 24: “Guayaquil for Guayaquil, and Guayaquil for the Homeland.”