Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)
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Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)

4.6
·407 reviews·Guayaquil, Ecuador

An iconic octagonal clock tower offering panoramic city views and a unique climb up steep, open stairs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Just before the hour

Hear the clock strike!

CrowdMedium
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Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)

Torre Morisca (Clock Tower)

Best Time

Just before the hour

Hear the clock strike!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic octagonal clock tower offering panoramic city views and a unique climb up steep, open stairs.

4.6
(407 reviews)

"Climb the steep stairs for a unique view and to see the clock mechanism!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The steep, open stairs require good grip. You'll want to be comfortable for the climb!

⏰ Time for the Chime

Visit just before the hour to experience the clock striking. It's a highlight for many visitors.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clock Mechanism

Clock Mechanism

Top of the tower

See the intricate workings of the historic clock up close. A fascinating glimpse into the tower's past.

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Top of the tower

Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Malecon, river, and bustling city life below. Perfect for photos.

The Ascent

The Ascent

Inside the tower

Experience the thrill of climbing steep, open steel stairs. A unique and memorable part of the visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Climb for a View

Ascend the octagonal tower for panoramic views of the Malecon and river. The climb involves steep, open steel stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. It's worth timing your visit for the hour to hear the clock strike.

Passport & Entry

While you might be asked for passport numbers and to sign a register, staff can be accommodating if you explain your situation. The tower is in a very active area, making it easy to access and explore.

Best Times

When
Just before the hour
Why
Hear the clock strike!
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Caldo de tortitas de verde o torrejas #gastronomiamanaba #manabi #campo #naturaleza #food #chone #portoviejo #ecuador #quito #guayaquil #elcarmen #machala #cuenca
@nievitazambrano_
74.7K likes • 2.7M views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The steep, open stairs require good grip. You'll want to be comfortable for the climb! Reddit

⏰ Time for the Chime

Visit just before the hour to experience the clock striking. It's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Visité un cangrejal poco conocido, pero con comida deliciosa 😱😱😱 @cangrejalchiquisoficial “La torre de mariscos” un plato único en #Guayaquil #Mariscos #Food #Crabs #Amazing #Ecuador #FYP #ParaTi #Viral #ComidaTípica #Omg
@emiliofadul
3.5K likes • 106.7K views
3 AMPOLLAS DE SAXENDA #dramarialuisaarias #torremedicasolaris #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #xcyzba #bajadepeso #pierdepeso #saxenda #saxendaguayaquil #saxendajourney #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #nutricionista
@dra.marialuisaariaslo
2.7K likes • 181.1K views

📝 Be Prepared to Sign

They might ask for passport details and a signature. Be polite if you don't have your passport handy. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The top offers fantastic photo opportunities of the Malecon and river. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The steep, open stairs require good grip. You'll want to be comfortable for the climb! Reddit

⏰ Time for the Chime

Visit just before the hour to experience the clock striking. It's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

📝 Be Prepared to Sign

They might ask for passport details and a signature. Be polite if you don't have your passport handy. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The top offers fantastic photo opportunities of the Malecon and river. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(407 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Torre Morisca to be a pretty landmark with a rewarding climb to the top, offering great views of the Malecon and river. While the steep, open stairs can be a bit challenging, the chance to see the clock mechanism and hear it strike the hour makes it a worthwhile experience. The active area around the tower is also noted as a positive aspect.

"From the outside it's very pretty but you can also climb up inside. The climb isn't too arduous but some of the steep are a bit hairy as they are open steel and you can see through them. At the top you can see the clock mechanism. It's worth going just before the hour so you can be there when it strikes. At the bottom they do ask for passport numbers and to sign a register but when we explained our passports were in the hotel we were let in anyway!"

Danae Bird

"A traditional landmark in Guayaquil. It’s a spot for viewing the river, the crazy traffic and people walking in every direction."

Carlos Barrera

"As part of the beautiful scenery of Malecon area, the tower holds a historic value of Guayaquil. Steep stairs inside will provide a great short workout to the top. All well worth it. Parts and mechanism of the tower will be at the top along with a great view."

