Guayaquil: The City that Smells Like Chocolate

Guayaquil, Ecuador is a port city that tourists probably wouldn't visit, if it wasn't one of two main gateways to the Galapagos. We had one full day here, and I would have been OK with one more, but we definitely didn't need any more than that, and one was sufficient.

Three words to describe Guayaquil: Colorful, noisy, dirty

To sum up our experience of the city, I'll share my three favorite things about it.

Numero Uno: The City Smells Like Chocolate!

I'm from Buffalo, NY and we sort of enjoy the fact that on a good day, when the wind is right or you're in the right place, our city smells like Cheerios. As a matter of fact, they even sell t-shirts that say that (yes, I know this because I own one!).

The smell of chocolate, however, as I believe most would agree, clearly trumps Cheerios. (Especially for me now that I am a diagnosed Celiac and can't eat them anymore :) I can still eat chocolate!)

We were walking along the river and each of us got a whiff of chocolate...like brownies fresh out of the oven. Yum yum!

Numero Dos: Green Area at Malecon 2000

Malecon 2000 is a boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River in the city. It's about a mile and a half long, and includes a bunch of restaurants, playgrounds, fountains, and a park, plus an IMAX theater (apparently the first in South America). There is a beautiful park area at one end. It's a lush, green, colorful and beautiful area that is perfect for getting out of the heat and just enjoying life.

Numero Tres: Walk to Cerro del Carmen

I love a good wander around a city I don't know and we decided to find the statue of Christ that loomed over the city - similar to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro - although I'm guessing that the statue in Brazil is even more grandiose and imposing.

The statue being up so high is definitely helpful when we were trying to find it, however, that also leads to the downside: we had to climb to find it! Up winding roads, high in the sky in 85 degree humid heat, dripping sweat. Luckily we had water, and were rewarded by pretty spectacular views of the city and river at the top, in addition to a cool(ish) breeze.

Getting close!

The statue close up

View from the top

Adios Guayaquil!