population: 0.78 million

extension: 176.5 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Huaquillas and want to visit museums, I would recommend visiting the nearby city of Machala, which is about 35 kilometers away. There, you can find the Juan Montalvo Municipal Museum, which showcases local history and culture, and the Oro y Civilizaciones Museum, which features exhibits on pre-Columbian gold artifacts from the region. Alternatively, you could also visit the nearby city of Guayaquil, which is home to several museums, including the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum, the Nahim Isaias Museum, and the Municipal Museum of Guayaquil.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Huaquillas (Ecuador) according to local people include:

1. Encebollado: a soup made with fish, yuca, onions, and spices.
2. Arroz con menestra y carne asada: rice with stewed beans and grilled meat.
3. Seco de chivo: a stew made with goat meat, peanuts, beer, and spices.
4. Ceviche de concha: a ceviche made with shellfish, lime juice, onion, and cilantro.
5. Churrasco: a grilled steak served with rice, plantains, and a fried egg.
6. Bolón de verde: a ball-shaped dish made from mashed green plantains, stuffed with cheese, pork, or shrimp.
7. Empanadas de verde: crispy deep-fried patties made from mashed green plantains, stuffed with meat or cheese.
8. Caldo de bolas: a soup made with plantain balls stuffed with meat or cheese, vegetables, and spices.

These dishes are typically found in local restaurants and food vendors throughout Huaquillas and the surrounding region.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Huaquillas and the surrounding area include:

1. Visiting Parque del Lago: This beautiful park features a large lake with paddle boats, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

2. Exploring the local markets: Huaquillas is known for its bustling markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing.

3. Trying traditional Ecuadorian cuisine: There are many family-owned restaurants in Huaquillas that serve delicious local dishes like ceviche, empanadas, and arroz con menestra y carne asada.

4. Enjoying the beach: Just a short drive away from Huaquillas, you'll find beautiful beaches like Playa de Oro and Playa Santa Rosa where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.

5. Watching a soccer game: Soccer is hugely popular in Ecuador, and locals love cheering on their favorite teams at matches held at the nearby Estadio 9 de Mayo in Machala.