Where to Stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador (2026 Guide)
Guayaquil gets written off as a transit city—just a quick stop on the way to the Galapagos.
That’s a mistake. Ecuador’s largest city has evolved. The waterfront’s been revitalized, neighborhoods have distinct personalities, and choosing where to stay in Guayaquil directly impacts your experience. Stay in the wrong spot and you’ll spend your time in taxis. Pick the right accommodation and you’re walking distance from restaurants, river views, and actual local life.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- An honest breakdown of the best places to base yourself in Guayaquil
- Which areas are walkable and which require ride-hailing apps
- Safety considerations that actually matter (not fear-mongering)
- Where first-time visitors should stay in Guayaquil
- Hotels in Guayaquil worth booking—from boutique hotels to international chains
- Areas to avoid without being alarmist
Where to Stay in Guayaquil: Quick Overview
- Puerto Santa Ana – Modern waterfront area with river views and easy access to attractions
- Malecón 2000 / Centro – Renovated riverfront promenade in the heart of the city
- Las Peñas – Colorful hillside neighborhood with colonial charm and nightlife
- Urdesa – Residential area popular with locals for dining and nightlife
- Near Guayaquil Airport (Garzota) – Convenient for early flights to the Galápagos
Puerto Santa Ana: Best Hotel Zone for First-Time Visitors
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, anyone prioritizing convenience
Puerto Santa Ana is Guayaquil’s modern waterfront development and one of the best places to stay in Guayaquil.
It’s safe, walkable, and has the highest concentration of hotels in Guayaquil. The neighborhood is known for its modern high-rise buildings, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
The Wyndham Guayaquil sits right on the water. You’ll find accommodation with river views, restaurants within walking distance, and consistent security presence.
Mansion del Rio is a luxurious boutique hotel option here, offering personalized friendly service and a home away from home feel.
This isn’t historic Guayaquil—it’s the sanitized version. But if you’re here for 24 hours before heading to the Galapagos, that’s exactly what you want.
The neighborhood connects easily to Malecón 2000 and Las Peñas on foot, making it a great base to explore Guayaquil.
Malecón 2000 and Centro: Stay in the Heart of Guayaquil
Best for: Sightseers who want to be near museums and tourist attractions
Malecón 2000 is a 2.5-kilometer riverfront promenade with shops, museums, gardens, and restaurants that runs along the Guayas River.
Hotels in this area put you within walking distance of main attractions: Parque Seminario (the iguana park), the Cathedral of Guayaquil, and the historic center.
Hotel del Parque is located in a beautifully restored 19th century property right in the center of downtown Guayaquil, offering views of the Guayas River and botanical gardens.
The Hilton Colon Guayaquil and Oro Verde are established options here. Hotel Palace offers good value for money with free wi-fi and air conditioning.
Safety is reasonable during the day thanks to police presence. Scams occur most often in areas like Malecón 2000, so keep your phone out of sight and don’t wear expensive jewelry.
At night, stick to well-lit areas or take taxis. The promenade itself stays active, but side streets get quiet.
Many hotels here offer amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, and breakfast buffets.
Las Peñas: Character and Ecuadorian Charm
Best for: Travelers who want character and don’t mind stairs
Las Peñas is Guayaquil’s oldest neighborhood—colorful houses, cobblestone streets, art galleries.
It sits at the base of Cerro Santa Ana, the hill with 444 steps leading to a lighthouse and panoramic views.
Las Peñas is a colorful hillside neighborhood known for its restored colonial houses, art galleries, and lively atmosphere—a perfect spot to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture.
The area has personality but comes with trade-offs. It’s touristy during the day and lively at night with bars and small restaurants packed into narrow alleyways.
Safety here is debated. Some travelers report zero issues. Others mention feeling watched. There have been reports of robberies along Cerro Santa Ana, especially on less-traveled paths.
If you stay in this area, book a hotel with good reviews and ask staff about safe routes. A free walking tour can help you orient yourself.
This neighborhood works if you’re comfortable navigating cities and don’t need a resort feel.
Hotel del Centro and small boutique hotel options are located near Las Peñas, offering a more intimate lodging experience.
