Guayaquil or officially Santiago de Guayaquil is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador, also the country’s main port. The city is located on the west bank of the Guayas River, which connects to the Gulf of Guayaquil and Pacific Ocean. Because of the location, its Ecuador’s important center for manufacturing and fishing industries. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 2.3 million people.
Taxi’s to get around in the city are widely available also known as “taxi amigos” though meters are not the standard. Being a tourist gives you disadvantage, an over charge will be paid. Therefore always agree upon a price before you get into the cab.
The city of Guayaquil is a easy to like city, it has been watched by travelers worldwide lately as it’s been going through massive renovation for the past 12 years, and has opened new tourist opportunities in the port area and on the sides of the Guayas river. In Latin America it’s unique that this port has been designed by London University of Oxford, besides the fact its one of the top 10 ports to see and enjoy.
Guayaquil’s nightlife is most active throughout Ecuador. The guayaquileños or locals enjoy to party until the sun comes up. A large amount of discotheques, bars, pubs and restaurants are spread all over the city, there’s no center of nightlife as Cuenca in Quito. Although some club entries may sound expensive, about $10 to $15 US it’s being compensated with the cheap prices of alcohol and liqueur.
Travelers to Guyaquil or elsewhere within Ecuador do not need visa as long their visit does not exceed 90 days. Passports, of course and a return ticket are required to visit Ecuador, immigration officers may ask you for proof of traveler’s economic means.
The capital city of the South American country Ecuador is Quito. According to the latest measurement Quito’s population at nearly 1.5 million, making it the second-most populous city in Ecuador, the most populous being Guayaquil. Quito is located in the northern region of Ecuador, with the countries of Colombia to the north and Peru to the south.
Quito is a relatively popular tourist destination because of its rich history, interesting culture, and beautiful geography. Home to the largest historic center in the Americas, Quito is a great place to learn about South America. The arts and culture scene is also very vibrant in Quito, with museums, exhibits, and cultural centers abounding throughout the city. The city also provides many opportunities to experience the natural habitats and biological-diversity that Ecuador is so famous for. Festivals, carnivals, restaurants, markets, shopping centers, and the city-life in general is as exciting as one would expect from one of South America‘s premier capital cities. Ecuadorian cuisine includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meats that are natural to Ecuador, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, so tourists can enjoy a wide variety of food while visiting the city.
Travelling around Quito, Ecuador is relatively easy, considering that the city has relatively cheap public transportation and private taxis. Taxis and buses travel to most of the tourist destinations around the city, while the trolly also provides a fun and interesting way to experience the city. Quito’s climate is relatively cool throughout the year, because it has a high elevation and is located so closely to the equator. The peak season is during summer, which is from June to September.
For tourist and business travels to Quito or anywhere else in Ecuador, US citizens do not need to have a visa as long as the visit duration is within 90 days. Passports and return tickets are both required to visit Ecuador and Immigration authorities may ask for proof of the traveler’s economic means.
