![Guayaquil, Ecuador cover page.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92341932.n79cTLcw.jpg) Guayaquil, Ecuador cover page. |
![Map of Ecuador with the star indicating Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/73/691773/1/92352594.vgyg8pDL.GuayaquilMap.gif) Map of Ecuador with the star indicating Guayaquil. |
![View of Centennial Park, which commemorates Guayaquil’s independence on October 9, 1820.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812254.T7jU2Nvf.jpg) View of Centennial Park, which commemorates Guayaquil’s independence on October 9, 1820. |
![Statue in Centennial Park that honors the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812255.5w6OT2mv.jpg) Statue in Centennial Park that honors the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence. |
![Close-up of the statue.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812253.Khdsow2F.jpg) Close-up of the statue. |
![View of Park Seminario, also known as Simon Bolivar Park and Iguana Park. It is the oldest park in Guayaquil (1895).](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812261.EElxZs5O.jpg) View of Park Seminario, also known as Simon Bolivar Park and Iguana Park. It is the oldest park in Guayaquil (1895). |
![Statue of Simon Bolivar who was a patriot, statesman and liberator of five South American Republics including Ecuador.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812262.qMEauBMp.jpg) Statue of Simon Bolivar who was a patriot, statesman and liberator of five South American Republics including Ecuador. |
![Close-up of the Simon Bolivar statue.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812268.g2KNoWM5.jpg) Close-up of the Simon Bolivar statue. |
![A gazebo in Centennial Park.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812272.HGparyst.jpg) A gazebo in Centennial Park. |
![People hanging out in the park.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812271.S4lhYZ8B.jpg) People hanging out in the park. |
![The reason why Centennial Park is also called Iguana Park is because tame iguanas live and roam freely there.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812264.b7r97zb2.jpg) The reason why Centennial Park is also called Iguana Park is because tame iguanas live and roam freely there. |
![A couple of handsome iguanas who live in the park.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812274.74NhTUKt.jpg) A couple of handsome iguanas who live in the park. |
![The iguanas were there before the park, because prior to it being a park, it was a mangrove.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812275.ncPw7VSw.jpg) The iguanas were there before the park, because prior to it being a park, it was a mangrove. |
![The iguanas never left and are a popular tourist attraction in Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812454.2U3a716I.jpg) The iguanas never left and are a popular tourist attraction in Guayaquil. |
![This green iguana was climbing up a park bench.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812455.R7TCIPzJ.jpg) This green iguana was climbing up a park bench. |
![Children in the park were delighted by all of the iguanas.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812453.Ah7tDicZ.jpg) Children in the park were delighted by all of the iguanas. |
![This little boy was hanging onto the tail of one of his new friends!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812456.Cl1foiGH.jpg) This little boy was hanging onto the tail of one of his new friends! |
![A squirrel was perched in a tree in Centennial Park.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812457.YTJphjoz.jpg) A squirrel was perched in a tree in Centennial Park. |
![The park also has a pond filled with fish and snapping turtles such as this one.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812458.bR595T9S.jpg) The park also has a pond filled with fish and snapping turtles such as this one. |
![Metropolitan Cathedral was originally built in wood in 1547, but was destroyed by fire and has been rebuilt several times.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812460.1ikoGJjt.jpg) Metropolitan Cathedral was originally built in wood in 1547, but was destroyed by fire and has been rebuilt several times. |
![The current neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral was completed in 1948. It has impressive stained glass windows and a marble altar.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812462.F2wnnkYs.jpg) The current neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral was completed in 1948. It has impressive stained glass windows and a marble altar. |
![Composite photo of the Gothic interior.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812465.Uwm5MYcc.jpg) Composite photo of the Gothic interior. |
![Some of the beautiful stained glass windows of Metropolitan Cathedral.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812468.EPuMx3Ty.jpg) Some of the beautiful stained glass windows of Metropolitan Cathedral. |