Urdesa: Where Locals Eat and Drink
Best for: Travelers who want to experience local Guayaquil
Urdesa is where middle-class Ecuadorian residents go out.
It’s a residential neighborhood north of downtown with tree-lined streets, local restaurants, and a real neighborhood vibe.
Victor Emilio Estrada (often called Avenida 9 de Octubre in some maps) is the main drag—cafes, bars, international food from shawarma to sushi.
Several guayaquil hotels serve this area. You’re not walking to major tourist attractions from here—you’ll use taxis or Uber.
But if you want to eat where locals eat and skip the tourist circuit entirely, Urdesa delivers. Guayaquil offers authentic experiences in neighborhoods like this.
The neighborhood feels safer than the historic center and has a more residential atmosphere. Hotel amenities here typically include free parking and wi-fi.
Near Guayaquil Airport: Functional Accommodation Only
Best for: Early morning flights, overnight layovers
Garzota and the areas around José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport are purely functional.
You’re just minutes from the airport—typically a 10-15 minute drive from the airport to downtown.
Mall del Sol is nearby, featuring shopping centers with cinemas and restaurants. This area around the international airport has conveniences but lacks character.
Hotels near Guayaquil Airport (Holiday Inn, Courtyard Marriott) offer free airport shuttles and standard hotel amenities like spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and pool areas.
Many rooms feature work areas and guests can enjoy breakfast buffets before flights.
Choose this area only if your flight leaves before 7 AM or you’re arriving late and leaving early as a gateway to the Galapagos the next day.
Best Places for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time planning to stay in Guayaquil Ecuador, base yourself near Puerto Santa Ana or Malecón 2000.
Both neighborhoods have:
- High police and security presence
- Walking access to major tourist attractions
- Hotels at multiple price points
- Restaurants and services nearby
- Easy access to Parque Bolivar and Parque de las Iguanas
Puerto Santa Ana feels more modern and controlled. Malecón 2000 gives you slightly more local flavor while staying tourist-friendly.
Malecón 2000 is a standout with its visible security presence, making it conveniently located for those prioritizing safety.
Avoid trying to “see the real Guayaquil” on your first visit. Get oriented in a comfortable area first.
Best Area for Nightlife, Food, and Families
Nightlife: Las Peñas and Urdesa split this category. Las Peñas has bars packed into alleys near the waterfront—casual, local, sometimes loud. Urdesa is where you’ll find gastropubs, cocktail bars, and a more polished scene right in the heart of local life.
Food: Urdesa wins for variety and quality. You’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall local spots to upscale dining. The area boasts charming cafes, eclectic shops, and authentic Ecuadorian cuisine at bustling eateries. Malecón 2000 has tourist-friendly options but less depth. A delicious breakfast can be found throughout these neighborhoods.
Families: Puerto Santa Ana. It’s controlled, safe, and has the kind of infrastructure families need—sidewalks, nearby services, hotels with swimming pools and fitness centers. The perfect place for those wanting secure lodging. The area lacks the grit that makes solo travelers nervous but also makes parents relax.
Hotel vs Apartment: What's Better When You Visit Guayaquil?
Hotels make more sense here.
Apartments (via Airbnb or booking platforms) exist in Puerto Santa Ana and Urdesa, but security is a legitimate concern in Guayaquil. We’d actually recommend sticking with hotels for safety reasons. We heard quite a few unsettling stories about rentals here.
Hotels offer 24-hour staff, secure entrances, and vetted drivers for airport transfers. Most hotel offers include amenities that make your stay comfortable.
If you’re staying more than a week or traveling as a family, an apartment in Puerto Santa Ana could work—but only if the building has controlled access and guests can’t recommend it enough in reviews.
For short stays (1-3 nights), the convenience and security of a guayaquil hotel outweigh any cost savings.
The hotel is located in secure buildings, rooms feature modern amenities, and you have access to services throughout our stay that apartments can’t match.
Where NOT to Stay in Guayaquil
Guayaquil’s south and certain downtown areas are best avoided.
The downtown and southern areas are known to be sketchy, as well as the El Guasmo district. These neighborhoods have higher crime rates and no tourist infrastructure.
