Guayaquil is the commercial heart of Ecuador, it's also the most populous and arguably exciting city in the country. Due to its large size, a rental car is the ideal way to make the most of your trip to the city. The main downtown port area is home to plenty of restaurants, markets and discos, but the best sights are worth leaving the city centre for. A short drive north from the main downtown area will take you to the fabulous Guayaquil Historical Park, a beautiful historic area where you can learn more about the ecological and cultural history of the region. There are also various cocoa plantations up to an hour's drive out of the city that offer tour and tasting experiences. The best beaches are found by taking a 1-2 hour drive from the city, namely to Salinas or Playas. A trip to Ecuador is not complete without experiencing the sounds and sights of the rainforest. Take the three hour drive to Piedra Blanca for an unforgettable activity based day in the rainforest.