Guayaquil was founded on July 25, 1538 with the name "Muy Noble y Muy Ciudad de Santiago de Guayaquil" by Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana. Before the city was founded by the Spanish, it was a native village.

In 1600 Guayaquil had a population of about 2,000 people; by 1700 the city had a population of over 10,000.

In 1687, Guayaquil was attacked and looted by English and French pirates under the command of George d'Hout (English) and Picard and Groniet (Frenchmen). Of the more than 260 pirates, 35 died and 46 were wounded; 75 defenders of the city died and more than 100 were wounded. The pirates took local women as concubines. Quito paid the ransom demanded by the pirates with the condition they release the hostages and not burn Guayaquil.

In 1709, the English captains Woodes Rogers, Etienne Courtney, and William Dampier and 110 other pirates looted Guayaquil and demanded ransom; however, they suddenly departed without collecting the ransom after an epidemic of yellow fever broke out.

In October 9, 1820, almost without bloodshed, a group of civilians supported by soldiers from the "Granaderos de Reserva", a battalion quartered in Guayaquil, overwhelmed the resistance of the Royalist guards and arrested the Spanish authorities. Guayaquil declared independence from Spain, becoming the "Provincia Libre de Guayaquil". Today Guayaquil is the main port and financial center of Ecuador.

• -2.1575-79.8836111 José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE  ^IATA). Elected as best South American airport, it is near the new business district center and is next to the international bus station. It offers flights to New York, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Quito, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lima, Bogotá, Panama City, San Salvador. There are flights 4 times a week to Santiago de Cali and twice a week to Medellín, Colombia. Taxis to a hotel in the northern suburbs shouldn't cost more than $3 and a ride to downtown, where most attractions are located, is about $5. There are plans to build a new international airport about 20 minutes from Guayaquil, near Daular.  

If you are planning to visit the Galápagos Islands, Guayaquil is the cheapest place from which to fly. There are two air carriers that will take you to the Galapagos Islands and to the Ecuadorean mainland: Avianca and LATAM which have non-stop daily flights. Departing from Guayaquil is cheaper than leaving from Quito ($375 vs. $500, Jan 2019); it's closer and most of the Quito flights make a stop at Guayaquil's airport for refueling and picking up passengers. An international departure airport tax is included in the price of the ticket.

If you are driving, your horn is your best friend. Be careful, as the city is full of aggressive drivers, but if you are always on the defensive you won't get anywhere. Gas stations are full service.

You can also rent a car cheaply just outside the airport, paying around $40 a day (Apr 2019). Carmax is one of the less expensive yet reliable companies available. Avis and Europcar also have offices at the airport.

Cruz del Sur operate international bus services from Peru.

Within the city the local bus system is confusing but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver, but don't be alarmed, the bus is a safe way to travel around Guayaquil.

Guayaquil's bus terminal is well organized, but keep a close eye on your belongings. There are frequent connections to almost every destination in Ecuador. Keep your items close to you during the midnight check points. The police will steal valuables when the men leave the bus to be checked for weapons; this occurs on night busses around Ecuador.

Guayaquil’s port is the biggest in Ecuador. You can travel to the Galápagos Islands and other destinations from here.

Metrovía^{[dead link]} is a modern bus rapid transit system that runs mostly from north to south and east to west of the city. The fare per ride costs 25 cents (as of 2017). You can use either cash or an electronic card (la Tarjeta Metrovía) to pay. It is a reliable and easy-to-navigate transport system; has modern buses and stops. It offers a good connection between downtown and to the main bus terminal and the airport. The Rio Daule terminal is across the street from the main bus terminal and some blocks away (around 15 minutes walking) from the airport. Match the code of the bus (e.g. T1, CS, T3) with the station where are you heading to, since not all buses stop at all stations. You can use the map posted at each station for this purpose. The following stations will drop close by to some tourist attractions: La Catedral, Las Peñas, Jardines del Malecón, Banco Central and Biblioteca Municipal.

Within the city the local bus system is confusing, but the locals will help you get where you want to go. It is also the cheapest way to get around the city as there is no metro system. For women it is safest if you sit at the front near the driver. The bus is not a good idea in Guayaquil. The boys take your cell phones and other items. Ask for a taxi at the hotel you are staying. Get the driver's ID and a business card from him. Not all yellow taxis are safe. Travel in pairs at night.

Taxis range from "taxi amigos" (un-marked taxis you call to pick you up) to the standard yellow cabs. Taxi drivers will try to overcharge tourists. Nicer taxis are metered by GPS, but the majority of taxis do not have meters. Always agree on a price (or make sure the meter is running) before you get into a cab.

Cabify^{[dead link]}, a Spanish ride-hailing app, and Uber are available in Guayaquil. The apps provide guaranteed pricing, payment by credit card, and an English-language interface.

