Guayaquil, Gateway To The Galapagos

Best known as being the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, there is more to Guayaquil than meets the eye!

Gateway to the Galapagos
Old quarter of Las Peñas
Cycle on car free Isla Santay.

This bustling tropical port city, pronounced Gwa-ja-kil is Ecuador’s largest metropolis. Guayaquil has been undergoing a huge regeneration over the past ten years; we recommend spending a day or so in this very reasonably priced city.

Start your Ecuador holiday today. Stay in Guayaquil.

Ecuador Holidays. Guayaquil Port City.

The Top Sights In Guayaquil

Roam the old quarter of Las Peñas down narrow laneways to brightly coloured houses. Stop off in a local bar for a cooling drink (or two!) before perusing the artisan shops. Climb the 444 steps up Cerro Santa Ana for lovely views down to the river below and the iconic blue and white striped El Faro lighthouse.

Holiday To Guayaquil. Visit Ecuador

Walk the Malecón 2000 Promenade. You guessed right...this riverside walkway was constructed in the year 2000, transforming this part of the city into an up-and-coming area.You will pass museums, gardens, shops and sculptures.You can even hop aboard a pirate ship for a trip on the River Guayas (Banco Morgan). Make sure to take a spin on La Perla ferris wheel for fantastic views.
Isla Santay. Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of Guayaquil? You just need to cross a bridge to be on car-free Isla Santay. Hike or cycle along one of the many trails which interweave through a tropical forest and mangrove swamp. Make sure you take a pair of binoculars, as this is a prime birdwatching location.

Visit Ecuador. See Land Iguanas.

See Land Iguanas-head to Park Bolivar to see these impressive iguanas chilling in the sun. Some are over a metre long!
Eat Creole Crab-A local dish, these reddish crabs are boiled with spices and beer-yum!

Holiday To Ecuador. Guayaquil Boardwalk.

Start your holiday to Guayaquil.

EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Holiday Overview
Itinerary

Ecuador Stop-Over & Galapagos Adventure

What's Included?

International flights
Accommodation
Cruise around the Galapagos
Quito city tour
Transfers & domestic flights

Guide Price for 2023: £4095pp

Day 1: Travel to Quito (indirect flight)

Day 2: Transfer to a historical boutique hotel in the heart of Quito.

Day 3: Private Quito city tour.

Day 4: Fly to The Galapagos Islands via Guadaquil. Visit the Interpretation Centre on Santa Cruz. Then board the M/C Seaman for a 4 night journey.

Day 5: San Cristobal Island...Visit the Galapaguera reserve to see tortoises. Then, in the afternoon go for a swim at Cerro Brujo. Here you should see sealions and blue footed boobies!

Day 6: Espanola Island. Go kayaking or snorkelling. Lots more wildlife spotting here. Visit the famous blow hole at Suarez Point.

Day 7: Floreana Island: Witness Flamingoes at Cormorant Point.

Day 8: Head to the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Here you will learn about how the Galapagos are protected and conserved. Fly to Guadaquil. An evening to explore Guadaquil and walk down its boardwalk.

Day 9: Overnight flight back to the UK.

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Flight Time

15-16 hours, indirect from the UK

Currency

US dollars

When To Go

You can visit Ecuador all year round.
Coastal regions and the Galapagos:
Wet season is January to April. (short, sudden downpours)
May to December it's cooler but it's often cloudy.

Time Difference

-5 GMT