A different taste!
by Strannik
Your visit to Guayaquil (as to any other spot on earth) will be incomplete if you don't try a sample of local gastronomy. The options are many here but I'd lean on to advice
"encebollado", it's widely recommended to deal with hangovers of the day-after and locals just try it any day at 10 am, as a little snack between breakfast and lunch (and they wonder why we have big tummies ;) ).
If you want to know more about this dish and other local stuff, go to http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1155/recetas/fencebol.html
Beaches and Salinas
by realde14
Unfortunately, I did not ahve enough time to get out of Guyaquil and go to the beaches, but there are several good surf sports, and from what I have been told, Salinas is fun place to hang out on the beach.
Escalinatas del Cerro de Santa Ana
by Strannik
A recommended activity, specially at night, is to go up "Cerro de Santa Ana" stairs, a path that will lead you to the top of this hill from where you will find a beautiful view of the city.
Besides, on the way you will see several small bars, caffes, restaurants and souvenir shops installed in redisegned houses (you can see pictures of how old houses used to be hanging on facades). The path is safe, with guards every 20 m, but I'd advice you not to try to move farther away the marked path
Going at night might be better for many because you dont have to deal with ecuatorial sun, plus Gquil nights by the river side are always quite fresh. In any case, keep in mind that there are 444 steps from bottom to top. Good luck!
Ecological excursion???
by DanielR
Good idea... considering the actual inclination of truly travelers this is the best way to know the natural soul of its citizens, isn't it??
Cerro Blanco... a natural reserve located near to Guayaquil which offers the oportunity to know how was Guayaquil originally.
The Cerro Blanco Protector Forest.
The nearest place to visit, (route to Salinas city beach), which has almost 6000 acres and small hills of over 800 metres over the sea level where you can find different species of animals like “migalas” (big black spiders), eagles, falcons, raccoons, stags and others. Also you'll find a vegetal extensive area where you see the famous “ceibos” well known better because of its particular attitude to throw its leaves to protect itself of the intensive sun and drought. There are over 100 species of plants and trees, 211 of birds, 30 kinds of birds of prey and 33 mammal kinds.
Its symbol is the “Papagayo de Guayaquil” (parrot of Guayaquil) an endemic colorful specie of bird who lives only in the city zone and is on extinction way.
You will find a camping and picnic area, an amphitheatre and also the rescue wild life center to observe the parrot of Guayaquil, monkeys, long-tailed monkeys and others. There is a little integral farm with an organic garden produce, medicinal plants, bee honey and other products to sell.
You will be guide by a special guide of the forest. There are three paths options differentiated by distance and time. My recommendation is to cross the “Buena vista largo” path. (Large nice sight). It will take 5 hours of an interesting hike. Be sure to have comfortable shoes and fresh ecuadorian water.
The Port City of Guayaquil
by roamer61
Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. It is also the principal port. From here, ships depart for the Galapagos and other points in the Pacific.
The city itself has some nice colonial architecture and modern conveniences for the visitor. All in all, it represents itself as a large, mostly modern, South American city.
More to come.
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The seaport city in Equador
Sidewalk market
Alligator
Locals eating supper