You can also rent a car at one of the places just outside the airport. Prices range from $40 (Apr 2019). Anyone with a driver's license from their home country can drive as a tourist in Ecuador. However, if you are involved in a crash the police may take both drivers to jail until they sort everything out and decide what happened. Just take a taxi. It's the safest way to travel in GYE. Always take the taxi at night.

• There is a lot of great cuisine in Guayaquil's centre. If you are more daring, you can go to this downtown area, near 9 de octubre avenue; there are Chinese restaurants called "chifas" and local restaurants where you can eat the seco de pollo, caldo de salchicha, etc.
• A myriad of more upscale shopping opportunities and bars can be explored around the Urdesa neighborhood, especially along its main drag, Victor Emilio Estrada. Wonderful small food carts are scattered throughout, called "Carretillas". Common on the streets, those with "Shawarma" (the Lebanese gyro) are particularly delicious. These abound, due to a large expatriate Lebanese community which has been a part of Guayaquil for almost a century.

• Lo Nuestro has a good variety of traditional dishes.
• You can also go to a restaurant where the best 'encebollado' is sold. The place is called "Encebollado cordero"; it is near the IESS.

• Samborondon is in the northeast of the city. There are a lot of restaurants with a great variety of food. Here you can find Japanese, Italian, American, and local food, too.
• Taberna Libanesa is an excellent place, located just behind the Supermaxi, Via Samborondon. Cozy and elegant, with excellent Lebanese food. They serve lunch and dinner and have a few tables on the veranda of this upscale shopping center.
• Urdesa. In the Victor Emilio Estrada you can found a great variety of good food and also a nice place to visit.

• Fika Hotel Guayaquil Airport Suites Mall del Sol, Av. Juan Tanca Marengo Y Abel Romeo Castillo, Torre Del Sol 2 (Across street from Mall del Sol next to the Howard Johnson Hotel), ☏ +593 988899774, guayaquilairport@gmail.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Luxury suites with full kitchen and fridge in the most exclusive area of Guayaquil near the airport complete with hot water, TV, Wi-fi, 24-hr staff and airport transfers, A/C, restaurants. From $49. 
• Hotel Alexander, Luque 1107 y Avenida Quito (Very close to the Parque de Centenario), ☏ +593 4 2532000, reservaciones@hotelalexanderecuador.com. Check-out: 14:00. Neat and clean hotel, cheapest in its category, just a few blocks from 9 de Octubre Ave. Has hot water, TV, WIFI, internet cafe in lobby, A/C, restaurant, laundry service, room service. From $28. 
• Hotel Andes Inn, L. de Garaycoa 1233 y C. Ballén, ☏ +593 4 2329796. Clean, good value hotel. Large sunny windows. Cable TV. Hot water. Internet in lobby. From $12. 
• Hotel Berlín (Rumichaca y Sucre), ☏ +593 4 2524648. Cable TV, air conditioner, free and reliable Internet, kitchen. In the center of Guayaquil (very noisy!) near to Malecon 2000, Seminario Park. From $8; $14 for a double w/ AC and private bathroom. 
• Hotel Sander, Luque 1101 (Very close to the Parque de Centennario), ☏ +593 4 2320030. Check-out: 13:00. Simple and clean place just a few blocks from the center of town. Rooms have TVs, fans and towels. From $9. 
• Murali Hostal Airport Guayaquil, Garzota 2 La Salle y 3er Callejon esq. mz 135, ☏ +593-4-227-5533. Clean, safe, good value hotel 2 blocks from the airport and bus terminal in Guayaquil. Friendly dog on campus, AC, patio for smokers, free Wi-Fi in rooms. From $45. 
• Casa Iguanazu Urdesa, y Calle Alianza, Manzana 188 solar 9, ☏ +593 99 986 7968. Ciudadela La Cogra, Manzana 1, Villa 2, off Avenida Julio Arosemena km 3,5. From bus terminal terrestre $5 by taxi. Most recommendable. Enjoy lovely views of Guayaquil in one of the hammocks on the large terrace or refresh yourself in the pool. Starting from $15 for dorm, private rooms are available up to matrimonial class with own Jacuzzi. Breakfast included, free internet access, modern cooking facilities, warm water and towels, friendly staff, nice guesthouse, very clean. 
• Manso Boutique Guesthouse, Malecón Simón Bolivar 1406 y, Aguirre, ☏ +593 4-252-6644. Located in the city's centro, across the street from Malecon 2000, is a budget guesthouse that has full service riverview suites, and more economic rooms with and without air conditioner. Also rooms with shared bathroom and dorms @ US$10 per person. Nice deco, beautiful historic landmark building. 
• -2.15286-79.886391 Airport Hotel Guayaquil, Near Airport Jose Joaquin de Olmedo (Av de Las Américas), ☏ +593 4 371 0165, info@suitesguayaquil.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Free Wi-Fi, laundry, private rooms, cable TV, hot water, clean rooms. From $49/person. 

• Casa Boutique La Fontana. One of the best mid-range hotels in town, exceptional location, friendly staff, nice rooms, cable. Price is around $45 for a single, $50-55 for a double, but discounts are available. Córdova 918 y, Francisco Paula de Icaza esquina. +593 4-230-7230.

