Half Day Guayaquil Walking Tour: Iguana Park & Malecón 2000

Summary

Discover Guayaquil’s Icons: From Iguana Park to Barrio Las Peñas

You’ll see real Guayaquil: iguanas sunning themselves in Parque Seminario, riverside views from Malecón 2000, lively plazas, football history, and colorful hillside streets—all with stories only locals know.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Guayaquil feels thick and warm as we meet our guide at the old iron gates of Parque Seminario. Right away, you’ll spot the iguanas—dozens of them lounging under the trees or shuffling across the path like they own the place. Our guide, Andrés, knows every statue here and throws in little stories about each one. The cathedral’s spires peek over the palms, and you can hear church bells mixing with the sound of street vendors selling coconut water just outside the fence.

We wander past the white facade of the Cathedral of Guayaquil. Up close, you notice how its stained glass glows even on a cloudy morning. Andrés points out details I’d never have caught—the carved doors, a tiny plaque marking where a famous poet once stood. Crossing into Plaza de la Administración, it gets busier; people rush by on their way to work while we pause to check out the grand buildings—the city hall and Palacio de la Gobernación—both with that old-world look but still full of life.

There’s a quick stop at Plaza Rocafuerte (locals call it San Francisco), where pigeons scatter if you get too close. We pass by Our Lady of the Angels church—its stonework is simple but solid—and then head for the monument where Simón Bolívar met San Martín. It’s quieter here; you can actually hear snippets of conversations from folks sitting nearby.

Down by Malecón 2000, things pick up again. The river breeze feels good after all that walking. We ride up La Perla—the big Ferris wheel—for a view that stretches right across the city rooftops to where ships dot the horizon. Back on solid ground, we check out museums dedicated to local football teams (Astillero, Barcelona SC, Emelec), plus a quick look inside the Julio Jaramillo music museum—there’s always an old bolero playing somewhere in there—and even a stop at the Beer Museum (the smell of malt hits you as soon as you walk in).

The last stretch is up Diego Noboa y Arteta stairs into Barrio Las Peñas. The climb isn’t easy—my legs were burning—but it’s worth it for those colorful houses and street art everywhere. Kids play soccer in tiny alleys; someone’s grilling plantains nearby. At El Faro lighthouse and the chapel at the top, you get this quiet moment above all the noise below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guayaquil Walking Tour Highlights

• Visit Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas)
• Explore Cathedral of Guayaquil
• See Plaza de la Administración and nearby plazas
• Visit Our Lady of the Angels Church and Plaza San Francisco
• View Monument of Simón Bolívar and San Martín meeting
• Visit La Perla viewpoint
• Tour local football and music museums
• Walk stairs Diego Noboa and Arteta, Barrio de las Peñas, El Faro and Chapel

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids usually love seeing iguanas in Parque Seminario and riding La Perla Ferris wheel. Just keep in mind there are some stairs in Barrio Las Peñas.

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers several city blocks and includes stairs up to Las Peñas. It’s best if you’re comfortable walking for a few hours at an easy pace.

Are meals or drinks included?

Lunch is included during your tour—you’ll get to try some local flavors! Drinks are available for purchase along the way.

Can I join if I use public transportation?

Absolutely! There are plenty of public transport options near our meeting point at Parque Seminario.

What’s included

Your day includes guided visits to all main stops listed: Parque Seminario (Iguana Park), Cathedral area, key plazas downtown, Malecón 2000 with La Perla viewpoint, football and music museums—even lunch is covered! You’ll travel mostly on foot with an expert local guide who shares stories along every step. An air-conditioned vehicle is available when needed for transfers between farther sites.