The origin of the name "Guayaquil" derives from the love story myth of Tribal Chief "Guayas" and his wife "Quil".
The city was founded on July 25, 1538 with the name "Santiago de Guayaquil" by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana. Even before it was founded by the Spanish, it already existed as a native village of the "Huancavilca" tribe.
A plunder destination for pirates. In 1687, Guayaquil was looted by George d'Hout (English) and Picard and Groniet (Frenchmen). In 1709, the English captains Woodes Rogers, Etienne Courtney, and William Dampier along with hundreds of pirates, attacked Guayaquil and demanded ransom; however, they suddenly departed without collecting when the epidemic of yellow fever broke out.
Throughout the years, the city became known for its great Shipyards (Astilleros) with clients from all over the new continent.
In October 9, 1820, a group of civilians supported by soldiers from a battalion quartered in the city, declared Independence from Spanish Royalist Forces. Becoming "The Independent Province of Guayaquil" until 1822 when it was annexed to Simon Bolivar's [wiki=ef3388cc5659bccb742fb8af762f1bfd]Colombia[/wiki].
In 1830, the Southern part of Colombia decided to leave the union and create an independent state called "Republic of Ecuador".
Today Guayaquil is still the main port, trading and financial center of [wiki=4d5d85af33ec2aaedb674d2d6a7d53b6]Ecuador[/wiki].
The new José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport [wiki=e195bd6e74fffd65cf85f95531aa5dc3]url=http://www.tagsa.aero[/wiki],]elected as best South American Airport, is located near the new business district center and is next to the International bus station. In this airport, you can find daily non-stop flights to [[New York City|New York[/url]], [wiki=0f5de708d2f6808ffb0c3893b2b8964a]Miami[/wiki], [wiki=464f18360a31a99b8003db4c668244c0]Buenos Aires[/wiki], [wiki=6314044c3803213e9fd3f3ecf8c90d65]Madrid[/wiki], [wiki=3eb8670d999ac077dd0e2c345cb7c905]Amsterdam[/wiki], [wiki=8f354219c239d3445fd40b9561033eda]Bogotá[/wiki], [wiki=770aeea4e450b3fef97ba33dc5d1926c]Panama City[/wiki], among many Latin American destinations.Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attractions are located, is about $5. Currently there are plans to build a new international airport for about 20 minutes from Guayaquil, near Daular.
If you are planning to visit the [wiki=5edaf9fd7298c0abd1d6c15f20281140]Galapagos Islands[/wiki], Guayaquil is the smartest place to take a flight from. There are three air carriers that will take you across to the Galapagos Islands as well as to the Ecuadorean mainland, LAN [url=http://www.lan.com],]Aerogal [url=http://www.aerogal.com.ec[/url]]and TAME [http://www.tame.com.ec[/url] have non stop daily flights, departing from Guayaquil is cheaper than leaving from the Capital city as most of the Quito flights do make an stop at Guayaquil for refueling and picking up passengers.
International departure airport tax is included in the flight ticket.
If you are driving, your horn is your best friend. Being careful and common sense will get you to your destination. Gas stations are full service.
You can also rent a car cheaply just outside the airport, paying around $35 a day, [url=http://www.CarmaxRentacar.com]Carmax[/url] is one of the less expensive yet reliable companies available.
Guayaquíl has direct connections to all major Ecuadorian cities and indirect connections all over the country. For schedules and more bus info, see the "Getting Around" section of the [wiki=4d5d85af33ec2aaedb674d2d6a7d53b6]Ecuador[/wiki] country page. The huge mall/bus station (Terminal Terrestre) for connections out of the city is a short taxi (or walk for the able backpacker) from the airport. You can buy tickets on the lower level and workers will often come up to you and ask where you're going in hopes of getting you on to their bus. More than one company goes to most places, so ask around if you're looking for an ejecutivo or directo bus and you can save yourself some time and comfort.
The city also is served by international buses, to [wiki=2e6507f70a9cc26fb50f5fd82a83c7ef]Chile[/wiki], [wiki=84c8fa2341f7d052a1ee3a36ff043798]Peru[/wiki] and [wiki=ef3388cc5659bccb742fb8af762f1bfd]Colombia[/wiki]. Cruz del Sur operate international bus connections through Peru.
Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but still keep an close eye on your belongings. Keep your items close to you during the midnight check points.
