Part of our Ecuador guide.
2 places and guides from our Ecuador coverage, gathered into one page.
10 Best Things to do in Ecuador
The Amazon Rainforest is surely one of the must-visit destinations in your lifetime. In fact, you might have already thought of visiting one or two of the nine countries sharing the forest. With the diversity offered of the things to do in Brazil or the well-preserved Incan heritage site in Peru, going to South America will always be a good idea. But did you know that there is also a myriad of things to do in Ecuador that will give you a glimpse of Brazil and Peru in one? You can explore the Amazon from Ecuador’s eastern lowlands, where the forest meets the Andes, and combine it with colonial highland cities and Pacific coast beach towns and coastal highlights in Ecuador.
The Best Things To Do In Guayaquil, Ecuador
Welcome to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and main port. Nestled on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is a vibrant and bustling destination that offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With its tropical climate and friendly locals, it's no wonder that Guayaquil has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Guayaquil has undergone a major transformation in recent years, becoming a hub of tourism and economic growth. The city has invested in revitalizing its historic districts, creating new parks and attractions, and improving its infrastructure.
Start at the Malecón 2000, a 2.5‑km riverside boardwalk lined with gardens, shops, and the iconic Torre Morisca clock tower. From there, take the aerial tram across the river to the Cerro Santa Ana hill: climb the 444 steps to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and the Guayas River. The hill’s colourful houses and bars make it a favourite spot for sunset. Back in the city centre, visit the Parque Histórico Guayaquil, a 30‑minute drive north, where you can see restored early‑20th‑century buildings, a traditional cacao farm, and a small zoo with native species like the jaguar and howler monkey. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated.
For a taste of local life, head to the Mercado Central on Calle 9 de Octubre. Inside, the seafood stalls serve fresh ceviche for around $5 a plate, and you can pick up a bottle of local coffee for $3. The city’s proximity to the Pacific means you can also take a day trip to the beaches in Ecuador such as Salinas, 1.5 hours west by bus ($4), where the sand is grey‑volcanic and the water warm year‑round. If you prefer a quieter coast, the fishing village of Ayampe, two hours south, offers surf and tide‑pool walks.
Guayaquil is also a gateway to the Galápagos Islands. Flights from José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport to Baltra or San Cristóbal take about 2.5 hours and cost $350–$500 round trip (prices as of 2023). Once there, you can snorkel with sea lions and marine iguanas, or hike the volcanic craters of Santiago Island. Back on the mainland, don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby cacao farms in the province of Los Ríos, where you can join hidden chocolate tours in Ecuador's cacao farms that include bean‑to‑bar tastings for $20 per person.
For those interested in hiking and the outdoors in Ecuador, the city’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring the cloud forests of the Chocó region, a two‑hour drive north. Guided birdwatching walks in the Buenaventura Reserve cost $15 and often spot toucans and the endangered great green macaw. If you’re on a budget, note that a typical lunch in Guayaquil costs $3–$4, and a hostel dorm bed runs $10–$15 per night – a good sense of what it costs in Ecuador overall.
