The Most Beautiful Buildings In Guayaquil Ecuador

Although the port city of Guayaquil has a long history as the business center of Ecuador, fires destroyed many of its oldest buildings. Around the turn of the century, the city experienced an economic boom as well as an influx of European immigration. The combination had a definite impact on the style of architecture, and neoclassical buildings became the hallmark of the city and provincial governments. Guayaquil has continued to build in popular styles that reflect the decade of their design.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Palacio Municipal

Construction of the Municipal Palace began in 1921, and the finished building was inaugurated in 1929. Architect Francisco Macaferri mixed two different styles—neoclassical and Baroque—when designing this building. El Pasaje Arosemena deserves particular attention for the beautiful combination of iron and glass in the arched passageway. The building is home to the city government of Guayaquil.

The Torre Morisca, also known as the Torre de Reloj or the Clock Tower, has a long history in Guayaquil. The clock, originally purchased from England in 1842, was placed in a tower of the Colonial Palace. That building, however, burnt in the early 20th century, and the city government moved the clock around until 1930 when it commissioned a tower in the Moorish style to display the treasure. It has remained in the same location since its inauguration in 1931.

The Point

As a modern city and the main center of business for Ecuador, Guayaquil has many high-rises of unique designs. The newest is the Point, which opened for business in 2013. This visually captivating structure is the work of Ecuadorian architect Christian Wiese, and it is the tallest building in the country, with the final floor standing at 450 feet (137.2 meters).

La Casa de Julián Coronel

The house of Julián Coronel, built at the turn of the century between 1899 and 1900, once sat in downtown Guayaquil. Today, it’s on the grounds of the Parque Historico, where several noteworthy historic buildings have been preserved. In a design typical of the turn of the century, commercial businesses occupied the first floor, and the second floor was the opulent residence of a single family. On the upper floor, several wide doorways with decorative screens allowed the entry of cool breezes, an important architectural element in a hot, humid climate before the time of air conditioning.

Catedral Metropolitana

Cathedral, Church
The spires topping the Catedral Metropolitana, also known as the Catedral de San Pedro, are visible from a great distance in the city of Guayaquil. In 1547, the church was originally built of wood, a common choice of the era; however, that edifice burned down in 1692. A colonial-style church replaced it, in the same location, during the early years of the new Republic in the mid-19th century. In the early 1900s, however, the structure was deemed too simple, and the cathedral was reconstructed in the neoclassical style. This church is best admired on a day with a bright blue sky.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.