Information
Landmark: La PerlaCity: Guayaquil
Country: Ecuador
Continent: South America
La Perla, Guayaquil, Ecuador, South America
Overview
La Perla, Guayaquil’s towering Ferris wheel, rises over the Malecón 2000 promenade, a glittering landmark you can spot from across the river.La Perla, one of the city’s most famous and lively attractions, is a towering Ferris wheel that lifts you high enough to see Guayaquil spread out below, the Guayas River glinting in the sun and the hills rolling away in the distance.La Perla opened in 2000 as part of Malecón 2000, a sweeping effort to breathe life back into the waterfront, where palm-lined paths, bright kiosks, and open plazas turned it into a lively spot for strolling, relaxing, and welcoming visitors.The Ferris wheel towers over the revamped district, pulling in locals and visitors alike with its gleaming steel frame and sweeping views of the city.La Perla means “The Pearl” in Spanish, a name meant to capture Guayaquil’s shine and significance as Ecuador’s heart for trade and culture.La Perla rises 57 meters-about 187 feet-into the sky, its gleaming frame making it one of the tallest Ferris wheels in all of Latin America.There are 20 cabins, each built for up to six people, so as many as 120 passengers can take in the view at once-like watching the sun glint off the water below.One of La Perla’s biggest draws is its sweeping view-you can see the ocean stretching out like a sheet of silver under the sun.From the top of the Ferris wheel, you can take in all of Guayaquil-the glittering skyline, the lively Malecón 2000, and the wide sweep of the Guayas River glinting in the sun.On a clear day, you can see the green hills ringing the city, their slopes catching the sun-an ideal scene for snapping photos or simply taking it all in.The glass cabins are fully enclosed and cooled, so you can ride in comfort even when the sun blazes outside.As the Ferris wheel climbs higher, passengers watch Guayaquil slowly unfold beneath them, the skyline glowing amber at sunset and the river catching streaks of gold.Night Views: After dark, La Perla comes alive, glowing with bands of red, blue, and gold that draw every eye along the waterfront.From the top of the Ferris wheel at night, the city glitters below, its streetlights and the shimmer of the river weaving a dazzling tapestry.If you’re in Guayaquil, you’ve got to ride La Perla-its slow sweep over the river gives you a glittering view you won’t forget.The ride usually takes around fifteen minutes, plenty of time to soak in the sweeping views and spot a lone hawk circling in the distance.If you can, go in the late afternoon or evening-you’ll catch the sun melting into the city skyline, then watch Guayaquil glow to life under its vibrant night lights.Comfort: The ride glides along smoothly, and the cool air from the cabins wraps around you, creating a calm space where you can take in the view without a single distraction.Fun fact: La Perla soars high above the river, making it one of the tallest Ferris wheels in Latin America and a landmark everyone in Guayaquil recognizes.The Ferris wheel sits right on the Malecón 2000, a lively waterfront promenade where you can stroll past cafés, browse small shops, and watch the river shimmer in the sun.Its spot in the heart of town makes it easy to slip into any itinerary, even if you’re just wandering past with a cup of coffee in hand.At night, La Perla puts on a light show, the Ferris wheel glowing in shifting blues, reds, and golds that make Guayaquil’s waterfront shimmer.La Perla sits right in the heart of Malecón 2000, a lively waterfront stretch where you can stroll past leafy parks, wander through museums, and stop for fresh ceviche before browsing the shops.It’s a fun spot to wander, whether you’re waiting to ride the Ferris wheel or cooling off afterward with the smell of popcorn in the air.Just a short walk away, the Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo showcases Ecuador’s pre-Columbian past alongside bold, modern artwork, from ancient clay figurines to vivid abstract paintings.Las Peñas, a burst of color just minutes from the Malecón, is lined with historic colonial houses and rewards the climb up Cerro Santa Ana with sweeping city views.La Perla sits right on the Malecón 2000 in the heart of Guayaquil, just steps from the riverside walkway, making it easy for visitors to stop by while exploring the city.La Perla opens daily at 10 a.m. and usually closes at 10 p.m., though on weekends and holidays you can linger a bit later, sometimes until the lights glow past midnight.Check ahead for any schedule changes-you don’t want to show up and find the doors locked.You’ll need to pay to ride the Ferris wheel, though the price is usually easy on the wallet-about the cost of a cup of coffee.You might find discounts for kids, students, and folks who live nearby.In the end, La Perla isn’t just a Ferris wheel-it’s a shining mark of Guayaquil’s modern spirit and a tribute to the lush riverfront that frames the city.Whether you’re craving a thrill, chasing sweeping views of the river, or just want a quiet moment to unwind in Guayaquil, La Perla delivers an experience you won’t forget.From its lookout, you can see the city stretch to the horizon and the Guayas River glint in the sun, making it a spot you can’t miss when exploring the lively heart of Ecuador’s largest city.
