Ecuador Travel

Cerro Santa Ana zone

Cerro Santa Ana zone

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Overview

Anyone interested in wildlife, architecture, or Ecuadorian history and culture will appreciate a visit to the Guayaquil Historical Park. The museum was established by the Central Bank of Ecuador to preserve the culture, customs, and history of Guayaquil and the Ecuadorian coast. Set on eight hectares (nearly 20 acres) of land between the Babahoyo and Daule rivers, the Guayaquil Historical Park is an enjoyable day trip for adults and children.

The Guayaquil Historical Park is separated into three distinct sections, each tailor made to educate visitors on an important part of Ecuadorian history. The Wildlife Zone is home to plants and animals; the Urban Architecture Zone preserves historical turn-of-the-century buildings; and the Traditions Zone celebrates the cocoa-producing culture of the Ecuadorian coast.

The Wildlife Zone

The Wildlife Zone of the Guayaquil Historical Park has a collection of over 50 birds, mammals, and reptiles, plus many plants and insects. Four different ecosystems of Ecuador are represented in the Wildlife Zone: mangrove forest, flooded plains forest, tropical dry forest, and drizzle forest.

The Wildlife Zone is home to mammals such as monkeys, deer, two-toed sloths, and tapirs, along with birds such as macaws, parrots, and toucans. Some plants and animals on display are endemic to Ecuador, while others are exotic. Several species in the Wildlife Zone are on the extinction list.

In order to protect the plants and animals in the Wildlife Zone from being disturbed, visitors walk on elevated bridges and boardwalks. Along the path there are 23 informative displays. There is also an observation tower that allows a bird's eye view of the Guayaquil Historical Park.

At 4 hectacres (nearly 10 acres), the Wildlife Zone is the largest section of the Guayaquil Historical Park.

The Urban Architectural Zone

In the Urban Architectural Zone visitors are transported to the "golden age" of the streets of Guayaquil. Entire historical buildings were transported from their original location to the Guayaquil Historical Park, where they have been reconstructed and restored.

Some buildings on display in the Urban Architecture Zone include El Banco Central (the Central Bank), Casa Lavan-Paredes (a green house that belonged to one of Guayaquil's wealthiest families), and the home of Julián Coronel. Another building, the Hospice Corazón de Jesús, is currently being re-constructed.

When finished, the Hospice will be used for art exhibitions, a gallery of Ecuadorian presidents, and a museum for children. Additionally, the bell tower of the Hospice will serve as an observation viewpoint and the chapel will be available for special events. Finally, a tramway pulled by mules has been re-constructed, and park employees dressed in French fashion that was popular at the time walk around.

The Urban Architectural Zone rescued these buildings to preserve part of Ecuador's cultural legacy. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the exportation of cocoa beans brought prosperity to Guayaquil and the surrounding areas. A fire in 1896 destroyed much of Guayaquil, and the city was modernized with the houses that are on display. Subsequent earthquakes damaged many of these structures, which were saved from demolition by the Guayaquil Historical Park.

The Traditional Zone

The Traditional Zone of the Guayaquil Historical Park contains exhibits dedicated to celebrating the agricultural and rural lifestyle of the Ecuadorian coast. The focus in the traditional zone is on cocoa, a commodity for which Ecuador was once the world's leading producer. Around the turn of the 19th century, Ecuador provided 20-25 percent of the world's cocoa, but crop disease and an economic crisis after World War I devastated the cocoa industry.

In the Traditional Zone visitors will find two conventional homes of the era that are of distinctly different social classes. The first is the San Juan Farm House, a plantation home built from native woods in 1882. The tile roof of the San Juan Farm House is topped with a bell tower that contains a bronze bell used to summon plantation workers. On the other hand, the Peasant House is built of cane and a thatched roof. Today, many rural inhabitants of the Ecuadorian coast live in homes similar to the Peasant House.

Also in the Traditional Zone are mini-plantations that demonstrate the cultivation of tobacco, sweets, and other crops produced in Ecuador. There is also a traditional handicraft center, and a hacienda where visitors can witness the production of cocoa from plant to finished chocolate. A variety of traditional snacks is also available to be tasted.

Finally, the Traditional Zone contains ethno-botanical gardens where fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown for educational purposes. In this section of the Guayaquil Historical Park, visitors will be instructed on the importance of organic farming, urban agricultural production, and medicinal plants.

Special Programs

Twice a day, the Guayaquil Historical Park hosts several theatrical performances that reenact traditions and legends of indigenous culture. Although these performances are conducted in Spanish, they are enjoyable for English speakers.

On Sundays, the Guayaquil Historical Park hosts cultural and festive activities. Ecuadorian history is celebrated throughout the park, where the sounds of traditional music can be heard, typical food of Ecuador can be tasted, and park employees dress in old-fashioned clothes.

Hours, Directions and Practical Information

The Guayaquil Historical Park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The entrance fee is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children from Wednesday to Saturday, and $4.50 for adults and $3 for children on Sunday. To arrange a group visit call 593-4-283-3807.

To get to the Guayaquil Historical Park, take a bus headed to "Parque Historical" from Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil or take a taxi ($5 or less). The Guayaquil Historical Park is located 20 minutes from the center of Guayaquil, at Avenue Esmeraldas and Avenue Central Route.

When visiting the Guayaquil Historical Park, wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothes for warm weather. Do not wear perfume or scented lotions that may attract insects, and consider applying repellent before walking through the Wildlife Zone. In addition, those with sensitive skin should wear sunscreen and a hat, as much of the park is outside in direct sunlight. Food is also available throughout the park at reasonable prices.