444 Steps Up to Astonishment

THOSE TRAVELING TO GUAYAQUIL, THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULATED CITY IN ECUADOR, SHALL NOT DARE TO THINK IT WILL BE THEIR FIRST AND LAST TRIP. ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THE CITY, THE LOVE FOR HER EMBRACES YOU FOREVER

It took a long time to change once and for all the existing perception of Guayaquil, the most populated and largest city in Ecuador. At first, it was generally thought about as the starting point to the beautiful Galapagos (Islands), given its magnificent port, regarded as the most important in the country.

But in 1992, authorities and inhabitants decided to show the world a new face of the city when they invigorated the metropolis carved by the Babahoyo, Daule, and Guayas Rivers (nothing like contemplating them from the Santa Ana tourist port), and

provided not only a touch of modernity, but also made her cleaner and more attractive by fully exploiting the different architectural styles embellishing their facilities, promenades, and parks (Seminario Park is fantastic, always crowded with iguanas), residential units, specialized restaurants, lively bars, seafronts, Las Peñas-style neighborhoods (marked by cobblestone streets escorted by beautiful mansions with very small balconies), theaters, and malls…

It is true there is no need to climb 444 steps to reach the top of the Santa Ana Hill and thus, enjoy one of Guayaquil's symbols:

Quien viaje hasta Guayaquil, que no ose pensar que será por una única vez. Lo digo por experiencia: el amor que despierta esta ciudad es para siempre

Those traveling to Guayaquil, the largest and most populated city in Ecuador, shall not dare to think it will be their first and last trip. I speak from my own experience: the love for that city embraces you forever

the remarkable building The Point. It is a 36-floor building that can be seen from everywhere in the city (the night view is amazing as 10,000 LED lights illuminate it). However, the panoramic view makes you fall hopelessly in love from such a height.

I hope you visit Guayaquil without having your vacation days numbered. You must go with plenty of time so the city may slowly reveal itself before you. But if you cannot avoid your departure, do not do it until you see the figures drawn on the air by the Monumental Fountain of Dancing Waters caused by music and lights.

Likewise, the intense colors of the 126 stain-glass windows of the Metropolitan Cathedral will be permeated in your eyes. You must also enjoy the experience of not only touring the modern area of Guayaquil, but also some of the 2,5 km of the Guayas River and the Simon Bolivar promenade, which will take you closer to iconic places such as the Crystal Palace and La Rotonda hemicycle.

By that time, you will be captivated by the Ecuadorian food. No one can resist the best shrimp ceviche a man can taste, the ripe banana wrapped in a type of bacon named madurillo. It drives you crazy as well as the ribbons with popcorn… Spoil alert: those traveling to Guayaquil, the largest and most populated city in Ecuador, shall not dare to think it will be their first and last trip. I speak from my own experience: the love for that city embraces you forever.

Edificio The Point, uno de los íconos de Guayaquil. The Point Building,one of Guayaquil's iconic landmarks.

Intensos son los colores que componen los 126 vitrales de la Catedral Metropolitana. Intense colors make up the 126 window panes of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Malecón Simón Bolívar. The Simón Bolívar Malecon.