Plizio Visual Lab
La Rotonda
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
La Rotonda, officially known as the Hemiciclo de la Rotonda, is one of the most iconic monuments in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It commemorates the historic meeting between the two great liberators of South America, Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, on July 26, 1822. This meeting, known as the Guayaquil Conference, was pivotal for the future course of the wars of independence against Spain. The monument is located on the Malecón 2000 along the banks of the Guayas River and was inaugurated in 1937. It was designed by the Spanish architect Augusto Mistretta. The structure consists of a semicircular colonnade with bronze statues of the two generals at the center. The ten columns of the monument symbolize the provinces of Ecuador at the time of its construction. It is a site of immense national pride and an essential stop for any visitor to the city. The surrounding gardens and river views make it a popular meeting spot for residents and tourists alike.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Museo en Miniatura · La Perla Ferris wheel · Teatrino
- Nearby: Durán (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 215 | 212 | 126 | 38 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The monument is an outdoor structure and can be visited anytime. It is located on a public square in Guayaquil.
Typical hours
Since it is outdoors, there are no set opening hours. Daytime is the best time to visit to appreciate the details.
Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions. The best shots are taken early morning or late afternoon with favorable light.
Time needed
A short visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can allow more time if you wish to explore the surrounding architecture.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Guayaquil's historic center. The Malecon 2000 and the cathedral are nearby.
Getting there
The monument is centrally located and easily reached on foot. Taxis and city buses stop near the square.
Insider tip
Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid crowds. Read up on the history of the Bolívar-San Martín meeting beforehand.
Geography
Facts
- Historic meeting on July 26, 1822
- Inaugurated in the year 1937
- Architect: Augusto Mistretta
- Ten symbolic columns
- Located on Malecón 2000
- Material: stone and bronze
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Rotonda (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the monument represent?
The historic meeting between Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín in Guayaquil.
Where exactly is it located?
In the center of Malecón 2000, at the end of 9 de Octubre Avenue.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, it is one of the most photographed spots in Guayaquil.
Is entry free?
Yes, it is a public monument located in the promenade area.
When is the best time to visit?
Late afternoon when it's cooler and the lights come on.
La Rotonda: where is it located?
La Rotonda is located in Ecuador.
La Rotonda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo en Miniatura, La Perla Ferris wheel, Teatrino.
La Rotonda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
La Rotonda: why is it worth visiting?
La Rotonda, officially known as the Hemiciclo de la Rotonda, is one of the most iconic monuments in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →
Nearby cities
Guayaquil
The largest city in Ecuador and the main economic center on the Pacific coast.
Durán
An industrial city connected to Guayaquil by a bridge over the Guayas River.
Daule
Known as the rice capital of Ecuador due to the enormous production of this grain.
Milagro
The sweetest city in Ecuador, named after its extensive sugarcane production.
Velasco Ibarra
Commonly known as El Empalme, it is a strategic transport hub between three provinces.
Balzar
Center of cattle breeding and teak production in rural Guayas.
Naranjito
A lively small town characterized by extensive banana and cocoa fields.
Naranjal
The starting point for excursions to indigenous communities and the hot springs of Churute.
General Villamil Playas
A very popular beach destination that flourishes due to its proximity to Guayaquil.
Yaguachi
An important religious pilgrimage site for the veneration of San Jacinto in Ecuador.
Samborondón
A wealthy suburban community known for its exclusive residential complexes and historic rice fields.
History & landmarks
La Perla Ferris Wheel
A massive Ferris wheel on the Malecón 2000 offering spectacular views over the Guayas River and Guayaquil.
🗺️
MAAC Museum
The anthropological and contemporary art museum of Guayaquil, known for its sail-like architectural design.
Malecón 2000
A famous boardwalk along the Guayas River, showcasing both the modern and historical faces of Guayaquil.
Cerro Santa Ana Lighthouse
A picturesque lighthouse at the top of Cerro Santa Ana, reached after climbing 444 steps.
The Point Building
An iconic, spiral-shaped skyscraper on the banks of the Guayas River, representing the symbol of modern Guayaquil.
Crystal Palace
A striking iron and glass building in Guayaquil that once served as a market and now hosts art exhibitions.
Gazebo of Seminario Park
An ornate wrought-iron gazebo in Guayaquil's Iguana Park, serving as an elegant focal point of the square.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil
A neo-Gothic cathedral facing Iguana Park, characterized by its impressive twin towers.
Nature
More places
Fortín de la Planchada
An old colonial fort in Guayaquil built to defend against pirate attacks.
Torre del Reloj
The Moorish Clock Tower is one of the most famous historical buildings along the Malecón in Guayaquil.
Monumento a Guayas y Quil
A monument in Guayaquil honoring the indigenous chief Guayas and his wife Quil, after whom the city is said to be named.
Guayaquil Historical Park
A park combining history, culture and nature, with a large area for native wildlife and agriculture.
Jardín del Río Port (Durán)
An inland port in Durán specializing in the handling of bulk cargo such as grain and fertilizers.
La Universal Confectionery
A traditional Ecuadorian brand that produces chocolate and confectionery, deeply rooted in the country's cocoa history.
Pilsener Brewery Guayaquil
The main production facility for Pilsener, the best-selling beer brand in Ecuador.
🗺️
El Pantanal Zoo
A privately run zoo near Guayaquil specializing in the conservation of tropical fauna.