The Galápagos archipelago, the jewel in the crown of the Ecuadorian tourism, is less than two hours by air from Guayaquil. The legendary islands are one of the planet’s most pristine natural paradises. 600 miles distant from the Ecuadorian mainland, they shelter one of the world’s unique eco-systems, boasting animal, marine and plant life not found elsewhere on the planet.
Though particularly famous for the endangered giant tortoise, the Galápagos is also home to a wide variety of land and sea- birds, iguanas, whales, sharks, sea lions and penguins. In 1978 the islands were made a UNESCO world nature heritage site and in 1985, a World Biosphere Reserve.
Not surprisingly, Guayaquil is playing host to increased tourism, with over three million visitors now flying in annually. There has been significant tourist infrastructure development, and the modern and efficient transport network covering 28 miles of the city can take visitors to all of Guayaquil’s major attractions and business centers with ease. As well as the large hotel brands including the Marriot, Hilton, Howard Johnson, Sonesta and Sheraton, there are also dozens of large and medium-sized hotels, boutique hotels and family-style lodgings. The Holiday Inn and Windham hotels are coming soon too.
The business traveler will find the brand new convention center – a versatile venue suitable for international trade fairs , exhibitions and events – located just minutes from the airport. In fact, Guayaquil’s role as a business center was recognized in 2006 when it was named “the best city to do business in” by Latin Trade magazine, and in 2003 the UN declared Guayaquil a “Model City of Human Development and Governance”.
Las Peñas, Guayaquil's oldest neighborhood, is currently being restored and is a center of cultural activities and expositions. The Parque Historical combines a recreation of Guayaquil from the early 1900’s, a wildlife park and an area celebrating the traditions and customs of coastal Ecuador.
Outside Guayaquil, visitors will find nature reserves, eco and agro-tourism activities, and spectacular beaches. Upriver and east of the Guayas River, tourists can follow the cacao route, watch rodeo shows, meander through forests, ride horses and observe everyday life on a typical Guayas farm. The islands in the Gulf of Guayaquil, the largest of which is Puná Island, have mangrove forests, picturesque fishing villages and rich biodiversity. Due west of Guayaquil lies the Ruta del Sol, where the Pacific attracts sun seekers and beachcombers.
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