Guayaquil was always characterized for being the economic capital of Ecuador, and with urban regeneration has become a cosmopolitan city par excellence. In the last five years, Guayaquil initiates a development to elevate the self-esteem of its inhabitants and directs its effort to the development of the tourism as source of generation of jobs and currencies, turning it into tourist destiny of nationals and foreigners.

The beginning of the tourist development of the city starts with the construction of Malecón 2000, a site that until the moment has received more than 40 million visitors; the regeneration of the Santa Ana Hill turning it into a colonial jewel in center of the city; and culminating its regeneration with the inauguration of the Lighthouse and the Santa Ana Chapel, located in the Place of Honors. This development begins with Leon Febres Cordero, and Jaime Nebot Saadi continues with it when he became Mayor of Guayaquil.

At the same time, at the south of the Malecón 2000, the Place of Integration is inaugurated as part of the regeneration of that sector.  The center of this place is the Crystal Palace, whose structure was brought from France, designed by Eiffel in the year of 1905.

The regeneration of the banking and commercial center of the city is practically concluded; including its main artery, 9 de Octubre Avenue, magnificently ornamented with palms, new illumination, and paved all along. The Downtown showcases luxury and fine hotels that offer lodging to the tourists.

Something that gives a unique and characteristic seal is the ornamentation of the pillars that sustain the multiple traffic bypasses that exist in the city.  These are multicolor and show different themes that make them unique in the world.

The Park Bolivar is in the regenerated area.  It also known as “Park of the Iguanas” because of the considerable amount of iguanas that live in its trees.  The visitors feed these reptiles when they are on the green areas that surround their habitat.

The old residential neighborhood named “Centenario” also had a substantial change after it was put under the regeneration. Aside from these changes that transformed the tourist sector of the city, Guayaquil counts on a beautiful Botanical Garden. Antonio Hanna Musse, who was Mayor of Guayaquil, delegated this project to the Ecuadorian Association of Orchids in 1979. It took 10 years of intense work before opening to the public, to allow people admire the beauty of the Guayaquil’s flora.

We have to mention the contribution of the Central Bank of Ecuador, an institution that helped develop the “Parque Histórico Guayaquil” (Guayaquil Historical Park) under the direction of the architect Freddy Olmedo and the engineer Pablo Lee.  It is located in the opposed shore of the river Daule.  The Historical Park Guayaquil counts on a wild zone with a concept in which through footpaths they allow visitors to travel by mangrove swamps while they observe the wild life and its surroundings, emulating zoological natural birds and animals of this sector. There is a special area where the rural and urban architectonic patrimony of the old Guayaquil is rescued.

The facade and the interior of the Green House, the Territorial Bank, Julian Coronel’s House, and the Heart of Jesus-Elderly Nursing Home have been completely restored. These all are buildings that represent the architecture of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The new construction shows two blocks of the old Guayaquil, here visitors can find cafeterias, restaurants, souvenirs shops, banks, etc. Finally there is the zone of traditions, where visitors can learn about country life.  This all makes this natural and historical enclosure a tourist and familiar stroll, giving the visitors the opportunity to get close to nature and history.

Very close to Guayaquil, there is “Parque Lago” (Lake Park).  It is a very touristic site formed by dammed waters originated from the Daule – Peripa dam; it is a lake that is used for the tourist relaxation, and for the practice of nautical sports.

There is a place called “Puerto Hondo”, where you can enjoy a canoe adventure.  While canoeing, people enjoy observing beautiful mangrove swamps adorned by herons, pelicans, and crabs that are outside their lairs.

The nature lovers can find adventure at a charming forest that offers 4947 Has.; its name is “Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco” (Cerro Blanco Protective Forest).  It is a protected area whose conservation is in charge of National Cement Company. Timber trees can be found here such as

It is an area of great importance for biodiversity; they have reported more than 700 vegetal species, 33 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 8 of which are endangered species.  This fact has been important to declare “Cerro Blanco” the first IBA area in the Ecuadorian coast.  In addition, it offers to the visitors an infrastructure like natural footpaths, visitor centers, parking spaces, camping area, and an amphitheatre.

Additionally, very close to Guayaquil, are the Churute Mangrove Swamps banana plantations, cocoa beans plantations, and shrimp farms that are attractive for foreign tourists. All the tourist routes of Ecuador are connected to Guayaquil, making it a delight when traveling through highways.

We have this and much more to offer to our visitors which affirms that.

Guayaquil is a wonderful tourist destination.