Puente Peatonal a Isla Santay - Image 1
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Puente Peatonal Isla Santay

4.6
·427 reviews·Guayaquil, Ecuador

A stunning swing bridge connecting Guayaquil to Isla Santay, offering scenic river views and a gateway to nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Puente Peatonal a Isla Santay - Image 1

Puente Peatonal Isla Santay

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning swing bridge connecting Guayaquil to Isla Santay, offering scenic river views and a gateway to nature.

4.6
(427 reviews)

"A lovely little bridge and walk! Would be fun to see the draw bridge in action."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Availability

Street parking is usually available near the bridge entrance. :car:

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Essential for a comfortable visit, especially during warmer hours. :droplet: :sunwithface:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Pedestrian Bridge

The Iconic Pedestrian Bridge

Connecting Guayaquil to Isla Santay

A stunning swing bridge offering scenic river views and a gateway to nature.

Isla Santay Nature Reserve

Isla Santay Nature Reserve

Santay Island

Escape the city bustle for a peaceful walk or bike ride amidst natural surroundings.

Bike Rentals

Bike Rentals

Near the bridge entrance

Rent a bike for an enjoyable 2.6km ride to the island's village and crocodile sanctuary.

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Planning Your Visit

Bridge Access & Island Exploration

The pedestrian bridge to Isla Santay is a drawbridge. Be aware that large ships may require you to take a boat back if the bridge is raised. Renting a bike is a popular way to explore the island's 2.6km path to the 'cocodrilera' village and restaurant. Reddit

Island Essentials: Water & Sun Protection

Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection, as the island can get hot. Bug spray is also recommended, especially if you plan to spend extended time. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, more people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 #Guayaquil 🚨📌 En la segunda entrega del #InformeEspecial de #Televistazo hablaremos sobre la #IslaSantay y cómo sus habitantes enfrentan una crisis sin servicios básicos. Más detalles en Ecuavisa.com 📲 #Comunidad #ComunidadGyeEcuavisa #historiasdetiktok #noticiastiktok #noticiasecuador #ecuador🇪🇨 #ecuadorvideo #ecuadortiktok #viraltiktok #viralecuador #f #fypシ #fypシ゚viral
@ecuavisaec
28.7K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Parking Availability

Street parking is usually available near the bridge entrance. Reddit :car:

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Essential for a comfortable visit, especially during warmer hours. Reddit :droplet: :sunwithface:

La Isla Santay, habitado pero olvidado. 🏝️ #guayaquil #ecuador #turismo #fyp #parati #abandono #islasantay #islasantaygye #gye #descuido #cocodrilos #urbex
@rioxpectro
26.3K likes • 146.1K views
Qué pasó, Guayaquil 🥲 #guayaquil #guayas #guayaquil_ecuador #guayquilecuador_🇪🇨 #ecuador #ecuador🇪🇨 #alcaldia #danielnoboa #islasantay #santay #ruinas #fyp #paratiiiii
@rioxpectro
26.3K likes • 402.7K views

🦟 Don't Forget Bug Spray

Recommended for a more pleasant experience on the island. Reddit :bug:

🚲 Bike Rental Info

$5.00 fee, passport required as deposit. Reddit :moneybag: :bike:

Sábado y sin planes? 😖 ..Agarra tu Paap y vamos a la Isla Santay 🍃😎💚#islasantay #santay #guayaquil #quéhacerenguayaquil #turismoguayaquil #ec
@paapsnack
24.5K likes • 321.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Availability

Street parking is usually available near the bridge entrance. Reddit :car:

💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen

Essential for a comfortable visit, especially during warmer hours. Reddit :droplet: :sunwithface:

🦟 Don't Forget Bug Spray

Recommended for a more pleasant experience on the island. Reddit :bug:

🚲 Bike Rental Info

$5.00 fee, passport required as deposit. Reddit :moneybag: :bike:

🚢 Drawbridge Awareness

Be aware of potential boat transport back if bridge is raised for ships. Reddit :ship:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(427 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Puente Peatonal Isla Santay for its beautiful design and the relaxing experience of walking or cycling across it with scenic river views. It's seen as a great escape from the city. However, some recent observations point to a decline in the island's maintenance and infrastructure, with concerns about abandonment.

"It is at the end of a street but there is parking near by usually on the street. Bring water and bug spray if you are planning on going to the Isla Santay. Also you need your passport they hold it until you return the bike if doing bike rental. $5.00 for bike rental. The bridge is a draw bridge we were told if a big ship was crossing we might have to take a boat back across but we did not have that issue but just be aware."

Scott Metcalfe

"Great place to do exercise away from the city. There is a parking lot close to the entrance. The walk or bike ride (they rent bikes) is 2.6km to the "cocodrilera", village and restaurant."

Felipe Murtinho

"A lovely little bridge and walk! Would be fun to see the draw bridge in action but no luck on the day we went haha!"