![The spectacular front stained glass window in a Rosetta pattern.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812469.xJTnkHDo.jpg) The spectacular front stained glass window in a Rosetta pattern. |
![Another interior nave in Metropolitan Cathedral.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812470.i5XmgZmC.jpg) Another interior nave in Metropolitan Cathedral. |
![An unusual Christ design inside the cathedral.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812471.OGTtu72x.jpg) An unusual Christ design inside the cathedral. |
![View of the clock on the upper façade of Metropolitan Cathedral.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812472.YA7O0sbc.jpg) View of the clock on the upper façade of Metropolitan Cathedral. |
![View of San José Church in Plaza de la Integración in Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812474.IbaXt78x.jpg) View of San José Church in Plaza de la Integración in Guayaquil. |
![A man walking in Plaza de la Integración.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812476.ukwP4ucN.jpg) A man walking in Plaza de la Integración. |
![One of two mosaic murals on the Union Club building in Plaza de la Integración.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812479.mTIqGSnH.jpg) One of two mosaic murals on the Union Club building in Plaza de la Integración. |
![The second mosaic mural on the Union Club building.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812480.6TjvIm7M.jpg) The second mosaic mural on the Union Club building. |
![The Union Club was founded in 1869, although the building is from the 1940's.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812566.UzLYVlfK.jpg) The Union Club was founded in 1869, although the building is from the 1940's. |
![The Brussels Market (or South Market) was a market until 1998.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812569.HVVT3GI1.jpg) The Brussels Market (or South Market) was a market until 1998. |
![It has been renamed the Crystal Palace and is used for temporary events.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812572.h26mPJS1.jpg) It has been renamed the Crystal Palace and is used for temporary events. |
![In 1931, they filled part of the river. It is now part of Malecón 2000, an urban renewal project with the pier and boardwalk.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812573.mSHTJdmc.jpg) In 1931, they filled part of the river. It is now part of Malecón 2000, an urban renewal project with the pier and boardwalk. |
![View of the pier with the Crystal Palace in the background.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812574.oEl6dRGi.jpg) View of the pier with the Crystal Palace in the background. |
![These fishermen were fishing in the Guayas River right off of the pier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92813318.QKTHmSbq.jpg) These fishermen were fishing in the Guayas River right off of the pier. |
![This fisherman was casting his net. I wouldn't want to eat his catch since the Guayas River is very polluted!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812582.UmX53drQ.jpg) This fisherman was casting his net. I wouldn't want to eat his catch since the Guayas River is very polluted! |
![This policeman was on duty on the pier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812584.JQzColjs.jpg) This policeman was on duty on the pier. |
![View of a statue of Omedo in Olmedo Square (the first mayor of Guayaquil in 1830).](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812589.yWLPCIAT.jpg) View of a statue of Omedo in Olmedo Square (the first mayor of Guayaquil in 1830). |
![On October 9th, 1820, Olmedo declared the independence of the city of Guayaquil from Spain with the help of other patriots.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812591.CrR8n3Su.jpg) On October 9th, 1820, Olmedo declared the independence of the city of Guayaquil from Spain with the help of other patriots. |
![An interesting vantage point of the Olmedo statue.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812593.8PdpNzlB.jpg) An interesting vantage point of the Olmedo statue. |
![Along the promenade of the pier, there are many shops and restaurants.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812597.XMz2qeTQ.jpg) Along the promenade of the pier, there are many shops and restaurants. |
![One of many vendors along the promenade.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812599.SxN9oKcj.jpg) One of many vendors along the promenade. |
![The Moorish Clock Tower was inaugurated in 1842 following the worst yellow fever outbreak ever in Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812603.p8keZEdV.jpg) The Moorish Clock Tower was inaugurated in 1842 following the worst yellow fever outbreak ever in Guayaquil. |
