The Guayaquil Historic Park (Parque Histórico Guayaquil) is located east of the city in the suburb of Samborondón and recreates the look and atmosphere of old Guayaquil through reconstructed wooden buildings from the early 20th century, before the fires that repeatedly devastated the city. It has a wildlife zone with endemic species from the western region of Ecuador, including spider monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles.
Reaching the park from the city centre by taxi takes about 20 minutes. It is a well-done and popular attraction, particularly with local families, and genuinely illuminating about what the old colonial city looked like before it was repeatedly destroyed. A ferry departs from the Malecón on some days — check current schedules.