Guayaquil´s port is the largest in [wiki=4d5d85af33ec2aaedb674d2d6a7d53b6]Ecuador[/wiki]. You can travel to [wiki=796742ec4a53fb541ecfec7bf03c93ce]Galápagos Islands[/wiki] from here.
Metrovia [http://www.metrovia-gye.com/] is a modern bus rapid transit system that runs mostly from north to south and east to west of the city. The fare per ride costs 25 cents (as of January 2014). You can use both cash and an electronic card to pay. It is a realiable and easy-to-navigate transport system; has modern buses and stops. Fortunatelly, it boast a good connection between downtown and to the main bus terminal and the airport. The Rio Daule terminal is located just crossing the street from the main bus terminal and some blocks away (around 15 minutes walking) from the airport. Remember to match the code of the bus (eg. T1, CS, T3, ect) with the station where are you heading to, since not all buses stop at all stations. You can use the map posted at each station for this pourpose. The following stations will drop close by to some tourist attractions: La Catedral, Las Peñas, Jardines del Malecón, Banco Central and Biblioteca Municipal.
Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver but don't be alarmed the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.
Taxis range from "taxi amigos" (un-marked taxis you call to pick you up) to the standard yellow cabs. Taxi drivers will try to over charge tourists. Nicer taxis are metered by GPS, but the majority of taxis do not have meters. Always agree on a price (or make sure the meter is running) before you get into a cab. Preferably, don't take any street cabs as some taxi-kidnapping occurs. Call a taxi if you can or take taxis from known places like the airport, bus station, or commercial centers.
You can also rent a car at one of the few places to rent just outside the airport. Prices range from $25 and up per day. Anyone with a drivers license from their home country can drive as a tourist in [wiki=4d5d85af33ec2aaedb674d2d6a7d53b6]Ecuador[/wiki]. However, if you happen to be involved in a crash the police may take both drivers to jail until they sort everything out and decide what happened. Just take the bus.
There is a lot of great cuisine in Guayaquil's downtown. For a trip on a budget, it is the place to go.
*Grilled meat and Sangria, the way its done on a South American port.
* Chinese restaurants (Chifas) are found throughout the city, mostly Cantonese and the food is very good.
"Puerto Moro" with a few locations around town, it is a great choice. Any of the "Suco Moro" dishes are strongly recommended.
*"Cafe de Tere" good place to have a real Ecuadorian breakfast.
* "El Patacon" restaurant in Urdesa serves typical dishes, mostly based on Plantain (green bananas called Plátano).
* Lo Nuestro in Urdesa, has a good variety of traditional dishes.
*Real Italian cuisine.
Samborondon is located at the northeast of the city. Bocca and Terrazas are good choices.
* Plaza Lagos is an excellent place, located a few minutes from the Samborondon main area. Traditional architecture and some of the best restaurants in town. A bit pricey but worth the visit.
* The main road of the Urdesa area is the "Victor Emilio Estrada St" (North of the city). A large selection of international cuisine and nice bars.
* Kosher food its available for delivery call 0993256499
Clean hostel with breakfast, WiFi, and a large pool included in price. The pool is cleaned every 10 days or so. WiFi usually works (drops when the hostel phone rings). Plenty of private rooms and spacious dormitories. Kitchen is stocked pretty well. The included breakfast is 1 scrambled egg, 2 slices of toast, jam, butter, coffee, and fresh juice. Staff is nice. Shared bathrooms are cleaned well daily.
* Absolute dump, cheapest place available. Seems good on security, just a few streets away from Boulevard 9 de Octubre and the central plaza. Mostly used by locals for short sexual liasons. No windows, no english, no internet.
* Cheap hotel. Cable TV. Windows and AC in more expensive rooms, cheaper rooms can be dark and grotty. Internet in lobby.
*Cable TV, Air conditioner, free Internet, in the center of Guayaquil near to Malecon 2000, Seminario Park.
* Simple and clean place just a few blocks from the center of town. Rooms have TVs, fans and towels.
* Neat and clean hotel, cheapest on it's category, just a few blocks from 9 de Octubre Ave. Has Hot Water, TV, WIFI, Internet Caffe in lobby, A/C, Restaurant, Laundry service, Room service.
* Clean, safe, good value hotel just 2 short blocks from the Airport and bus terminal in Guayaquil. Pet-friendly, AC, Patio for smokers, Free WIFI in rooms.
