Guayaquil , Ecuador

Life and gastronomy of Guayaquil

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About this experience

This is a perfect combination! First, take a city tour and visit the most interesting places of Guayaquil. Then, enjoy an Ecuadorian culinary experience. Roundtrip transportation, local guide and a 3-course meal all included!

Available options

Life and gastronomy of Guayaquil

What's included

Local guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Lunch in Pez Azul, a famous local restaurant focused on seafood

Traditional Ceviche

Detailed itinerary

Our tour will be kick-started when our local guide meets you at your hotel lobby or the place you are residing in Guayaquil. This meeting will be arranged a little before the departure time. After picking you
up, the local guide will journey with you towards the core attractions in the city. His commentary will aid you in getting a detailed insight into the history and cultural significance of many landmarks. Some of the famous landmarks you will explore are San Pedro Cathedral, Seminario Park, and Palacio Municipal.
We will also visit the ‘Caraguay market’ where you can marvel and feel overwhelmed by the market where the chaos of the vendors is a sight to see. Fresh seafood is transported here and then distributed to the restaurants in the city.

Our next stop will be the ‘Pez Azul’ restaurant, where you will be able to feast on one of the most scrumptious culinary achievements known as Encebollado. You will genuinely savor the Guayaquilian taste when you dip your spoons in the soup created from ingredients like yucca, onions, albacore, and
spices.

After savoring this gastronomical delight, we will head on to explore the city further so that you can connect with the ordinary lives of Guayaquilian. At dinnertime, we will finally stopover at Gastro Bar,
where you will be able to relish the most authentic taste of Ecuadorian fusion cuisine. The appetizing three-course meal will be followed by a non-alcoholic drink that will allow your tastebuds to bask in the glory of a great taste. You can sample the traditional Guayaquil cuisine, which usually comprises a
bounty of premium seafood. You will simply be delighted with the friendly ambiance and the warm cordiality of the employees. After sharing stories and snippets of Guayaquil with your guide over the
meal, your trip will finally conclude, and you will be dropped off at the lobby of your hotel.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Dress code is confortable

Let us know if had any restriction with the food

Meeting point

Lobby of your hotel or place of accomodation.

Important notes

• Minimum age is 18 years

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest and most populous city, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and strategic location along the Pacific coast. It serves as the country's main port and offers a mix of urban energy, colonial charm, and natural beauty with the nearby Pacific beaches and the Guayas River.

Top Attractions

Malecón 2000

A modern waterfront promenade along the Guayas River, featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to enjoy the city's skyline and river views.

Architecture/Entertainment 2-3 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Sembradores Park

A beautiful urban park with lush gardens, walking paths, and a lake. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Santa Ana Hill

A historic neighborhood with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and a hilltop church offering panoramic views of the city.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (church donation optional)

Guayaquil Zoo

A zoo housing a variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and flamingos. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours $3-$5

Salado Beach

A popular beach located about 20 minutes from the city center, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Beach Half-day to full day Free (rentals and facilities may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

A dish made with fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, typically lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. It's often served with side dishes such as sweet plantain, popcorn, or boiled corn on the cob.

Appetizer Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without soy sauce

Encebollado

A hearty soup made with flaked albacore fish, yuca, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It's a popular hangover cure and comfort food in Ecuador.

Soup Contains seafood, gluten-free

Arroz con Mariscos

A flavorful rice dish cooked with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, squid, and mussels. It's a staple of coastal Ecuadorian cuisine.

Main course Contains seafood, gluten-free

Humitas

A traditional dish made from fresh corn mixed with butter, eggs, and sometimes cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. It's a popular snack or side dish.

Side dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Hiking Wildlife watching Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

June to November (Dry season)

This is the best time to visit Guayaquil with pleasant weather, less rain, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-32°C 72-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Ecuador Time (ECT, UTC-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Guayaquil is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be cautious of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil

Getting around

Public transport

The Metrobus system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's affordable and widely used by locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro Histórico) Urdesa Samborondón

Day trips

Puerto López and Machalilla National Park

200 km (124 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight

Puerto López is a charming coastal town and the gateway to Machalilla National Park, which offers beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.

Balcázar

100 km (62 miles) from Guayaquil • Half day to full day

Balcázar is a small town known for its historic church and traditional crafts. It's a great place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture and enjoy local cuisine.

Santa Elena Peninsula

120 km (75 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight

The Santa Elena Peninsula offers stunning beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a popular destination for relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Guayaquil International Fair (Feria Internacional de Guayaquil) • October Carnaval de Guayaquil • February/March (before Lent) Fiestas de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Festivities) • July

Pro tips

Visit the Malecón 2000 waterfront promenade for stunning views of the Guayas River and the city skyline
Explore the Santa Ana Hill neighborhood for a glimpse into the city's colonial past and panoramic views
Try local street food from vendors along the Malecón 2000 and in the Mercado del Arte
Take a day trip to the Santa Elena Peninsula for beautiful beaches and outdoor activities
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate and connect with locals