Travel Dates: December 2022
Hotel:
Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel – We chose this hotel because it was a few minutes from the airport, and we were going to the Galapagos the next day. There is also a free shuttle service; you just need to contact the hotel in advance with your flight information and they will have someone waiting after baggage claim to pick you up.
The hotel is across the street from a shopping complex and food court, which made grabbing a quick bite convenient. Only slight downside was apparently a few hours before we went to grab food at the shopping complex, there was a shooting and robbery. The area didn’t feel unsafe because there’s a lot of car and foot traffic, and the streets are brightly lit and bustling. As always when traveling, stay alert and be cautious.
Unipark Hotel – When we came back to Guayaquil from Galapagos, we decided to stay downtown to be closer to more restaurants and popular sights. The hotel is linked to a shopping center, and has two towers with one of them accessible through the mall (you’ll key in to access specific elevators that are only for hotel guests). The stay included complimentary buffet breakfast, and taxi to and from the hotel was $5 each way. I’d recommend this hotel because of its convenient location, and rooms were decent.
Food:
La Pata Gorda – My favorite restaurant on the trip, and highly recommended. We got the mixed empachadito (crab + shrimp) and cangrejos de la república (cooked crabs), along with a Limeade Hierba and Michelada (like a Bloody Mary but with beer) to drink. The mixed empachadito and Limeade were both very delicious. There’s also complimentary plantain chips with salsa and a mayonnaise dip, which were great.
Las Empanadas Del Paco – Very cheap place if you want a quick snack (each empanada is ~$2). The taste was okay (we’ve had better), but if you do want to try it, the chicken (pollo) was the best. You can get a combo for $3 which includes a juice drink; we opted for the mango option and it was very sweet.
Fuente De Soda He Jinhe – The owner of this authentic Chinese noodle shop immigrated to Ecuador more than 20 years ago and runs the store all by himself. We ordered pork noodle soup and dumplings with braised beef, which were both were very delicious.
Activities:
Malecón 2000 is a boardwalk along the Rio Guayas that has statues, observation decks, small vendors/stalls, and many playground/activities for kids. We went near Christmas time so they had lights and decorations, as well as public concerts in the evening too. Malecón 2000 is a nice walk from Unipark Hotel to Santa Ana Hill/Las Peñas (~20 minutes to the base of the steps; +15 minutes to get to the top).
Santa Ana Hill/Las Peñas is an impoverished neighborhood that has become a tourist attraction for its colorful houses and 444 steps to reach the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the city. Each step is numbered, creating a path to the top where you’ll be greeted with by a lighthouse and church. Along the way to the top, there are numerous shops where you can buy drinks and snacks to help you refuel, or take a break from the intense heat. If you get lost, always look for the numbered steps.
Parque Seminario is a small park across the street of Unipark Hotel. They have lights decorated throughout the park, which makes it charming in the evening. There are a few statues here, as well as a section where you can see iguanas, turtles, and fish.
Globe Trotter 