GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR

01.29.2013 - 01.29.2013
View GRAND SOUTH AMERICAN ADVENTURE 2013 on Swenigale's travel map.

We cruised miles into the Guayas River Delta and then took a bus another half hour into Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and principal seaport. We received a four-legged welcome in Parque Bolivar. Iguanas are quite comfortable here, freely roaming about and hanging out in the trees.

Across the street from the park is La Catedral - beautiful inside and out, and apparently free of Iguanas despite the open doors!

Some of the beautiful historic buildings have survived the pirates, fires and earthquakes of the past.

The Malecon El Salado was opened in 2001 as the city reclaimed the waterfront, providing a safe, beautiful place for citizens and tourists alike.

Guess what's playing at the Imax?

Walking home from school - giggling and flirting - a worldwide phenomenon

The colorful houses are in Barrio Las Penas, home to many artists.

There is a strong tradition of taking pride in and taking care of - shoes.

A policeman's band played near La Rotonda, the monument honoring a meeting here in 1822 of Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin as they discussed strategies to liberate South America from Spain.