Luke

What People Like

Beautiful bridge design
Scenic river views
Peaceful nature escape

What People Dislike

Island maintenance issues
Concerns about upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The bridge is located at the end of a street in Guayaquil. Street parking is usually available nearby. Reddit You can also reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. The walk or bike ride across the bridge to the island is approximately 2.6km. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, often on the street near the entrance to the bridge. Reddit

Absolutely! The bridge is pedestrian-friendly, and it's a pleasant walk to the island. It takes about 2 hours to walk the entire 2.6km path to the village. Reddit

While the bridge itself is the main access point, you can reach the Guayaquil side of the bridge via local buses or taxis. TikTok

You can either walk the 2.6km bridge or rent a bicycle for a quicker journey. Reddit Some visitors also mention the possibility of taking a boat back if the drawbridge is raised. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no ticket required to cross the pedestrian bridge to Isla Santay. TikTok

The bridge and island are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local information for any specific timings, though it's often open for exploration. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for Isla Santay itself. However, bike rentals do have a fee. Reddit

Your passport is required if you plan to rent a bicycle, as it's held as a deposit until you return the bike. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own bicycle to explore the island. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride, visit the 'cocodrilera' (crocodile sanctuary), and explore the small village. There are also rest areas on the bridge to relax and enjoy the views. TikTokReddit

There is a village on the island that includes a restaurant. Reddit Restroom facilities may be available in the village area. TikTok

While the island offers a natural escape, some TikTok videos highlight concerns about its upkeep and potential for abandonment in certain areas. TikTok+2 It's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Reddit

The island is known for its natural environment, and visitors can potentially see wildlife, including crocodiles in the 'cocodrilera'. TikTok

The bridge is generally well-maintained and wide, making it suitable for strollers. Accessibility for wheelchairs would depend on the specific design and any potential inclines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The pedestrian bridge itself offers stunning architectural shots with the river as a backdrop. Reddit The natural scenery on the island and views of Guayaquil from the bridge are also great for photos. TikTok

The bridge provides a unique vantage point to capture the sunset over the Guayas River, with the city lights of Guayaquil in the distance. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of residents and any private areas. TikTok

A versatile lens for landscapes and some telephoto for wildlife would be useful. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge's expanse. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Isla Santay is a great option for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The pedestrian bridge is wide and safe for walking, and renting bicycles is a fun way for kids to explore the island's 2.6km path. TikTok The 'cocodrilera' (crocodile sanctuary) can be a fascinating sight for children. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities might be limited, and consider the heat. Reddit The relatively short distance and the novelty of the drawbridge can keep younger ones engaged. Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Active Travelers & Cyclists

For those who love to stay active, Isla Santay is a perfect destination. The 2.6km bike path across the bridge and onto the island offers a scenic and invigorating ride. Reddit Bike rentals are available for a small fee, making it easy to enjoy the journey. Reddit The path is well-suited for cycling, providing a great way to cover ground and experience the island's natural beauty. Remember to bring your own water and wear appropriate gear for a comfortable ride. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Puente Peatonal Isla Santay is a photographer's dream, offering unique perspectives of the Guayas River and the Guayaquil skyline. Reddit Capture the impressive architecture of the bridge, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Reddit The natural landscapes of Isla Santay also provide ample opportunities for nature photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the bridge and a telephoto lens if you hope to spot any wildlife. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Puente Peatonal Isla Santay

The Puente Peatonal Isla Santay is a remarkable feat of engineering, inaugurated in 2014. This impressive swing bridge connects the vibrant city of Guayaquil with the tranquil Isla Santay, a protected ecological reserve. Its design allows it to lift for passing ships, a fascinating spectacle if you're lucky enough to witness it. Reddit The bridge itself is a destination, featuring comfortable rest areas where visitors can pause, enjoy the breeze, and take in panoramic views of the Guayas River and the Guayaquil skyline. Reddit It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a unique experience and a break from the urban environment. TikTok

Constructed to promote eco-tourism and provide access to the island's natural beauty, the bridge has become a symbol of connectivity and sustainable development. TikTok The experience of walking or cycling across it, with the river flowing beneath and the city stretching out before you, is often described as incredibly relaxing and visually stunning. Reddit It's more than just a bridge; it's a gateway to nature and a testament to innovative urban planning. TikTok

Exploring Isla Santay: Nature and Community

Isla Santay, accessible via the pedestrian bridge, offers a stark contrast to the bustling city of Guayaquil. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, with opportunities for walking and cycling along its 2.6km path. Reddit The island is home to a small community and a notable 'cocodrilera,' a sanctuary for crocodiles, which is a significant draw for visitors interested in wildlife. TikTok The natural environment provides a peaceful retreat, allowing for a connection with the local ecosystem. TikTok

However, recent social media content has highlighted concerns about the island's upkeep and the state of some facilities, with mentions of abandonment and theft. TikTok+2 Despite these challenges, the island remains a valuable green space for recreation and a unique destination for those looking to experience a different side of the Guayaquil metropolitan area. Visitors are advised to be prepared with essentials like water and sun protection, and to be mindful of their surroundings. Reddit

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