Although it does not have as much to entice you as some other cities in Ecuador, Guayaquil has enough to keep you entertained for a day or two. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and journeys usually only cost a few US$ unless you get caught in heavy traffic, are travelling at night or for very long distances. We recommend asking your hotel to call you a taxi in advance to take you to the area you are visiting. The waterfront or ‘El Malecon’ is a huge urban development and is one of the best areas to explore to see local life. Stretching for 2.5 kilometres along the river, the area is full of green parks, restaurants, playgrounds and theatres. From the north end of the Malecon, you can see colourful Las Peñas neighbourhood with brightly painted houses and cobbles. This is a lovely area of the city to explore, and here you’ll find relaxed family run cafes and shops. There are many historical museums in the city that are worth visiting, most are free but a few do not have English translations. The Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology is the most notable and houses a collection of pre-columbian pieces, while the Museo Presley Norton has an impressive collection of pottery and can be found in a beautifully restored mansion.