From towering high rises to trendy neighbourhoods, Guayaquil is the commercial heart of Ecuador's and features a mix of history and contemporary culture. It's home to universities, hip cafes, independent galleries and late-night bars.

Things to do

Most visitors are drawn towards Malecon 2000, a breezy promenade set on the Rio Guayas. It anchors the city and is lined with grassy parks, open-air art exhibitions and family-friendly playgrounds. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, museums and shops.

Set high above the river, Las Penas is Guayaquil's signature neighbourhood. At over 400 years old, it lures you in with its cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses and bohemian charm.

For the best views in town, head up to the Cerro Santa Ana enclave. It's another of Guayaquil's on-trend neighbourhoods and is dotted with colourful cafes, bars and craft stores. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep staircase to Fortin del Cerro, a hillside stronghold once used to guard Guayaquil against pirates.

One of Ecuador's top cultural attractions, the Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo sits at the end of the Malecon 2000 strip. It's home to a permanent collection featuring everything from pre-Columbian artefacts to contemporary Ecuadorian art.

Getting around

Guayaquil is serviced by a local network of buses and taxis. Jose Joaquín de Olmedo International is the closest airport, located eight kilometres outside the city centre.