Looking east towards the River Guayas is Guayaquil, recognised as the economic capital and main port of Ecuador with approximately two million inhabitants, many of whom are from other parts of the country. According to the legend, the name comes from an Indigenous chief named Guayas and his wife Quil, who threw themselves into the great river in preference of being conquered by the Spanish.

By the 17th century, Santiago de Guayaquil was already the most important port in Ecuador and a stopping-off point for ships sailing the Southern Sea from Callao to Panama and Acapulco.

Into its bay arrived all the products that ships brought from Spain: crockery, glassware, arms, gunpowder, flour, raisins, wine and clothing from Castle. From this same bay departed planks of select hardwoods, high-quality cacao, tar, sarsaparilla, ship's rigging and merchandise from Quito, Cuenca and other parts of Ecuador.

• City tour in Guayaquil
• City tour in Guayaquil w/ Historic Park

Guayaquil City Tour

Upon collection from your hotel we familiarise ourselves with this colourful city, one much different to its highland counterpart, Quito. Known for its fast-pace and bold nature, Guayaquil still has many points of interest, including Parque Seminario, (popularly known as Parque de las Iguanas). The park is a delightful place for bird lovers as the abundant ficus trees here are home to some truly exotic flycatchers and land iguanas. Experience the splendid Palacio Municipal and the several monuments including the architecturally severe Gobernacion de la Provincia building situated on the promenade at the waterfront Malecon which lines the shore of the Guayas river. Positioned behind the park is a Neo Gothic Cathedral which provides an insight into Guayaquil´s interesting past. In close proximity are the Moorish Tower and the awe inspiring Rotonda Monument portraying Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin shaking hands. The two South American generals who liberated the continent from Spain met in Guayaquil in 1822.

As we stroll through the attractive district of Las Peñas, amid old houses constructed from timber, we pass art galleries and cafes with beautiful views. On route we visit “Mercado Plaza del Sur”, a metallic structure designed by Eiffel. Heading west of Las Peñas, back to the hotel, we pass an extensive cemetery filled with remarkably ornate tombs, a vestige of times gone by, illustrating Guayaquil´s wealth over the last century. This stimulating three hour tour guides you through the cities pride and joy.

Duration: About 3 hours.

Prices 2009 & 2010 per person:

*Includes tickets to museums

Guayaquil City Tour with Historic Park

This four hour tour visits all the points of interest detailed above with and an additional visit to the Historical Park. Over flowing with native flora and fauna this park is an ideal location to learn about the birds, reptiles and mammals of this region.

Duration: About 4 hours.

Prices 2009 & 2010 per person:

*Includes tickets to museums