The financial capital Of Ecuador resting alongside River Guayas in South America is hardly on the tourist map of people living on the other side of Pacific. I got a chance to visit this place in September 2023 and found it so enchanting. I can write volumes on its climate, terrain, flora and fauna but for now I am restricting myself to Parque Historica which was located at a walking distance from our place of stay in Samborondon.

It is an enclosed space spread over 8 hectares with a zoo, modern and traditional architecture buildings and River Guayas flowing by. The zoo boasts of animals like Macaw, Sloth, Iguana and Flamingo. The collection of Parakeets with their bright feathers and curved beaks are a visual delight.

An interesting animal of this part of the world is the Iguana. Its appearance is quite intimidating combining several features of a huge lizard and a small dinosaur. The body is about 3 to 5 feet with a long tail and row of scales from the neck running all the way to the tail. A dewlap is very prominent below their jaw and though the appearance is ferocious they are quite harmless. You can find the iguanas everywhere in the park, inside the cages , running on the grass or climbing the trees.

Flamingos can be found in groups moving gracefully in their cage whereas the sloths can be found snuggling on the trees,. Slowly as you cross a wooden bridge another part of the park comes up with slender Mangrove trees standing tall and erect. Huge trees with aerial roots forming cave like formations look very intriguing. The tropical rain forests are a reminder that mother nature has devised ways of standing upright against all odds.

Just outside the park is a beautiful area of hotel and river side. Boat cruise facility is available with prior booking and a toy train is stationed in front of the hotel giving an old world charm to the place.

A beautiful way to spend a day at the park and enjoy all its features.