Ecuador's economic engine and largest city: Guayaquil is the most populous city in Ecuador and the nation's primary commercial and industrial hub, centered around its bustling main seaport.
The nation's main seaport: Located on the Guayas River, the Port of Guayaquil is the country's most important deep-water port, handling the majority of Ecuador's import and export trade.
Hot and humid tropical climate: Unlike the Andean cities, Guayaquil is known for its year-round heat and humidity.
Home to the Malecón 2000: The city's signature attraction is its renovated riverside boardwalk, the Malecón 2000, a vibrant urban park stretching for 2.5 km with monuments, gardens, museums, and restaurants.
Historic neighborhoods and urban renewal: Guayaquil is famous for the historic Las Peñas neighborhood, a colorful, regenerated hillside community with wooden houses and art galleries, and the nearby Cerro Santa Ana with its lighthouse and panoramic views.
The "Pearl of the Pacific": The city has a distinct coastal culture and identity, often seen in a friendly rivalry with the capital, Quito, contrasting the fast-paced business culture of the coast with the more traditional culture of the highlands.