Has anyone spent any time in Guayaquil Ecuador

[adrianwd75]

I have a week booked on the Deep Blue in the Galapagos in October and will be stoping off in Guayaquil on the way there and back.
Any one been, whats there to see and do.

Adrian

 

[Canuckgirl]

I have a week booked on the Deep Blue in the Galapagos in October and will be stoping off in Guayaquil on the way there and back.
Any one been, whats there to see and do.

Adrian

Guayaquil is a vibrant city. You can stay really cheap ($5/night), but that is roughing it. If you are looking for a little more luxury, then you can stay at the Oro Verde - it's the nicest place in town (five-stars for less than $100). The Malecon 2000 is the river-side walkway all the way to Las Penas (a nice, safe, suburb on a hill topped by an old lighthouse). It is an excellent walk and the pride of Guayaquil. The best places to go out are just west of the airport (very trendy, secure nightclubs and bars). Jardin del Salsa is the biggest salsa club in Ecuador and holds 6000! :dazzler1:

Your best bet is not to book a hotel ahead of time, just to go and pay US cash. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run. Always remember to negotiate your fare before getting into any taxi (most fares are $2, $5 should get you across town completely). A bottle of Espirit de Ecuador or local agaurdiete makes a great souvenir. Enjoy Ecuador and the Galapagos.

CG

 

[boydski]

Guayaquil is a vibrant city. You can stay really cheap ($5/night), but that is roughing it. If you are looking for a little more luxury, then you can stay at the Oro Verde - it's the nicest place in town (five-stars for less than $100). The Malecon 2000 is the river-side walkway all the way to Las Penas (a nice, safe, suburb on a hill topped by an old lighthouse).
CG

I'll second the recommendation of the Oro Verde. It's very nice, and they just completed a huge remodelling project. The have a great little bakery on site that's perfect for lite meals.

 

[MedicDiverLB]

The Malacon is a great place to stroll and shop. Very Safe. But be very wary about walking around outside the Malacon. I was robbed when I tried to find the street market. They have made great strides in decreasing crime in Guayaquil, but it remains a dangerous city especially to those unfamiliar with it. Always take a taxi to and from the Malacon. As far as hotels, I stayed at the Kennedy because it was only a minute from the local mall and I needed the day in Guayaquil to restock after spending 2 months in rural Ecuador. The hotel was very nice and I was given an apartment at the regular room rate because they were booked. Enjoy your trip to the Galapagos. It is an incredible place.

I have a week booked on the Deep Blue in the Galapagos in October and will be stoping off in Guayaquil on the way there and back.
Any one been, whats there to see and do.

Adrian

 

[Cudabait]

I've also stayed at the Ore Verde. Dito everything Canuckgirl has said.

Regards,

 

[wedivebc]

I have a week booked on the Deep Blue in the Galapagos in October and will be stoping off in Guayaquil on the way there and back.
Any one been, whats there to see and do.

Adrian

I spent a weekend there when I was in the navy. I met some very nice people there and had a great time enjoying the food and drink. Watch out for the iguanas though some may be crossed with pit bull.

 

[jedah]

You could also try to spend a couple of days in Quito on the way in, and Guayaquil on your way back, or viceversa. The flights to/from the US and the Galapagos are pretty much the same, and Quito is much more interesting if you like South American colonial architecture and the volcanoes. Try Cafe Cultura in Quito, they have rooms for about $50-90:

www.cafecultura.com

J.