The Galapogos

We arrived in Guayaquil last night on our first step of our adventure. This is a very large city of over three million people and is quite chaotic.  Our hotel is located near the airport and taking a taxi to the center of the city was an adventure in itself. Hawkers were selling everything amongst the traffic from toys to umbrellas to questionable bottled water.  Some of the areas were definitely poor with barred windows and cramped quarters. As one got closer to town he contrasts are quite apparent with a mixture of lovely old buildings along side ones barely standing.  Many have their make shift stalls set up on the curb side selling all sorts of wares.  At one end of the cityscape there is a hill covered with coulourful homes and winding cobblestone streets which was delightful to walk up. The interesting thing was the amount of visible security.  All along the river they have built a beautiful malecon which is about two kilometers long and is great to stroll along.  It is dotted with little playgrounds and cafes and lots of seating.

Boat working on the river

Colorful houses on the hillside

Beautiful old buildings

Downtown promenade 

Cathedral 

Friendly iguana 

Built to the water