We saw the crowded hillside houses of Guayaquil city before we reached its centre. It is the largest city in Ecuador with a population of 2.5 million. It lies along the Guayas River, not far from the sea and it's a thriving, modern port city with a long and proud history and it is also where the majority of international companies come to do business. The shops were larger, the streets more crowded and right in the centre of the city there are tall buildings, hotels, office blocks and parks. (such a contrast to Manta and the towns in between)
We stopped to visit the famous Iguana Park which is officially named Parque Seminario. It is a small green space in the heart of the city and it is home to dozens of land iguanas of various colours and sizes. Large well displayed signage announces that these iguanas are protected by the city. A list of steep fines for any person or persons pet, who harms or injures or inhibits these lizards, is included on the signs. Thus it is that these iguanas have free run of the park and attract both local and international visitors all year round. There is no charge for visiting the park which is closed at night for the iguanas safety and opens at 6am each morning.
