Excursion Treasures of guayaquil tour at Guayaquil

Discover the many historic, natural, architectural and cultural treasures of Guayaquil during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Guayaquil, Guayas River, 9 de Octubre Avenue, Bolivar Park, Iguanas, Malecon 2000

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Guayaquil. Located on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador's principal harbour and largest city. Upon arrival, your route passes along the architecturally-rich 9 de Octubre Avenue and locally-popular Centennial Park, a green area that honours the heroes of Guayaquil's Independence. Continue on to the unusual Bolivar Park, also known as the 'Park of the Iguanas'. A stop is made here to see the colourful iguanas roaming around the park undisturbed, and perched in the treetops. Afterward, head to the South Market in Malecon 2000, a modern, urban park. Visit the Integration Plaza, Artisans' Market, Union Club and the first fort of Guayaquil, where a statue of Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (the first mayor of Guayaquil) stands in front of the Guayas River.

Civic Plaza, Moorish Tower, City Hall, Rotonda Monument, Cacao Museum

Your drive continues through the Malecon Simon Bolivar to the Civi c Plaza. Here, visit the Moorish Tower, City Hall and Rotonda Monument, then re-board your coach and transfer to the Museo Nacional del Cacao / Cacao Museum. At the Museo Nacional del Cacao, you will learn the social, economic and symbolic relevance of cocoa in the country and in the world, from its origin in these lands. The visit includes original pieces and replicas, simulation of scenarios and interactive elements, creating a friendly and entertaining tour for all types of public, honoring the patrimonial building where this house-museum is located, whose history is closely related to the Guayaquil cocoa culture.

Leaving the museum, walk north to Santa Ana Hill, home to Guayaquil's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio of Las Peñas. Here, the homes have been beautifully restored with brightly colored paints and design details. This visually stunning neighborhood is also home to various local artists. Many residents of this area are 'old timers', and happy to engage in conversations about the history of the Barrio, thus offering guests a unique, first-hand insight into the society and customs in Guayaquil in bygone years. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45- minute drive back to the pier.

Santa Ana Hill, Las Peñas Neighbourhood

Leaving the museum, re-board your coach and head north to Santa Ana Hill, home to Guayaquil's oldest neighbourhood, the Barrio of Las Peñas. Here, the homes have been beautifully restored with brightly-coloured paints and design details. This visually-stunning neighbourhood is also home to various local artists. Many residents of this area are 'old timers', and happy to engage in conversations about the history of the Barrio, thus offering guests a unique, first-hand insight into the society and customs in Guayaquil in bygone years. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Guayaquil, Las Peñas, Centennial Park, Bolivar Park, Malecon 2000, the Cacao Museum, Santa Ana Hill

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2 miles (about 2.2 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coac; 5-10 stairs to climb up to start the walk at the Numa Pompillo street at Las Peñas neighbourhood, and there are 25-35 stairs to climb up & down at the Cacao Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a camera and local currency for purchases from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.