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Guayaquil
Ecuador’s largest city is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s most important ports. The Malecon 2000, a newly renovated, waterfront boardwalk, is a lively spot for family strolls amongst pools, fountains, shops, restaurants and museums. In the nearby historic district, Santa Ana Hill offers a sweeping panorama, with lots of shops and outdoor cafes along the way. Guayaquil nightlife bristles with vibrant energy.
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Esmeraldas
This northeastern city is home to the vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian culture, which took root here in the 16th century, via wrecked slave ships and escapes from Colombian sugar plantations. The former slaves intermarried with indigenous peoples to create a new ethnic group called the Zambos. The isolated nature of the area has helped the local culture maintain its African roots, which can be found in art, fashion and especially music—this is the home of the marimba.
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Montecristi
This small town, 22 miles west of Portoviejo, was founded in 1628, and is renowned for its straw and basketware. If you’ve ever pined for the perfect Panama hat, this is the place to get it. (The Panama hat, in fact, originated in Ecuador. Its name came about because it was the style of hat preferred by workers building the Panama Canal.) Visit the main plaza with its famous statue, La Virgen de Montecristi), but don’t leave without getting your fill of some of Ecuador’s finest straw and basketware handicrafts.
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La Tolita Island
Take a boat from San Lorenzo to this archaeologically fascinating island that was home to one of Ecuador’s oldest pre-Colombian cultures. Visit a museum run by locals and learn more about the indigenous populations here who it is believed worked with platinum centuries before it was used in Europe.
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Bahia de Caraquez
Housed in the Chone estuary, this is one of Ecuador’s favorite beach resorts. Feel the laid-back charm of this small, pristine city as you stroll the Alberto Santos Malecon. Bahia has been declared an eco-city with organic gardens, ecoclubs and recycling projects.
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