• -2.19445-79.884672 Grand Hotel Guayaquil (Hotel Guayaquil), 1615 Boyaca (10 min from airport), ☏ +593 4 232 9690. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. in the heart of the city. Beautiful pool, waterfalls, stunning stained glass windows of the Cathedral and a 14 m (45 ft) hanging garden. Good choice of breakfast. Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas. (updated Dec 2022)
• -2.15896-79.897973 Hilton Colon Guayaquil, Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111, ☏ +593 4 501 0000. A real bastion of a hotel. (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.18901-79.891624 Oro Verde Guayaquil, Blvd. 9 de Octubre 414, ☏ +593 4 381 1000. run by the Swiss Administration (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.19502-79.882615 Hotel Continental, Chile 512 (next to Parque Seminario), ☏ +593 4 232 9270. A real classy place. (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.15759-79.892636 Wyndham Garden Guayaquil, Plaza del Sol, y Abel Romero Castillo, Av. Juan Tanca Marengo, ☏ +593 4 371 3690. Spa, bar, curved architectural lines (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.15649-79.891477 Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel (across from the Mall del Sol). (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.16695-79.896418 Courtyard by Marriott Guayaquil, Av. Francisco de Orellana 236 (in the new downtown of Guayaquil at Kennedy's North area), ☏ +593 4 600 9200. Spa, restaurant, formal glassy place. 144 guest rooms with complimentary high speed Internet access, comfortable beds and large work desks. (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.19128-79.882559 Hampton Inn, Blvd. 9 de Octubre 432, ☏ +593 4 256 6700. Right in the middle of things with a sleek exterior and indoor hot tub. (updated Nov 2020)
• -2.19423-79.8830310 Unipark Hotel, 406 y, Chile 406, ☏ +593 4-232-7100. A chance to look out on the plaza and be next to the Unicentro Mall. (updated Nov 2020)

• DreamKapture hostal, Alborada 12 Av. Etapa, Mz-02 Villa 21. A friendly hostel with a nice outside area. They offer a book exchange and the accommodation comes with a delicious breakfast. Prices are on a room basis, but if it's possible you can share it with other people. A dorm is $10 with breakfast. A single room with private bathroom and with air conditioner is $20, without a/c $18, breakfast included. They can pick you up from the airport and it will cost $10. $3 taxi to Malecon. 25 cents bus drive. Close to airport and bus terminal. However, be forewarned. DreamKapture does not allow Ecuadorians to stay on the premises. If you are traveling with an Ecuadorian, you'd best look elsewhere. 
• Ecuahogar, Av. Isidro Ayora (Sauces Uno * Mz F-31 * Solar 20 ), +593 2245357 email youthostal@telconet.net ). Basic, but expensive rooms with a ventilator and television. Bathrooms are shared. Two bread rolls with marmalade and a coffee for breakfast is included in the price. A night in a single room costs $12. It is far from the attractions area but near the airport and the national bus station (Terminal Terrestre).

• Colombia
• Germany
• Greece
• Israel
• Japan
• The Netherlands
• Romania, Puerto Santa Ana, Edificio Torreon, Piso 4, Oficina 405, ☏ +593 4 2075021, +593 4 2075030, chrumaniagquil@yahoo.com. Honorary Consulate (Does not provide consular services. Instead, Romanian citizens in need of assistance should contact the embassy in Lima, Peru, the general consulate of another European Union member state or the embassy of another European Union member state in Quito.). 
• Switzerland
• Syria
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Mexico, Pedro Carbo No. 555 y Vélez, ☏ +593 4 232-0964, +593 4 232-8114, +593 4 232-8117. Embassy. 
• United States of America

There are several bus companies that cross the border to Peru that are available from Guayaquil. Most services stop close to the main cities along the Panamericana motorway; such as Machala, Tumbes, Máncora, Piura and all the way to Lima.

• CIFA: They have a stand inside the main terminal, within the international section. Usually this is the company that provides the cheapest services and a popular choice among backpackers. They have several departure times a day and different services. Procure the direct service that goes to your desired destination, since some services do stop a lot along the way. Their buses might have somewhat low cleaning standards.
• Ormeño ^{[dead link]}: Buses leave daily around 11:00 close to the main bus terminal, where their office is located. Just go to the terminal, ask for the office of Ormeño and walk 5 minutes outside the terminal. Ormeño has been in business for several years. Unfortunately, the buses were never renewed and are known for bad services, so air conditioning might not work. In case one should have problems at the Peruvian border, the bus drivers might not wait until the formalities are done.
• Ecuatoriano Pullman ^{[dead link]}: Departs everyday at 23:00 from the main station, where their stand is also located at the international section.

Nevertheless, other companies like Ruta De America and Caracol can be valuable alternatives. Routa de America goes from Guayaquil to Lima every Sunday. Call their office in Quito for more information.