While Guayaquil may not be first on your list of cities to visit in Ecuador, over the past years it has taken definitive steps for the better. What was once dirty and unsafe is now beautiful and secure, largely due to the development of the Malecon 2000.

The Malecon is comparable to a large boardwalk of sorts that starts in the Las Peñas neighborhood and runs along the Natural Guayas River. Designed by Oxford University in London, the Malecon is full of interesting pathways, parks, shops and restaurants. The design takes into account the geography of the area, playing off of its natural beauty.

The Malecon 2000 stretches for 2 miles, and is a great place to pass the afternoon, or even the whole day. Along the path you will find an IMAX theater, cultural centers, monuments, playgrounds, open air cafes, air-conditioned shopping centers and more. Safe enough to enjoy at night, consider having dinner on the waterfront at least once while in Guayaquil.

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