Visit Guayaquil, Ecuador, says our steward Eider Iturrieta

Eider Iturrieta, a steward on A330 and A350 flights, loves this city, which many have never heard of.  Would you like to know her favourite places?

The best views: El Cerro de Santa Ana, declared  a Cultural Heritage Site, offers one of the best views of Guayaquil’s most spectacular region. To reach it, you’ll have to climb up 444 steps that pass through the Las Peñas neighbourhood. At the top, you can also visit the lighthouse and the Our Lady of Mercy church.

A walk: My favourite is on the Malecón on the banks of the River Guayas.  It offers restaurants, terraces, drinks carts and even a pirate ship. It’s filled with attractions. From here, you will reach the Las Peñas neighbourhood – all colourful houses and cobblestone streets.

A museum: I love the Guayaquil in History museum in the Malecón. Fourteen miniature models crafted by the Guayaquil-born sculptor Edgar Cevallos explain to visitors how the city of Guayaquil grew from its origins in the virgin forest, via pirate attacks and a great fire, to the present.  

Something to eat: You must try ceviche. This typical dish features fish or seafood, vinegar and lemon juice. You can get it with prawns, squid, fish and mussels, served with fried green plantains, toasted corn kernels and boiled ears of corn. Scrumptious!

In family: Visit Seminario Park in the city centre, next to the cathedral. It’s filled with history… and iguanas, the iconic animal of Guayaquil. These come in many different sizes and live in the park with turtles and fish. Both kids and kids at heart  
will have a great time.