Guayaquil City Guide

Local dishes like encebollado and bolón de verde are a must-try. International cuisines are plentiful. Late-night street food is common on weekends.

Lively nightlife, especially in Urdesa and Malecón areas, with a mix of bars and music spots.

A developing scene with a mix of traditional and specialty cafes. More third-wave shops are popping up.

Tipping around 10% in restaurants is usual if not included. Rounding up fares for taxis is common.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or malls from providers like Claro. Passport needed for registration.

Main areas are clean but litter is more common in less developed spots.

Pharmacies and some convenience stores open 24/7. Late food is limited.

International goods are easy to find in big supermarkets.

Card acceptance is common in bigger places, but carry cash for small shops and transport.

ATMs are everywhere, mostly in banks and shops. Fees vary from $2-$5 per transaction, plus your bank's fees.

International schools teach in English and Spanish, with admissions beginning early in the year.

A growing number of coworking spaces and cafes are nomad-friendly, but community events and meetups are less established.

Good access to parks and riverfronts, especially the scenic Malecón 2000.

Malecón and parks provide safe, scenic running routes.

Wide range of gyms and fitness centers all over the city.

Lots of courts, mostly in private clubs requiring membership.

Padel courts available at clubs, often with membership.

Various studios offer a range of yoga styles.

Active martial arts scene with options like BJJ and Muay Thai.

Ecuador doesn't have any ski resorts.

Coastal options like kayaking and paddleboarding are available near beaches.

Surfing spots are 1.5 to 2.5 hours away on the Santa Elena Peninsula.

Decent dive sites with rich marine life, though a bit far from the city.

Private hospitals like Hospital Clínica Kennedy are top-notch, often with English-speaking staff.

Tap water isn't safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water.

Lots of parks and family attractions like the Malecón and Parque de las Iguanas.

Decent acceptance, with legal protections and a few friendly venues. Caution in some public settings is wise.

Many parks are pet-friendly, and vet services are good. Check in advance for hotel and restaurant policies.