Before you go

Your trip to Guayaquil.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Guayaquil – Guayas Destination Guayaquil and the coast Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) 5 km
Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil 6 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport is about 5 km from downtown, and the bus terminal is next to it, with buses to the coast, Cuenca and Quito. Flights to the Galápagos also depart from Guayaquil.

How many days

One day covers the Malecón, Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana, Parque Seminario and the cathedral. With two days you can add Parque Histórico, Malecón del Salado and Isla Santay. Many people spend one or two days in the city before heading to the coast or the Galápagos.

When to go

Guayaquil is warm year-round. From December to May is the rainy season, with heat, high humidity and strong afternoon showers. From June to November the weather tends to be drier, cooler and cloudier. In July the city celebrates its founding, and in October its independence, with events downtown.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The Malecón, Las Peñas, Parque Seminario and the cathedral are close to each other and can be done on foot. For Parque Histórico, Malecón del Salado and the airport, use a taxi or ride-hailing service; the Metrovía bus rapid transit links the center with other neighborhoods.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Guayaquil

Morning
Parque Seminario and cathedral
Start at Parque Seminario, with the iguanas and the statue of Bolívar, and enter the cathedral across the street.
Afternoon
Malecón 2000
Walk down to the river and stroll along the Malecón, passing the Hemiciclo de la Rotonda, the Torre Morisca and the gardens.
Late afternoon
Las Peñas and Cerro Santa Ana
At the end of the Malecón, climb the 444 steps of Cerro Santa Ana up to the lighthouse to see the river and the city at sunset.
Evening
Dinner in Las Peñas
Dine in the bars and restaurants on the steps of Cerro Santa Ana. Try encebollado, the coastal fish soup.

2 days in Guayaquil

Day 1

Morning
Downtown
Parque Seminario, the cathedral and the downtown streets.
Afternoon
Malecón 2000
Walk along the Malecón and the riverside gardens.
Late afternoon
Cerro Santa Ana
Climb to the lighthouse and sunset.
Evening
Las Peñas
Have dinner on the steps.

Day 2

Morning
Parque Histórico
Go to the Parque Histórico, in Samborondón, to see the region's animals and the city's old houses.
Afternoon
Isla Santay
Cross the pedestrian bridge to Isla Santay and walk along the boardwalks through the mangroves. Check beforehand if the bridge is open.
Late afternoon
Malecón del Salado
Walk along the Malecón del Salado, on the edge of the estuary.
Evening
Urdesa
Dine in the Urdesa neighborhood, which has many restaurants.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take from the airport to the city center?

About 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. The airport is about 5 km from the Malecón.

How hot is Guayaquil?

The city is hot and humid year-round. From December to May, with the rains, the heat increases; from June to November the weather is usually cooler and cloudy.

Can you go from Guayaquil to the Galápagos?

Yes, there are flights from Guayaquil to the islands of Baltra and San Cristóbal. There is biosafety control and a park entry fee; check the rules before you go.

What to eat in Guayaquil?

Encebollado, the fish soup with cassava, shrimp ceviche, rice with menestra and meat, bolón de verde, and for breakfast, the cheese bread called pan de yuca.

How many days to stay in Guayaquil?

One or two days, before heading to the coast, the Sierra, or the Galápagos.

Back to Guayaquil