The Best Locations to Photograph Guayaquil, Ecuador

Few international tourists visit the largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil, despite it having a modern, international airport and being a hub to the Galapagos Islands. Located in the southern half of the country along the Río Guayas, Guayaquil is the business heart of Ecuador with the majority of the country’s exports and imports passing through on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, Guayaquil also has a reputation for danger. But for travelers willing to follow a few basic rules, pretty much the same ones I recommend for traveling in Quito, then Guayaquil is a wonderful city to visit.

Photograph Guayaquil

My favorite places to photograph Guayaquil include the iconic blue and white lighthouse, located on the Cerro Santa Ana with its views of the colorful neighborhood Las Peñas and the Río Guayas. Our guest writer, Brad Scott, recommends the small but intriguing Firefighter’s Museum for shots of old fire engines. It’s located near the river boardwalk, the Malecón 2000.

To photograph the wild spaces, look no further the Parque Histórico in Samborondon, the marvelous wildlife reserve at Isla Santay, the iguana-filled Parque Seminario, and the underrated Botanical Garden in North Guayaquil. Just outside of town, don’t miss the Bosque Cerro Blanco.

Tips for Visiting the City

Because of the heat, Guayaquil is a city that requires a siesta so get out early, eat a light lunch, take a nap, then head back out in the late afternoon. At the very least, make sure any afternoon touring is low-key or that you carry plenty of bottled water. Take a little extra care at night and make sure to use a reliable taxi service and to only walk the streets with friends by your side.

I hope these photos, previously published in Ecuador Por Mis Ojos, a book of my photography published by the Instituto Geografico Military, inspire you to add Guayaquil to your list of must-see destinations in Ecuador!