Over the past year I have traveled in and out of Guayaquil, Ecuador a lot. When I first arrived in South America in June of 2015 I landed in Guayaquil and have to say that I wasn’t particularly impressed. A large commercial trade city located on the River Guayas, Guayaquil is hot, aggressive and mostly…..grey. There are a lot of freeways here, a lot of concrete built, run down buildings and a dry, dusty landscape.
However I recently discovered an unexpectedly beautiful area of Guayaquil. Situated in the middle of downtown, the Malecón 2000 is a newly constructed boardwalk area that runs along the edge of the Guayas River comprising of restaurants, cafes, parks, a movie cinema and now a brand new ferris wheel.
I’m not sure how I didn’t become aware of how large the Malecón 2000 was the last time I was here for an extended period. I had walked around the south end previously and seen the shopping centre and food court but I’d never had the opportunity to explore the North end.
So the other night since the weather was nice and cool, we decided to walk along the Malecón and up Cerro Santa Ana, a developed hill area at the North end overlooking the Guayas River.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful busy place that attracts both tourists and local residents. The Malecón 2000 boardwalk has facilities like cafes, restaurants and playgrounds, but it also has some usual attractions that change month to month.
There is an Imax Cinema Cinemamalecón, a large naval sail boat, a newly built ferris wheel and a large garden area that is currently home to a dinosaur display where for a small entry fee you can walk among life like dinosaurs.
One of the best parts of Malecón 2000 is it’s very safe. Whilst there on a Thursday night there were many people enjoying the area. Security guards are stationed at most of the restaurants and car parks, the whole area is very well lit and there is a nice relaxed feel to the place.
The Malecón 2000 has become the beautiful and safe place it is today mostly thanks to the Mayor of Guayaquil Jaime Nebot Saadi. The development has been happening over the past 12 years and is today an extremely attractive and safe tourist drawcard, encouraging a modern urbanisation of the downtown area and also encouraging tourism in Guayaquil and Ecuador.
As you reach the North end of the Malecón 2000 there are a series of stairs that run up the hill called Cerro Santa Ana. Ascending the 420 steps, all numbered helping me to realise how unfit I am, we walked past many shops, a couple of bars and a restaurant or two. Turning back to see how far I had come, the view was beautiful.
Three quarters of the way up there is a mysteriously charming garden area with a pirate ship on the far side. Walking through in the night, the garden has an enchanting feel and I soon discovered that the pirate ship was actually a pirate bar disco karaoke, for those who may be interested. As we were there at 8pm on a week night there were not too many participants, but I’ve been told that Saturday night’s are extremely busy.
Cerra Santa Ana is one of the highest points in the city and at the top there is a lighthouse and a church overlooking a spectacular view of the Malecón 2000, Guayas River and Guayaquil city.
The top of Cerra Santa Ana is the best place of Guayaquil to come for photos with no only the view but the different statues.
The development of the Malecón 2000 and Cerra Santa Ana has really put Guayaquil on the map for tourists. Not only as the gateway to the various destinations of Ecuador, but as a place to visit on it’s own. With plenty of hotels and hostels in the downtown area I encourage anyone who needs to come through Guayaquil on their way to another location to spend a couple of days exploring this upcoming tourist destination.
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