Guayaquil
Set along the chocolate-brown Guayas River on the flat coastal
plains of Ecuador is the city of Guayaquil. It is the largest shipping
port on the Pacific Coast of South America, handling 80% of Ecuador's
imports and 50% of its exports including shrimp, bananas, cocoa and
coffee.
Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador with a
population near 3 million and is home to one of the country's
two international airports. Though it has always had a
strong economy and plenty of nightlife, due to a series of fires
it does not have the same cultural heritage as Quito or Cuenca. It does
have a lively population and a number of attractions that can make your day in
Guayaquil worthwhile.
Flights between Quito and the Galapagos have a short
stop there, as do flights to many other international
destinations.
Travelers with heart conditions or other problems aggravated by high
elevations may consider flying in and out of Guayaquil rather than
Quito. Its elevation, at sea level, is much easier on the body. For
safety reason visitors to Guayaquil should plan organized tours of the
city rather or take taxis between locations rather than wandering as it
is not difficult to find yourself in a
"bad neighborhood" without being aware.
History
Sebastian de Benalcazar found a city in the current location of
Guayaquil in 1534. This city named "Santiago" suffered from several
fires and was rebuilt multiple times. On July 25, 1537 Francisco de
Orellana (of Amazon fame) founded the city for the final time at the
Cerrito Verde (today known as Las Peñas) beside the Guayas River. He
named his new city The Very Nobel and Very Loyal City of Santiago of
Guayaquil.
Legend says that the name comes from the Indian Prince and Princess who
had lived in the region. When their beloved city fell under siege and
they knew the battle was lost, rather than see the city surrender they
committed suicide, his name "Guayas" and hers "Quil".
During Spanish rule, life was not easy in Guayaquil. The lack of fresh
drinking water caused serious problems as did frequent pirate raids.
There were plagues, floods, and more fires burning down most of the
original city. The strong Guayaquileños struggled and eventually built a
prosperous city. Business boomed along the coast with ship building and
agriculture. From early times the economics and politics of Ecuador
split between the two cities Quito, conservative Hacienda owners, and
Guayaquil, liberal business owners.
On October 9, 1820, Guayaquil declared independence from Spain
becoming an independent state. Having gained their own freedom Guayaquil
then sent their army east to free the rest of Ecuador.
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Malecon 2000
The Malecon 2000 is the crown jewel of Guayaquil and a major influence in
the regeneration the city has seen over the last few years. The Malecon
2000 reclaimed 2 miles of riverfront for recreational usage. It is now a
lovely pedestrian walkway with stores, shops, small gardens, monuments, a
museum and an IMAX theatre. It is a favorite destination of visitors and
locals alike.
Las Peñas
Las Peñas is Guayaquil's oldest neighborhood, and much of it is currently
being restored to showcase the beauty of this historic area. A center of
cultural activities and expositions. Historically, Las Peñas has
been Guayaquil's most important neighborhood. Las Peñas has been
home to presidents, musicians, historians, artists, captains of industry,
housewives and fisherman. With a particular architectural style with narrow
streets the houses near the river depict the early days of Ecuador with two
fronts one for access from the street and the other for access from the river.
Parque Historical
Also known as the Malecon 1900 the Parque Historical combines a historical
area which recreates Guayaquil from the early 1900’s, a wildlife park and an
area celebrating the traditions and customs of coastal Ecuador.
The Historical Park is 8 hectares surround by a variety of trees on the
Daule River. On weekends the park becomes lively with music and people dressed
in traditional costume helping to recreate the era.
Shopping
The largest artisan market is located in the middle of Loja Street, Juan
Montalvo and Córdova and Chimborazo – The Mercado Artesanal. Stocked full of
handicrafts from all over Ecuador the Mercado Artesanal has well priced
paintings, jewelry and local crafts.
Within the 280 colorful stalls, displaying a variety of beautiful
handicrafts from all over Ecuador at reasonable prices; the sales booths are
attended directly by the artisans. You will find pottery, leather goods,
jewelry, and paintings among other crafts. The Chamber of Artisans of the
Guayas province together with the City Hall developed this cooperative project
offering the artisans a place for their shops, exhibits and selling their
crafts as well as creating a new shopping experience for visitors. The market
is complete with music and private guards employed by the Chamber of Tourism.
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