Tropical port city where humid riverfront energy meets colonial architecture and vibrant street markets.
Most travelers skip straight to the Galápagos or Quito's high-altitude Instagram ops. That's exactly why Guayaquil hits different on a group trip. You'll walk the Malecón 2000 riverfront at dusk while iguanas the size of house cats sun themselves on the railings, hit street food stalls where $2 gets you a plate of encebollado that'll cure any hangover, and climb Las Peñas' 444 colorful steps without a single tour group breathing down your neck. The city runs hot and sticky year-round, but that tropical sweat makes the cerveza taste better. Plus, everything costs half what you'd pay in Quito, which means more money for ceviche and less stress when splitting bills with your crew. José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport sits 20 minutes from downtown. Skip the official taxis—they'll quote you $25. Walk outside the terminal and grab an Uber or Cabify for $8-12 to split between however many friends you're traveling with. Stay in or near the Las Peñas neighborhood if your group wants…