Guayaquil is considered the financial capital of Ecuador.

Today’s half day city tour begins with a visit to the Parque Seminario or Parque de los Iguanas. Here we find the neo-gothic Metropolitan Cathedral, along with a population of green iguanas who live in the bushes and trees of the Semainario park.

From here we drive south to see the Old South Market which is known as the “Palacio de Cristal” (Crystal Palace), the Plaza de la Integración and the Plaza Olmedo.

Guayaquil’s Malecon is a 2.5 Km waterfront promenade along the Guayas River. From here we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Municipal and Government buildings, along with the Moorish Clock Tower.

We are dropped off on the Malecon at La Rotunda – a monument which represents the meeting of Simon Bolívar and San Martín, the historically important liberators of South America.

Driving towards the North we reach the oldest neighborhood of Guayaquil known as “Las Peñas”. The colourful houses and winding roads have been very well restored. After a short walk along the Numa Pompilio Street we have great views of this area – good photo opportunity.

One of the best sightseeing sites of Guayaquil is the Santa Ana Hill. From the lighthouse at the top, we can appreciate the views of the Daule and Babahoyo rivers which form the delta of the Guayas River.

The city was originally founded in 1537 and built at the foot of the Santa Ana Hill. It was formerly known as “Cerrito Verde” (Little Green Hill).

Recommendations: Use comfortable shoes for walking in the city. Hat, sun glasses, sun screen, water, small denominations of cash for any small purchases during the day.