Guayaquil
Ecuador · Country profile
Guayaquil is the great port and commercial capital of Ecuador, the largest city of the country and the engine of its economy, a hot, bustling metropolis on the broad Guayas river that has transformed its historic waterfront into one of the most attractive urban spaces in the region. The renovated Malecón boardwalk runs the length of the riverside with its gardens, its monuments and its viewpoints, and the hill of the Santa Ana, with its painted houses and its lighthouse, crowns the old district. The city is the commercial heart of the country, and its energy, its seafood and its famously warm, entrepreneurial people give it a character all its own. Hot, friendly and full of life, Guayaquil is the gateway of the coast and the Pacific trade.
About Guayaquil
Guayaquil is a city in Ecuador. The city's documented population is around 2,650,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the US Dollar (USD) and Spanish is spoken; the dialling code is +593. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
The Malecon, the Santa Ana and the Boardwalk of the River
Guayaquil is a working port city full of commercial energy, and its recent transformation has made the old riverside the great public stage of the city. The Malecón boardwalk, the hill of the Santa Ana and the restored historical quarter hold the visitor circuit, while the markets, the seafood stalls and the busy streets of the port carry the everyday life. The city is hot nearly all year, so the days move between the shade and the air conditioning and the evenings come alive on the boardwalk. It is the natural base for the beaches and the coast, and a genuinely friendly, authentic introduction to the modern Ecuador beyond the highlands.
The Heat, the Dollar and the Dawn Hours of the City
The heat and the humidity are the constant, so the light clothes and the water are essential, and the best hours are the mornings and the evenings. The Malecón and the Santa Ana hill are the essential walk, and the museums of the city tell the story of the port and its people. The currency of the country is the US dollar, which simplifies the travel, and the Spanish is the language of everything. The city is the base for the coast, the lowlands and the Galapagos departures of the region. The seafood of the city, the ceviche and the grilled fish of the coast, is the great local pleasure. Use the ride apps and keep the usual city care at night.
The Ceviche, the Markets and the Boats of the Port
The Malecón boardwalk, stretching along the river with its gardens and its children’s areas, is the great riverside walk, and the hill of the Santa Ana with its colourful houses and its lighthouse gives the classic views over the city and the port. The restored quarter of Las Peñas, the oldest of the city with its artists and its galleries, holds the evening life, and the museums of the city, from the history of the port to the contemporary culture, fill out the picture. The markets of the city, with the fruit and the seafood of the coast, are the great sensory introduction. The city is a transport hub, and the buses and the boats of the region run through it. Hot, friendly and endlessly busy, it is the true commercial heart of the equator.
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- Country
- Ecuador
- Population
- 2,650,000
- Coordinates
- -2.1574, -79.8836
- Capital
- Quito
- Region
- South America
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +593
- Country code
- EC
Getting to Guayaquil
Airports we list for Guayaquil:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Ecuador
Other cities we cover in Ecuador:
Frequently asked questions
Is Guayaquil the capital of Ecuador?
No — the capital of Ecuador is Quito.
What currency do I need in Guayaquil?
The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). Languages spoken in Ecuador include Spanish.
What is the dialling code for Ecuador?
The international dialling code for Ecuador is +593.
Which airport should I fly into for Guayaquil?
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) is the airport we list for Guayaquil.
How far is Guayaquil from the nearest airport?
Guayaquil is about 282 km from Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Flying out of Guayaquil? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.