GUAYAQUIL

Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and a major port along the Pacific coast. It is located on the right bank of the Guayas River in the southwest of the country's Guayaquil Bay and is known as the "Coastal Pearl of the Pacific". Legend has it that the earliest inhabitants of this place were a hardworking Indian couple, with the female named Guaya and the male named Kiel. In order to commemorate them, later generations named the city "Guayaquil". Guayaquil Port is the largest seaport in Ecuador. It faces the Pacific Ocean and is backed by Mount Santa Anna. There is Puna Island nearby as a natural barrier, which can prevent the harbor from being hit by storms. There is a dock to the south, which is over 900 meters long. Ships from different regions of the world, flying various flags, are anchored in the harbor. The port railway leads to the capital Quito, and highways connect Quito with other cities in the country. Bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton and other products from all over the country are distributed here.