Santiago de Guayaquil (more commonly known as Guayaquil) is Ecuador’s largest city. It’s located at the mouth of the Guayas River, making it an important port city and a jumping off point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands. There’s some very nice running in Guayaquil, much of it along waterfront paths. There are also several linear parks and ‘ciclovias’ in this equatorial city that are good for running. Runners should note that the weather is hot and humid year-round.
The most popular running option is the Malecón 2000 along the city’s riverfront. This route can be easily combined with a jaunt on the bridges and boardwalks of Isla Santay, or a climb up the stairs of colorful Cerro Santa Ana. Parque de los Samanes and the adjacent Reserva Senderos are also good bets. Runners can find more waterfront running in Parque Lineal del Estero Salado, Parque Lineal Kennedy Norte, or the series of linear park paths in the southwest part of the city (Cisne/Ximena/Isla Trinitaria). For a ritzy commercial/residential run, head to Plaza Lagos, or test your trail legs on the paths of Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco.
Guayaquil is a compact and walkable city. Buses are the cheapest form of public transport, but the routes can be confusing to tourists, so do some research ahead of time. Most visitors opt for taxis or collectivos to reach our further-flung running options.
