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GUAYAQUIL
The Magic of the South Pacific
Guayaquil, the capital of the Guayas province, is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador. Located on the Pacific coast, it has a tropical climate, and is known as the ‘Pacific Pearl’. It is the main port of Ecuador, thus, it is of great economic importance to the country.
The city was named after an indigenous Chief, “Guayas”, and his wife, “Quil”. Both of them chose to die before surrendering themselves to the Spaniards.
ONE DAY TOURS FROM GUAYAQUIL
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Francisco de Orellana founded Guayaquil on the skirts of the Santa Ana hull on July 25th, 1534. On the top of this hill you can observe cannons that were used to defend the city from pirate attacks. Few houses preserve their original architecture, with defense walls facing the river. Many of these houses were built at different levels on the hill, very typical of the Spaniards and Portuguese.
The surrounding of the city offer archaeological sites of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Valdivia, MAchalilla, Chorrera, Guagala and Manteña. The gulf of Guayaquil, the monuments, museums, parks and its exhilarating nightlife are part of the attractions of this city.
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MAIN ATRACTIONS
- Santa Ana Hill
- “Las Peñas” neighbourhood
- Malecon 2000
- Northern
- Central
- Southern
- Malecon “El Salado”
- Centenario Park
- Seminario Park
- Centro Cívico
- General Cementery
- Sport Centers
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SURROUNDINGS
- Botanical garden
- Cerro Blanco Protected Forest
- Puerto Hondo Protected Forest
- Puerto Hondo Manggroves
- Historial Park
ONE DAY TOURS FROM GUAYAQUIL
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MUSEUM OF THE “LOVERS OF SUMPA”: definitely worth visiting is this small but outstanding in-situ museum, which is located at the antique settlement village of the “Las Vegas” culture (approx. 8.800 to 4.600 BC). The museum got its name because the burial that is uncovered disclosed the skeletons of a man and a woman that were carefully buried together about five to six thousand years ago. This museum is the largest cemetery of the time that has been excavated in the new world. Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 9h30 to 16h30. Admission fee is $ 1.00 for adults and $ 0.50 for children.
BALLENITA: The “Farallon Dillon” Restaurant-Museum is found at the site. It has a wonderful viewpoint that is the perfect setting for bird and whale watching. The museum display modern practical artifacts made out of antique marine pieces; most of the artifacts are for sale.
COLONCHE: the beautiful church of “Santa Catalina de Clonche” was origibally built in the XVII century, and reconstructed in 1998, after the strong effects of “El Niño” phenomenon destroyed it in 1982. It is entirely made of “guasango” wood (loxopterygium huasango). The priest of the Colonche town is sponsoring the community to produce aloe vera products such as shampoo, jelly, etc.
AYANGUE AND PLAYA ROSADA: Ayangue beach is very popular among the locals because of its tame ocean. Before the side road to Ayangue, there is another road that leads to “Playa Rosada”, called this way because of this pink coral sand. It is a beautiful quiet beach with abundant marine life
ONE DAY TOURS FROM GUAYAQUIL
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GUAYAS PROVINCE
“REAL ALTO” IN-SITUMUSEUM: on the highway from Guayaquil to Salinas, one finds this museum managed by the community descendant of the “Valdivia” culture. Here you can observe archeological investigation in action. The place resembles a ceremonial center of the human groups that inhabited this area from 4.200-1.500 B.C. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9h00-17h00. Admission fee is $ 2.00.
SALINAS: excellent accommodations are found o this beach, called this way because salt is extracted from the region. Salinas is located on the Santa Elena peninsula, the furthest western point of Ecuador on the Pacific. This site is a corridor for migratory bird and marine species. It is a favorite vacation spot for people from Guayaquil. The boardwalk of Salinas is a safe place that offers entertainment day and night. There are various choices of restaurants and cafeterias.
On the Malecon, you can visit the Naval Archeological Museum (open Wednesday thru Sunday). This small museum displays the vast archeological richness of the pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited this region. The museum also displays a representation of the antique “balsas” made of the wood of the same name, with great cotton sails that impressed the Spaniards because these vessels traveled long distances (Mexico-Peru). The museum also displays coins from the Spanish conquest, and some pieces from the “Lady Captain” galleon that sank in 1.664.
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VALDIVIA: close to the town are a museum and a aquarium. The museum displays a collection of archeological pieces of the Valdivia culture. The aquarium is most interesting not only because the guide are homeless children; this job enables them to obtain an education. Valdivia also has a beautiful quiet beach.
MONTAÑITA: continuing North, the beach of Montañita is a favorite spot for national and International surfers and young adventure tourists. This charming town offers a variety of inexpensive hotels, national and international food, and exhilarating nightlife.
OLON: the wide and beautiful beach of Olon is crowned with an outstanding Sanctuary, where the Virgin is believed to have cried once. The Sanctuayr is unique, with open walls and a breathtaking view of the beach.
SAN JOSE: This is a small peaceful town by the sea. Many of its inhabitants are dedicated to the production and commercialization of “tagua” (vegetable ivory). The charming Cuna Luna guesthouse is found at this site
The Route Sun (PART II - MANABI)
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