“Easy” Guayaquil, Ecuador

I took the “Easy Guayaquil” tour today.  This is Ecuador’s most populous city.  The ship made it up the river before low tide.  The port is an industrial port, so there’s no walking from the port since it’s a “hard hat” area.  The bus picked us up right at the ship for the tour.

The first stop was Seminario Park and the Guayaquil Cathedra.  The park is more commonly called the “iguana park” since they’ve taken over the park and are protected there.  They peacefully cohabitate with the local pigeons which is obvious from my photos.

The next stop was the waterfront part and the rotunda.  This is a statue recreating the meeting of Simon Bolivar and San Martin during the unification of the countries of the area. 

A final stop was in the Las Penas area which is the oldest neighborhood in the city.  It’s marked by hundreds of steps.

I assure you the tour wasn’t so easy with all the walking and steps that had to be climbed.  Being near the equator, the temperature was extremely warm (hot!).  The tour may not have been easy, but it was a great lesson on this area of South America.  I’m glad tomorrow is a “sea day” with no excursions on the calendar.

The ms Prisendam arrived in Guayaquil before low tide this morning.

The statue of Simon Bolivar is just one of the attractions in this park.

The real attraction are the iguanas and pigeons.

Iguanas and pigeons perched in the tree.  Watch out for bird poop, but the real problem is the iguanas urinate from the trees.

The iguana and pigeon peace treaty has worked.

The guide for our tour is popular with the iguanas because he feeds them their favorite food.... bananas.

I'm ready for my close up.

The Cathedral of Guayaquil sits across the street from the Seminario Park.

Along the river front is the Rotundo which commemorates the meeting of Bolivar and San Martin.

I took a stroll along the riverfront. 

Public art is everywhere in the city.

The local workers were taking down the Christmas decorations along the riverfront. 

Ecuador's version of Rodin's "The Thinker" perhaps?

More views along the riverfront.

It will soon be the 200th anniversary  of Guayaquil's freedom.  Note the billboard above the tunnel.

This is the oldest neighborhood in the city.  The steps are numbered.

Here I am along the steps of the oldest neighborhood in the city.

This was my guide's idea of a good shot of the neighborhood.

Everywhere we went, there was a police presence.  They were extremely friendly to our group (most US and Canadians).

Local art museums and restaurants fills the area.

You definitely get a workout on the steps of the old city.  My Fitbit was proud of me.

Upon arriving back at the ship, a local dance group entertained us.  The police band played for the group as they danced.

It was great to see the local performers upon returning to the ship.

The police band sounded great.