Also skip: Durán (across the Guayas), Isla Trinitaria, and any area that seems “too cheap to be true.”
If a hotel or apartment is significantly cheaper than others in Puerto Santa Ana or near Malecón 2000, there’s usually a reason.
Don’t stay anywhere that requires you to walk through questionable areas to reach restaurants or transportation. According to The World Travel Index, areas like Isla Trinitaria and Suburbio Oeste have higher crime rates and should be avoided.
These aren’t worth visiting as a tourist and don’t offer the amenities or security you need.
Best Hotels in Guayaquil Worth Booking
While we don’t recommend specific hotels without context, here are property types worth considering:
Luxury/Boutique: Mansion del Rio offers a luxurious boutique experience with personalized service. Hotel del Parque is located in the historic park area with botanical gardens and river views.
Mid-Range/International Chains: The Hilton Colon Guayaquil provides reliable hotel amenities including indoor pools and fitness centers. The Wyndham offers modern rooms with free wi-fi and located near key attractions.
Budget-Conscious: Hotel del Centro and Hotel Palace offer basic accommodation with air conditioning and free parking, located just three blocks from main attractions.
Airport Hotels: Properties located close to the airport like Holiday Inn are perfect for those heading to the Galapagos early morning, just 15 minutes away from the airport.
When booking, look for hotels that stayed at this hotel reviews mention friendly service, central location in the center of Guayaquil, and easy access to attractions.
Key Takeaways
- Puerto Santa Ana and Malecón 2000 are the best places for first-time visitors to stay in Guayaquil
- Hotels in Guayaquil near the waterfront offer the safest, most convenient access to attractions
- Las Peñas offers Ecuadorian character but requires more street awareness
- Urdesa is where locals go—great food, residential feel, but not walkable to tourist attractions
- Guayaquil airport hotels work only for early flights or overnight layovers
- Hotels provide better security and amenities than apartments in Guayaquil Ecuador
- Avoid south Guayaquil, Durán (across the Rio Guayas), and areas without tourist infrastructure
FAQ
What are the best hotels in Guayaquil for first-time visitors?
Hotels near Puerto Santa Ana and Malecón 2000 offer the best combination of safety, walkability, and access to attractions. Properties like the Wyndham, Hilton Colon Guayaquil, and boutique options like Mansion del Rio provide comfortable accommodation with modern amenities including swimming pools, fitness centers, and free wi-fi.
Is it worth visiting Guayaquil or should I go straight to the Galapagos?
Guayaquil is also worth one to two days to visit key attractions like Malecón 2000, Las Peñas, Parque Seminario, and the Historic Park. Most travelers use it as a gateway to the Galapagos, but the city offers enough to explore Guayaquil properly if you have time.
Which area is closest to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport?
Garzota and surrounding areas are just 10-15 minutes from the airport. Hotels near Guayaquil Airport offer free shuttles and are conveniently located for travelers on the way to the Galapagos. According to Live and Invest Overseas, the airport provides easy access to downtown Guayaquil as well.
Can I walk around Guayaquil at night safely?
Stick to well-lit, populated areas like Puerto Santa Ana or along Malecón 2000 in the heart of the city. Avoid walking alone after dark in Las Peñas or downtown Guayaquil. Taxis and Uber are inexpensive and much safer. Most guayaquil hotel staff can arrange reliable transportation.
What hotel amenities should I expect in Guayaquil?
Most hotels offer standard amenities like free wi-fi, air conditioning, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Mid-range and luxury properties include breakfast buffets, on-site restaurants, spacious rooms with work areas, and some feature river views of the Guayas River. Hotel offers typically include free parking at properties outside the center.
Where should families stay in Guayaquil?
Puerto Santa Ana is the perfect place to stay for families, offering secure hotels with pool areas, easy access to attractions, and a controlled environment. Hotels here provide the amenities and safety families need, making it a great choice for those traveling with children.
How do I get from my Guayaquil hotel to the Galapagos?
All flights to the Galapagos depart from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. Most hotels can arrange airport transfers. If staying near the center of Guayaquil, plan for a 20-30 minute drive to reach the airport. According to Viva Expeditions, Guayaquil serves as the main gateway to the Galapagos Islands for international travelers.
