Day 3 Miami to Guayaquil, Ecuador

We got up and had a leisurely morning at the hotel, including breakfast.  Our plane was scheduled for 3:30, and checkout was at noon, so we didn't have a lot of time to try and get anywhere else in Miami.  We've got a lot of touring coming up, so spending a relatively quiet morning wasn't so bad.

We took the shuttle at noon, had TSA-Pre-check again, so getting through security was pretty easy.  We had plenty of time to eat lunch, so we selected a sit-down hamburger place that allowed us to select from lots of choices.  Service wasn't the fastest, but we had plenty of time.  Since breakfast was included at the hotel, we had both breakfast and lunch vouchers from American to pay, and it still didn't quite cover the bill.  We got to the gate, then changed gates, and were quite relieved when we got boarded, and even got an exit row!

It was a pretty uneventful flight, getting through Ecuadorian customs was pretty easy and the line wasn't too long.  We were happy to see that our luggage that we had last seen early in the day yesterday in Chicago was at the carousel and that we didn't need to do anything special to claim it.

Tour with Walter

As we exited with our baggage, we saw Walter with a sign with our names on it. He signaled the driver and we were on our way. Walter gave us the option to go directly to the hotel or to take an abbreviated tour of Guayaquil. He said the tour usually took 3- 4 hours, but he would show us the highlights. 

Our first stop was Bolivar park which the Ecuadorians call it Iguana park. Simon Bolivar was responsible for several South American countries gaining independence from Spain, Ecuador included. The park had several large trees with St. Peter’s cathedral at one end. There were a number of iguanas lounging in the trees and one the monument to Bolivar.  We drove toward what Walter called the Waterfront. Guayaquil sit beside a large river. There was a large plaza with many couples and groups of young people enjoying the early evening.

Across the street was the mayor’s office and city government buildings. These building were built in the 1920’s after a fire destroyed much of Guayaquil. The buildings were ornately carved and beautifully lit. In the plaza next to the building was a recently completed sculpture of xxx who was instrumental in Guayaquil’s independence. We learned the city states gained independence and later formed into the countries such as Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, etc. Walter told us about the indigenous people groups in the area prior to the 1200’s when the Incas conquered the area. 

Next we drove to an older area of town. The area had been run down with many poor people living in the area. The city government improved the area with the people able to move back in and many started small shops and restaurants, often out of their homes. 

The area is known as Santa Ana Hill with 444 numbered steps to the top. Along the way we saw landings with people sitting outside their shops or playing community bingo. After two days sitting in airports and  planes it felt great to get some exercise. At the top of the hill was a lovely chapel with colorful stained glass windows depicting the passion of Christ. We enjoyed a spectacular view of the city at night. A modern tall office/apartment building displayed lights the changed colors and patterns so they appeared to be moving. 

After 10-15 minutes of admiring the view we begin the trek down the 444 steps. At the community bingo game we turned and went down another set of steps that were a little more isolated. We walked a short distance down a narrow street where government buildings were located before the current buildings were built. This is an area where many artist work and live.  A festival to display and sell their art is held here each year.

Our driver picked us up and we drove a short distance to the restaurant. The restaurant was nicely decorated with posters and pictures from the 1920’s Walter ate with us, which was a good things since we didn’t know enough Spanish to communicate with the waiter and he didn’t appear to know very much English. 

The meal started with bread accompanied with a chili sauce and a cheese sauce. Walter told us it wouldn’t be a true Ecuadorian meal without the chili sauce. The bread with very hard and the chili sauce was pretty spicy. Our meal was sea bass with a coconut sauce that was very tasty, rice and a vegetable??? Walter had a chicken dinner with rice that looked to be fried. By the time we finished eating it was after 10 p.m. and we were getting tired. Walter suggested we leave and we started to when the waiter and Walter had a conversation. Walter asked us it we wanted dessert since it was paid for. Of course we said, “Yes”. Alan had cheesecake with black raspberries & sauce. Joyce had flan with what tasted like a cinnamon sauce. 

After dinner we drove the short distance to the hotel. As we pulled up, Walter turned to Alan and said he was supposed to collect $90 from us. Sonya, our travel guide, had warned us there would be a $90 fee for the cancellation of our full day tour since we missed our flight. She assured us the fee would be covered by our travel insurance, but that they might want to collect it from us. Alan asked Walter if he could use a credit card. Walter said he needed the money and the tour office he worked for in Quito was closed. They talked back and forth because we didn’t want to pay cash because he didn’t seem to know how to give us a receipt for the money. It was very confusing trying to discuss all this with Walter, get our bags from the van and check into the hotel, all at about 11 p.m.!  We came up with the cash and Alan gave Walter his email address for an emailed receipt. We then emailed Sonya so she would know not to honor any request for the tour company for a credit charge. 

The hotel room was beautiful and comfortable. We fell into bed glad we had finally made it to Ecuador!