Babahoyo, founded
September 30,
1948 by Legislative decree, is the capital of the
Los Ríos province of
Ecuador. It is surrounded by two rivers, the San Pablo and the Caracol, which joined to form the Babahoyo river, which flows into the
Guayas river, eventually ending in the sea. One of the excursions that the area offers involves sailing down the Babahoyo, taking in the countryside and the traditional lifestyle of the area's
campesinos who live off of the land, sowing crops and raising cattle. One stand out feature of this journey is the floating houses unique to the area.
A processing and trade centre for the surrounding agricultural region, the city handles rice, sugarcane, fruits, balsa wood, and tagua nuts (vegetable ivory). Rice and sugar are also milled here.
Noteworthy attractions of the capital itself include the verdant gardens of Parque 24 de Mayo and the city's main cathedral, which is decorated with an enormous mosaic mural depicting the Virgin Mary.
Hotel Emperador.- On Gen Barona street. Reservations Tel. 5935-730535.