![It was purchased from England. Due to structural problems, the tower had to be destroyed and was rebuilt in 1930.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812604.Sp1cFai9.jpg) It was purchased from England. Due to structural problems, the tower had to be destroyed and was rebuilt in 1930. |
![Another view of the Moorish Clock Tower from Administration Square.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812677.ZSWZByYt.jpg) Another view of the Moorish Clock Tower from Administration Square. |
![Administration Square with a building built in the 1950's, which is part of City Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812605.tcP3FrAU.jpg) Administration Square with a building built in the 1950's, which is part of City Hall. |
![It was built by the French Hotel firm Crillon in a 19th century style.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812674.Vv3y1pzE.jpg) It was built by the French Hotel firm Crillon in a 19th century style. |
![This is another part of City Hall that was built in 1924 in an Italian style.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812675.GLB1B8EA.jpg) This is another part of City Hall that was built in 1924 in an Italian style. |
![Note the arched glass roof of this Italian-style part of City Hall.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812679.WpqAoNc4.jpg) Note the arched glass roof of this Italian-style part of City Hall. |
![Kids playing by a fountain in Administration Square.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812681.SKjGZcoz.jpg) Kids playing by a fountain in Administration Square. |
![Monument to Antonio José de Sucre in front of the Crillon City Hall building. Ecuador's currency is named after him.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812683.1TnBbDn0.jpg) Monument to Antonio José de Sucre in front of the Crillon City Hall building. Ecuador's currency is named after him. |
![He was a military leader who was responsible for Ecuador's independence from Spain.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812682.UnJWVtP9.jpg) He was a military leader who was responsible for Ecuador's independence from Spain. |
![Sucre was in charge of the campaign to liberate Quito and won a decisive victory at the Battle of Pichincha in 1822.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812685.B3mIaAFf.jpg) Sucre was in charge of the campaign to liberate Quito and won a decisive victory at the Battle of Pichincha in 1822. |
![View of the Monument of the Conspirators, which is located close to Administration Square.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812687.ontwmr95.jpg) View of the Monument of the Conspirators, which is located close to Administration Square. |
![A closer view of the Monument of the Conspirators.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812688.UmwYSHbm.jpg) A closer view of the Monument of the Conspirators. |
![Statue of Olmedo who became the first Mayor of Guayaquil in 1830.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812694.OpCfe2xg.jpg) Statue of Olmedo who became the first Mayor of Guayaquil in 1830. |
![Behind Olmedo's back is the key to the city.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812794.MFbP1iro.jpg) Behind Olmedo's back is the key to the city. |
![View of Olmedo standing next to the conspirators.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812692.YJ0PcY88.jpg) View of Olmedo standing next to the conspirators. |
![As the story goes, the conspirators invited all of the Spanish officials to a party.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812691.YPTbW6aw.jpg) As the story goes, the conspirators invited all of the Spanish officials to a party. |
![While the Spanish officials were partying, the people of Guayaquil took over the police stations.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812697.HimmBhV4.jpg) While the Spanish officials were partying, the people of Guayaquil took over the police stations. |
![Close-up of some of the conspirators who tricked the Spanish.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812788.CbyfyhWN.jpg) Close-up of some of the conspirators who tricked the Spanish. |
![These are more conspirators.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812789.tD3206sX.jpg) These are more conspirators. |
![Here I am with the conspirators. I promise not to tell!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812790.l3KU7qXZ.jpg) Here I am with the conspirators. I promise not to tell! |
![View of the Sucre monument from the Monument of Conspirators.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812783.LAxqF2AW.jpg) View of the Sucre monument from the Monument of Conspirators. |
![View of the Naval Yacht Club looking in the opposite direction towards the pier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812797.O5be7eJN.jpg) View of the Naval Yacht Club looking in the opposite direction towards the pier. |
![An observation tower on the boardwalk.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812798.GplUXcAE.jpg) An observation tower on the boardwalk. |
