smalltowner Posted November 17, 2013 #1 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I've been doing some research before an upcoming Oceania cruise in January. I've been googling in general and also looking in the "Destinations" forums, but I can't seem to find out where the port is located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. On one thread there was mention made of a new port closer to the tourist area, but there's nothing about it anywhere else that I can find. I was hoping that someone on this forum might have been on a fairly recent O cruise that visited Guayaquil, and could tell me if there is a new port. If not, does Oceania or the city provide transport from the port to the Malecon 2000 area? I hear taxis are dangerous there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondorner Posted November 17, 2013 #2 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Check out this link and see if it helps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalltowner Posted November 17, 2013 Author #3 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Looks like the port is so new it doesn't seem to be even there on the map, but more like a tendering spot! If it is in that location, it'll be perfect! I don't know how I missed that with my searching. Most searches showed it way south of the tourist area, which is probably the old port. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvmovielover Posted November 17, 2013 #4 Share Posted November 17, 2013 We overnighted in Guayaquil in September after a Galapagos cruise. We got there late in the afternoon and walked several blocks to Malecon 2000. We missed the evening crowds and activities but the walk was very pleasant. Our tour escort (to and from airport) told us not to take just any taxi on the street but that taking one from a big hotel was generally safe. The street of remaining old wooden houses is at the end of the Malecon near the museum (already closed when we got there). We wound our way around the neighborhood until we came to a big hotel where we took a taxi back to our very nice downtown hotel. The taxi remained in touch with the hotel the whole time we were in it. Anyway, if the dock is fairly close to the Malecon (not sure from the picture above), you can walk there without a problem especially during the day. The Cathedral is only about two blocks up from the Malecon and the iguanas basking in the park in front of it are a sight to see. There were many people every where we went all just going about their own business. We had a really nice late afternoon walk in this area and it was safe enough to do without a tour (we had read Guayaquil's bad press so asked tour guide for directions and got home by dark). OTOH, if the tour includes a stop for some typical food and a ride by the very interesting cemetery city, it might be worthwhile. The ship should have information about safe taxis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelcat2 Posted November 17, 2013 #5 Share Posted November 17, 2013 We did a port stop in Guayaquil on Regent. The port was about 1/2 hour by bus (provided by Regent). The bus has 3-4 police escorts the entire way from the port to downtown (a few blocks from Malecón 2000). My main reason for posting is safety. Guayaquil is really trying to make their city a tourist destination after years of being quite a dangerous place. When we were there the police presence was more that we have seen anywhere. The warnings from the tour operator on the bus was to avoid out of the way areas. The Malecón was lovely -- we felt quite safe there. However, I cannot imagine taking a taxi anywhere by yourselves. My advice is to stick to tours or walks on the Malecón. As a matter of interest (or not) Malecón is a word used in Spanish-speaking countries for a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront. You will find them in many coastal ports. When we did research for our cruise we saw what we thought was the same Malecón in the next port..... we wondered how it could be so long. Once we looked up the definition, it became clear:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaitape Posted November 17, 2013 #6 Share Posted November 17, 2013 We were on Regatta this past Jan/Feb that included a stop in Guayaquil. We took the ship's shuttle into town (can't remember how long the ride was but not long) and were dropped at the Cathedral (and the iguanas!). We walked 2 blocks to the Malecon. Walked to the far end, passed the movie theater, and went into the interesting hillside neighborhood. Some lovely galleries and a few small hotels thre. Then we went back to the Malecon and went to a nice little restaurant to eat shrimp and have the local beer(s). Not a problem and never felt unsafe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalltowner Posted November 17, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted November 17, 2013 This is great information. It looks like if the port location hasn't changed, Oceania will get us into the safe area by shuttle, so no more worries. Our plan would be to do just what you did, Vaitape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaitape Posted November 18, 2013 #8 Share Posted November 18, 2013 AWESOME! Hope you have a nice time like we did. When you get to the Malecon, turn left, walk to the end and head up the hill for a look. The Currents suggested this area. Wish I'd purchased an unusual silver ring in a gallery there. The young art and design students were in the shop with their creations...bummed now that I hesitated. There is a growing national pride and energy we found inspiring. The young people working at the resto practiced their English and we had some great laughs. Plus, soccer on the TV was good....nice to sit upstairs and outside....life is good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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