Guayaquil, Ecuador (Saturday, February 24)

We awoke to find the ship weaving its way up Guayas River, Guayaquil being a considerable distance inland from the Pacific coastline.

We had entertainment awaiting us as we disembarked for our tour.

Under cloudy skies, we boarded our bus.

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Today's Tour:  HISTORIC PARK & ECUADORIAN LUNCH

Gain a deep understanding of Guayaquil and the surrounding area on this tour to the iconic Historical Park that includes an Ecuadorian lunch.

Depart from port and drive straight to the Historical Park of Guayaquil, which is comprised of three distinct zones-devoted to local wildlife, traditions, and urban architecture. Going from exhibit to exhibit, often on a raised pathway, you will get a true feel for what has made Guayaquil so special through the centuries. See an abundance of indigenous plant and animal species, important early 20th century buildings, and a rural country house outfitted with farming implements. You will also get a glimpse of how Guayaquil looked more than 100 years ago.

Then re-board your coach and drive back to the heart of Guayaquil where you will enjoy lunch in one of the city's most popular restaurants. Afterward, during the leisurely drive back to the pier, you can reflect upon the beauty of the region and the fascinating history of one of Ecuador's greatest cities.

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Our guide Elena warned us that she was a talker, and then proceeded to do just that for much of our tour.  Fortunately, she was engaging and knowledgeable; a high school teacher who spoke Spanish, English, French, German and was learning Italian.

 SIRENA was at a pier on the south side of the city and Guayaquil Historical Park was at the north end.  It being Saturday, morning traffic was light.  Rather than going directly to the Park, the bus took us along the city's malecon (shore road), Elena pointing out various sites.  She apologized that we could not stop at any of them so all of the following pictures were taken within the limits of shooting through the window of a moving bus.    

We passed a famous set of 444 steps, each numbered for those who lose count while climbing them, that led up to a lighthouse that overlooked the city.

We drove through a tunnel, past one of the most attractive highway interchanges I've seen and then over a bridge, leaving Guayaquil and entering the city suburb where the historical park was located.

Guayaquil Historical Park has three main parts: the Wildlife Zone, the Traditions Zone and the Urban Architectural Zone.

Just after we reached the visitors' center and were preparing to head into the Wildlife Zone, the overcast skies that had threatened rain all morning made good on the threat.  

After 15-20 minutes the rain subsided a bit.  Elena said those of us that wanted to see the park could go with her while another guide stayed with those who did not want to leave the center's shelter.  

On an elevated trail through a mangrove swamp, we walked past a variety of animals in habitats that had been built for them.

In the post-rain heat and humidity, we exited the mangrove menagerie to visit the Urban Architectural Zone, going into a historical home and a former convent.

From there, we past some gardens and entered the Traditions Zone, visiting more two other dwellings.

We backtracked to the hotel on the property where, ascending to the blessedly air-conditioned second floor we had a good lunch of local dishes.

After lunch, we boarded our bus for the return trip to the ship.

Huh?

This write-up does not do the tour or our guide Elena justice.  Both were informative, but the effort to capture mentally and subsequently recount in writing all the things we heard has proven to be beyond the scope of my interest in doing so.  

SIRENA departed Guayaquil at 6:00 PM, wending her way downriver for several hours before reaching open ocean at the mouth of the Bay of Guayaquil at about 9:30 .