* 'Manso [http://www.manso.ec ], located in the city's centro, right across the street from Malecon 2000, is a budget guesthouse that has full service riverview suites, and more economic rooms with with and withour air conditioner. Also rooms with shared bathroom and dorms with private bath @ US$12 per person. Friendly staff, clean accommodations, wifi, and towel provided. Nice deco, beautiful historic landmark building.
* free internet (wi-fi, laundry,private rooms,cable tv,hot water,clean rooms.
* Hostal Suites Madrid. Centrally located one block from Parque del Centenario, this is a good-value option offering lots of room options starting at about $30 per room. Friendly staff, an English-speaking manager, baggage storage, full kitchen, open-air terrace, internet/wifi. Hotel is spotlessly clean.
La Fontana. One of the best mid-range hotels in town, exceptional location, friendly staff, nice rooms, cable. Price is around 45 dollars for a single, 50-55 for a double, but discounts are available. P. Icaza 404 y Cordóva. Tel. (593-4) 230396.
* Iguanazú [http://www.iguanazuhostel.com], Ciudadela La Cogra, Manzana 1, Villa 2, off Avenida Julio Arosemena km 3,5. ☎ (04) 220 1143. From busterminal terrestre 5 $ by taxi. Most recommendable. Enjoy lovely views of Guayaquil in one of the hammocks on the large terrace or refresh yourself in the pool. Starting from 15 $ for dorm, private rooms are available up to matrimonial class with own jacuzzi. Breakfast included, free internet access, modern cooking facilities, warm water and towels, friendly staff, nice guesthouse, very clean.
*144 guest rooms with complimentary high speed Internet access, comfortable beds and large work desks.
Grand Hotel Guayaquil (known locally as the Hotel Guayaquil) - 5 stars, 10 minutes from the airport in the heart of the city. Beautiful pool, waterfalls, stunning stained glass windows of the Cathedral and a 45 ft. hanging garden.
* Hilton Colón International- 5 stars, located at the heart of the Northern area
* Hotel Oro Verde (Not to be mistaken with the Hotel Loro Verde)- 5 stars runs by the Swiss Administration
* Hotel Continental - 5 stars, in front of the Parque de las iguanas.
* Holiday Inn Guayaquil Airport - Walking distance from the airport. Rooftop pool and hot tub; exercise room. Free high speed WiFi internet. Some staff speak English. Option to add breakfast for an additional $12. Restaurant offers a buffet dinner for about $18 per person or options a la carte from the menu. Clean and highly recommended if only staying as a stopover to travel to the Galapagos Islands or other transfer locations.
* Howard Johnson Hotel - 5 stars, near the airport
* Sheraton Four Points Hotel - 5 stars, in front of the Mall del Sol
* Best Western - 4 stars, near the main attractions
* Marriot Hotel by Courtyard - Marriott Rewards category: 2 , located on the new downtown of Guayaquil at Kennedy's North area ----->>http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gyecy-courtyard-guayaquil/
* Best Western Guayaquil - 4 stars hotel located in the downtown area
* Hampton Inn Hotels - 4 stars hotel located at the main street on 9 of Octubre Avenue
* Unipark Hotels - 4 start hotels inside the Unicentro's mall
DreamKapture hostal ([http://www.dreamkapture.com]), Alborada 12 Av. Etapa, Mz-02 Villa 21. A friendly hostel with a nice outside area. They offer a book exchange and the accommodation comes with a delicious breakfast. Prices are on roombasis, but if it's possible you can share it with other people. A dorm 11$ with Breakfast. A single room with private bathroom and with air conditioner $22, without a/c $18, breakfast included. They can pick you up from the airport and it will cost $15. 5$ taxi to Malecon or .25 cents bus drive (bus # 121 marked city mall which is a 10min walk from the hostel). Close to Airport and Bus terminal. However, be forewarned. DreamKapture does not allow Ecuadorians to stay on the premises. If you are traveling with an Ecuadorian, you'd best look elsewhere.
* Ecuahogar, Av. Isidro Ayora ( Sauces Uno * Mz F-31 * Solar 20 ), 2245357 (2248241, 2273288, fax 2248357, email youthostal@telconet.net ). Basic, but expensive rooms with a ventilator and television. Bathrooms are shared. Two bread rolls with marmalade and a coffee for breakfast is included in the price. A night in a single room costs $12. It is far from the attractions area but near the airport and the national bus station (Terminal Terrestre).