Guayaquil's most affluent suburb: La Puntilla is the peninsula at the start of the Vía a Samborondón, an area that is synonymous with wealth and exclusivity, effectively serving as the elite, modern suburb of Guayaquil.
A world of gated communities: The area is almost entirely composed of "urbanizaciones cerradas" — high-security, privately managed gated communities with luxury homes, often situated on artificial lakes and canals.
Hub of upscale commerce and dining: Vía a Samborondón is lined with modern shopping centers, plazas, and commercial hubs like Plaza Lagos, offering some of the country's most upscale restaurants, boutiques, and services.
Center for private education and culture: The district is home to many of the most prestigious private schools in the Guayaquil area, as well as cultural venues like the Teatro Sánchez Aguilar.
A car-centric lifestyle: Unlike a traditional city, the area was designed around the automobile. A car is essential for daily life, connecting the residential zones with the commercial, educational, and social centers along the main road.
Hot, humid, and bustling on a Saturday: Being part of the Guayaquil metropolitan area, the climate is hot and humid. On a Saturday morning like this, the commercial plazas and cafes are already busy with families and residents.