Isla Santay
A national recreation area and Ramsar wetland in the Guayas River, reached on foot or by bike over a long bridge, with crocodiles, mangroves and over a hundred bird species.
Isla Santay lies in the Guayas River between Guayaquil and Durán and covers about 2,200 hectares. It is both an internationally important Ramsar wetland and a national recreation area. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge about 840 m long leads to the island from near El Oro Street on the southern edge of the city centre. Wooden boardwalks on the island lead to the Ecoaldea fishing community, where you can see mangroves, caiman breeding pools, waterbirds and iguanas, and small community restaurants serve river fish. The round trip is about 8 km, and you can rent bicycles at the bridgehead. Entry is free, and the island is generally open 06:00–18:00. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and insect repellent. Some boardwalks may close in the rainy season.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mercado Artesanal de Guayaquil
- Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)
- Malecón 2000 (Malecón Simón Bolívar)
- Palacio Municipal de Guayaquil
- Hemiciclo de La Rotonda
- Guayaquil Municipal Museum
- Parque Seminario (Iguana Park)
- Church of San Francisco