In the 16th century, the Spanish conquered the indigenous people of the beautiful coastal city of Guayaquil. The legend of this exciting town has is that, before being defeated, the prince and princess of this close-knit community committed suicide to avoid being forced into slavery. He was called Guayas, and the girl's name was Quil, and Guayaquil gets its name from this tragic pair. More than two million people live in the city, making it the most populous city in Ecuador. It is the economic and social capital of the country, and the port has been busy ever since Francisco de Orellana arrived here in 1537.

Industry and commerce rule the coastal portion of Guayaquil, and the interior is quieter, yet the energy of this bustling town remains very contagious. The more of Guayaquil that you explore, the longer you will want to stay. The area is incredibly diverse and home to some of the best museums in Ecuador. The Museo Municipal features wonderful paintings and sculptures. The Museo Arqueológico del Banco del Pacífico contains fascinating relics, some that date all the way back to 3000 BC. The Metropolitan Cathedral is an exquisite site with incredible stained glass windows, and La Merced is another magnificent religious monument.

The dining engagements in Guayaquil are fabulous, and there is a wide variety of restaurants for you to choose from. There are numerous great shopping facilities, and the nightlife here is blazingly active.