![Strollers along the pier, which is part of the Malecón 2000 urban renewal project.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812801.38Vf8JId.jpg) Strollers along the pier, which is part of the Malecón 2000 urban renewal project. |
![A naval instruction sailing ship docked along the pier.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812809.SUHDp6O2.jpg) A naval instruction sailing ship docked along the pier. |
![Another view of the boardwalk. Parts of it are supposed to resemble a ship.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812812.kkmUEX6g.jpg) Another view of the boardwalk. Parts of it are supposed to resemble a ship. |
![Along boardwalk are statues of Presidents of Ecuador who came from Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812815.OFrJetD3.jpg) Along boardwalk are statues of Presidents of Ecuador who came from Guayaquil. |
![Close-up of one of the Presidents. There are a lot of them since the government constantly changes!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812817.ZGNvyut2.jpg) Close-up of one of the Presidents. There are a lot of them since the government constantly changes! |
![View of the main monument of Malecón, which was dedicated in 1936.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812819.ZPB7KqiZ.jpg) View of the main monument of Malecón, which was dedicated in 1936. |
![It commemorates the meeting of Simon Bolivar and San Martin to declare independence from Spain.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812821.v8fMKPh4.jpg) It commemorates the meeting of Simon Bolivar and San Martin to declare independence from Spain. |
![Bolivar was from Columbia and St. Martin was from Argentina. They met in Guayaquil, on July 26 and July 27, 1822.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812824.P06X42qR.jpg) Bolivar was from Columbia and St. Martin was from Argentina. They met in Guayaquil, on July 26 and July 27, 1822. |
![Since Simon Bolivar (on the left) was so short, the sculptor made him much taller so he would equal St. Martin's stature!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812826.HG3sdoHc.jpg) Since Simon Bolivar (on the left) was so short, the sculptor made him much taller so he would equal St. Martin's stature! |
![A view from another angle looking towards the main monument of Malecón. The flags are of all the South American countries.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812913.7c3o9QTb.jpg) A view from another angle looking towards the main monument of Malecón. The flags are of all the South American countries. |
![This beautiful urn stands next to the Bolivar/San Martin monument.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812830.Zstdol5j.jpg) This beautiful urn stands next to the Bolivar/San Martin monument. |
![View of Santana Hill which, overlooks the Guayas River.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812909.Na41RAE6.jpg) View of Santana Hill which, overlooks the Guayas River. |
![Santana Hill is one of the oldest parts of Guayaquil where the city was first established.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812912.bHH397FK.jpg) Santana Hill is one of the oldest parts of Guayaquil where the city was first established. |
![View of a Malecón Simon Bolivar street scene in Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812914.oeOVYfeU.jpg) View of a Malecón Simon Bolivar street scene in Guayaquil. |
![Steps that lead up Santana Hill. Formerly, it was a slum, but it is now being renovated](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812915.Hh87uSFA.jpg) Steps that lead up Santana Hill. Formerly, it was a slum, but it is now being renovated |
![The old wooden houses are now being painted in bright cheerful colors giving the neighborhood its charm.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812917.3zDN9Ls2.jpg) The old wooden houses are now being painted in bright cheerful colors giving the neighborhood its charm. |
![Nearby is El Carmen Hill, which is still a slum (which looks the way that Santana Hill once did).](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812919.2Dwd0glF.jpg) Nearby is El Carmen Hill, which is still a slum (which looks the way that Santana Hill once did). |
![Entrance to el Cementerio General de Guayaquil.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812920.RVtw24j2.jpg) Entrance to el Cementerio General de Guayaquil. |
![Another cemetery view. The graves are above ground because Guayaquil was built on a mangrove.](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812925.pKS0fKow.jpg) Another cemetery view. The graves are above ground because Guayaquil was built on a mangrove. |
![Sculpture of a fisherman in Guayaquil. Too bad the Guayas River is so polluted!](https://a4.pbase.com/g1/73/691773/3/92812932.03WxSECj.jpg) Sculpture of a fisherman in Guayaquil. Too bad the Guayas River is so polluted! |