• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-952330214388
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil",
  "destination": "Guayaquil",
  "title": "guayaquil",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Guayaquil",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Guayaquil

Ecuador

South America Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

Overview

Guayaquil is not only the beating commercial heart of Ecuador but a vibrant sprawling city, growing ever more confident. A half-dozen high-rises give it a big-city profile, and several hillsides are engulfed by colorful favelas, but it’s the Río Guayas’ malecón (the riverfront town square) that defines the city’s identity.

Take your Ecuador trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Amazon Adventures, Cotopaxi Cowboys, and Quito Culture: Ecuador in 10 Days

highlights

  1. 1Straddling the Middle of the World at the world’s equatorial border of zero degrees
  2. 2Riding a horse in the style of a traditional Cotopaxi Chagra
  3. 3Hiking at the base of volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park
from $3,400

per person

book this tripsee trip details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-542985183046
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil",
  "destination": "Guayaquil",
  "title": "guayaquil",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Guayaquil",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-771889417112
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil",
  "destination": "Guayaquil",
  "title": "guayaquil",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Guayaquil",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Guayaquil

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-179938838140
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/guayaquil",
  "destination": "Guayaquil",
  "title": "guayaquil",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Guayaquil",
  "continent": "South-America",
  "region": "South-Coast",
  "country": "Ecuador",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}