Break free from the neon lights, parping cars and bustling plazas of Guayaquil by saddling up on a rented bike and gliding across to a lesser-known mangrove island. Lying in the south of the city, Isla Santay could be in another world. Just a quick pedal across a 2,600-foot bridge, opened in 2010, brings you to the 2,179 hectare wetland. Here, 56 families live in stilted houses alongside 85 bird species, iguanas, snakes and a pen of 10-foot crocodiles. Arrive in the morning or early afternoon to ensure that you’re able to rent a bike and the crocodile pen is still open. Admission is free, though you need ID to rent a bike.
More Recommendations
Ride to Guayaquil's Mangrove Island
Break free from the neon lights, parping cars and bustling plazas of Guayaquil by saddling up on a rented bike and gliding across to a lesser-known mangrove island. Lying in the south of the city, Isla Santay could be in another world. Just a quick pedal across a 2,600-foot bridge, opened in 2010, brings you to the 2,179 hectare wetland. Here, 56 families live in stilted houses alongside 85 bird species, iguanas, snakes and a pen of 10-foot crocodiles. Arrive in the morning or early afternoon to ensure that you’re able to rent a bike and the crocodile pen is still open. Admission is free, though you need ID to rent a bike.