Brave Traveler

What People Like

Great panoramic views
Unique clock mechanism
Historic landmark

What People Dislike

Steep, open stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Torre Morisca is located on the Malecon 2000, a popular waterfront promenade in Guayaquil. It's easily accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public transport. The area is very walkable, making it a pleasant destination to reach on foot if you're exploring the Malecon. Reddit

Yes, the clock tower is a central part of the Malecon 2000, which features numerous other attractions, parks, and viewpoints. You can easily combine a visit to the tower with exploring the rest of the Malecon. Reddit

Approaching from the Malecon offers the most scenic route. You'll see the tower as an iconic landmark along the riverfront. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not explicitly stated as ticketed, visitors are sometimes asked to sign a register and provide passport numbers. It's best to be prepared for a potential sign-in process. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not always advertised, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours as part of the Malecon. Visiting during the day is recommended for the best views and safety. Reddit

There is typically no direct entrance fee, but a sign-in may be required. The experience is often considered part of the Malecon exploration. Reddit

Yes, visitors can climb to the top of the tower. The ascent involves steep, open steel stairs. Reddit

If you don't have your passport, politely explain this to the staff. Visitors have reported being allowed entry even without presenting their passports. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

From the top, you'll get a great view of the river, the Malecon area, and the surrounding city. It's a prime spot for photography. Reddit

The climb involves steep stairs, some of which are open steel, offering a view through them. It's described as not too arduous but can be a bit hairy for some. Reddit

At the top, you can see the actual parts and mechanism of the clock. It's an interesting feature for those curious about how it works. Reddit

Absolutely! The tower itself is iconic, and the views from the top provide excellent photo opportunities of Guayaquil. Reddit

The area around Torre Morisca is very active, with many local and foreign people walking around. It's a vibrant part of the Malecon. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Torre Morisca can be an engaging stop for families, especially if children are curious about clocks and heights. The climb up the steep stairs might be an adventure for older kids, but parents should assess their child's comfort with heights and open structures. The views from the top offer a great opportunity to point out different parts of the city. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for everyone! Reddit

Consider visiting just before the hour to let kids experience the clock striking. It adds an auditory element to the visual experience. The active Malecon area surrounding the tower also provides plenty of space for children to move around before or after the climb. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Torre Morisca offers a rewarding experience with its unique climb and panoramic views. It's a great spot for capturing memorable photos of Guayaquil. The climb provides a sense of accomplishment, and the views are perfect for shared moments or personal reflection. Reddit

Visiting just before the hour to hear the clock chime adds a charming touch to the experience. The tower is situated in a lively area, making it easy to integrate into a day of exploring the Malecon. It’s a relatively quick activity that offers significant payoff in terms of views and a unique perspective of the city. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ascent: A Unique Climb

The climb to the top of Torre Morisca is an experience in itself. Visitors often describe the stairs as steep and made of open steel, offering a unique perspective as you ascend. While not overly strenuous for most, the open nature of the stairs can be a bit daunting for those with a fear of heights. It's recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for this part of the visit. The effort is rewarded with access to the clock's inner workings and stunning city views. Reddit

This climb is a key part of what makes Torre Morisca memorable. It's not just about the destination, but the journey up. The unique construction of the stairs adds an element of adventure that many travelers appreciate. It’s a short but impactful workout that provides a different way to experience the landmark. Reddit

Historical Significance and Views

Built in the 1930s, Torre Morisca stands as an iconic, octagonal, dome-topped clock tower and a historic landmark in Guayaquil. It holds significant historical value for the city and offers a vantage point to observe the dynamic life along the Malecon and the Guayas River. From its summit, you can witness the bustling traffic, people walking, and the general energy of the waterfront. Reddit

The views from the top are a major draw, providing a panoramic perspective of the Malecon area. It's an excellent spot to appreciate the urban landscape and the flow of the river. Many visitors find the combination of historical architecture and scenic vistas to be a compelling reason to visit. Reddit