This is by far the most important port in Ecuador. More exports and imports pass through Guayaquil than through all the other ports combined. It is also the most populated city in the country. Travelers to Ecuador tend to avoid Guayaquil because of its reputation as a hot and humid port with too many inhabitants and little of interest to do. But Guayaquil does have its attractions. There is a pleasant walk along the river front, shady plazas, colonial buildings, friendly people and interesting museums. It's definitely worth spending a day or two.

The province of Guayas is named after the Puna Indian chief of the same name who fought bravely against the Incas and the Spanish. The capital of the province, Guayaquil, is named after the chief, Guayas, and his wife, Quill, whom he is said to have killed before drowning himself, rather than allowing her to be captured by the Spanish conquistadors.

Most travelers stay in the city center, which is organized in a grid-like fashion on the west bank of the Rio Guayas. The main street from east-west is Avenida 9 de Octubre which ends at the river by 'La Rotonda'. Las Penas tipical colonial quartier, the brand new Malecon 2000, the famous statue of the Liberators, Bolivar and San Martin can be found there.

The airport is about five km north of the center, and the bus terminal is about two km north of the airport (seven km north of the center). The railway station is in the suburb of Durán, which is on the east side of the Rio Guayas and can be reached by the river ferries or by a huge three-km bridge to the north of the city center. One suburb that is frequently visited for its good restaurants and nightlife is Urdesa, three or four km to the northwest of the center. There are many other suburbs, most of them residential or industrial, many of them are poor and dangerous for the average tourist.

* City Tour:
* Malecón 2000 Simón Bolívar
* La Rotonda
* La Torre del Reloj
* El palacio Municipal
* El edificio de la Gobernación
* Museo Municipal
* Iglesia de la Catedral
* Barrio de las Peñas
* Casa de la Cultura
* Centro Cívico