www.ecuadors.org

[Taft]

Ok im gonna try my luck on this new Ecuador specific branch to get some information about Guayaquil. I am basically going to be living there for 3 to 4 months as of March next year and all the info/opinions i can get about the city has so far been very negative. does anyone have any slightly more positive experiences from staying in or passing through Guayaquil? anything about the people, culture, nightlife, food, safety etc. ive never been to the country before so any info is great, obviously negative info welcome too.
Thanks

[Francis]

It's true that a lot of the downtown area is run-down and the drivers honk at almost every intersection instead of using traffic lights, which can make the city difficult to deal with. But the area around Parque Bolivar is nice, clean, and safe. Many buildings are new, but made to look colonial. Parque Bolivar is crawling with loads of iguanas. If you don't believe me, check it out.

The Malecon 2000 is loaded with tourist police, and is safe to walk around. But it's colored like McDonaldland and I found it a little boring. There's an artisan market at the south end of the Malecon and a shopping center in the middle.

The new city (above the airport) has nothing to see, but it's a safe area to walk around at night and it has loads of restaurants, especially for crab and seafood. There are plenty of cabs.

Most of the downtown shuts down at night, so for nightlife you will probably go to either the new part of the city, or to Las Peñas, an old neighborhood on a hill that overlooks the city. Las Peñas has a bunch of bars and nightlife, and has police all along the main stairway. There are great views from the top (bring your tripod).

The fireman's museum is interesting, if you are a nerd like me. It's at the foot of Las Peñas.