🇵🇪 Peru to Ecuador Overland | Guayaquil & Puerto López Travel Guide

🚌 Border Crossing (Peru to Ecuador by Bus) Route: Piura (Peru) → Guayaquil (Ecuador) Duration: ~11 hours Bus Companies: CIFA: 100 soles (~$26 USD), departs at 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM (night bus costs ~40 soles extra). CIVA: More expensive but comfier. Border Requirement: Police clearance certificate (no criminal record) is mandatory—no exceptions! Bonus: Met two friendly Ecuadorian girls at immigration who gave me food recs! 😊 🏨 Guayaquil Hotel Recommendation Hotel Puerto Pacífico (near airport/bus terminal) Price: ~¥400 RMB Pros: Clean rooms, comfy beds, good bathroom. 🦎 Guayaquil Highlights 1️⃣ Guayaquil Historical Park ($5, card accepted) Decent wildlife spotting, but Zoo el Pantanal (less reviewed) might have more animals. 2️⃣ Iguana Park (Parque Seminario) + Guayaquil Metropolitan Cathedral Wild iguanas everywhere! 🦎 Casual vibe—I wore flip-flops and just peeked into the church. 🌊 Side Trip: Puerto López (4hrs from Guayaquil) Bus: Jipijapa line ($6.50 cash only, no charging ports). Last return bus at 5 PM. Transport: Motor-taxi (50¢–$1) to beach area. Tours: Blue-footed boobies (Isla de la Plata, ~$40) – Cute birds, epic sunsets! Whale watching (July–September). Also spotted: Sea turtles, red-necked frigatebirds. Beach Vibe: Lazy, small, not for partying. Snorkeling/diving options. Food Warning: ANCORA (meh). Also heard of CARMITA and IL CAPUCCINO (untried). All island payments: +10% card fee! 💸 🍽️ Guayaquil Eats Mercado del Río (food hall near Iguana Park)—tried 2 stalls, decent! Walkable + cable car access nearby. Area Vibe: Chaotic traffic ("feels like China 10 years ago"), fading grandeur. ✈️ Guayaquil Airport Tips Small but clean. Domestic terminal: Only KFC + a coffee shop. USB/power outlets in armrests! 🚉 Bus Terminal (Terminal Terrestre Guayaquil) SIM cards: ~$5 for 2–3GB. Food: Fast food galore. #PuertoLopez #Guayaquil #EcuadorTravel #OverlandAdventure #BudgetTravel #BlueFootedBoobies