Continuing north beyond the Malecon, you come to the historic Las Penas district, where the city was founded. Because of its elevation, Las Penas escaped floods and fires, and is the only area to have retained its cobbled streets and old wooden houses, some of them now occupied by artists. These back streets are not safe alone; go with a group or join a tour with a travel agent. The most picturesque street is Numa Pomplino Llona, where you’ll find various artists’ studios and galleries, of which the Casa del Artista Plastica is one of the best. While in Las Penas, seek out the pretty Iglesia de Santo Domingo, the city’s oldest church, restored in 1938.

To explore the modern side of Guayaquil, take a trip to the northern suburb of Urdesa, an almost self-contained community with many good shops, malls and restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. To get away from the crowds, visit Jardin Botanico, also in the north of town in Urbanizacion Las Orquideas, which has pleasant walks, a butterfly garden, gift shop, cafe and a wonderful collection of orchids, open 8 am to 4 pm daily.

The other districts of La Garzota, Sauces and Alborada are also worth a visit. These districts are much quieter than down town, it also has a good selection of restaurants as well as good shopping and entertainment for the evening and is around 10 minutes from the city center by taxi and closer to the bus station and the airport.

Finally, Barrio Centenario South from down town was the original central residential zone and is also a tranquil area for strolls with many tree lined roads.

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||

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