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Guayaquil

Arriving in this large city was quite a transition from the last three weeks in Ecuador.  To begin with, this is the largest city in the country, with a population of 2,350,000.  It is located at sea level and temperatures have been 90˚F or above each day.  We were really getting accustomed to the 60˚ and 70˚ range in the Highlands.  Of course, Quito is the second-largest city in the country, not far behind this steamy coastal area, but we had spent all our time there in the Historic District, which made it seem like a much smaller town.

We made arrangements to stay near the popular waterfront district known as Malecon 2000.  Overlooking the Guayas River, the boardwalk runs for 1.5 miles and includes everything from playgrounds, gardens, restaurants, a mall, bars, a couple of different food courts, museums, and even
an IMAX theater.  Safety in the area is maintained through cameras and security personnel.

View from the top of Cerro Santa Ana
Starting off early one morning, we headed to Cerro Santa Ana hill which overlooks the whole city.  Galleries, shops, and cafes fill the cobblestone streets.  This is the neighborhood where Guayaquil started in 1547, and some of the houses along the climb are over 100 years old.  There are 445 steps to the top, where you find the lighthouse, a small church, remnants of a historical fort, and a fabulous overview of the city.

Another unique offering in the city is the Iguana Park, also known as Parque de Simon Bolivar. Hundreds of iguanas make this area their home in the shadow of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil.  Trees filled with screeching parrots add to the atmosphere, to confirm your presence in the tropics.  As the day progresses, the iguanas join the parrots overhead, and some of the trees are so full of the prehistoric-looking reptiles they seem to quiver.  

On our last evening in town, a large cultural production, free to the public was given near the center of the Malecon, which was conveniently located across the street from our hotel.  Now on to the Galapagos.




Dancers at the cultural event
At Iguana Park
Remnants of the old fort

Along the Malecon

Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil

El Faro lighthouse

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