La Perla, Ferris wheel at Malecón 2000, Guayaquil, Ecuador
La Perla is a Ferris wheel at Malecón 2000 that rises 57 meters above ground and features enclosed cabins that rotate slowly to provide views of the Guayas River. From the top, visitors see the city and water from different angles as they make a complete turn.
The wheel opened in 2015 as part of a plan to reshape Guayaquil's riverfront. This structure marked the shift from a port used mainly for trade to a place for leisure and gathering.
The wheel embodies modern Guayaquil and shows how the city transformed its riverside into a place where locals and visitors gather together. People come here to spend time and see how their city has changed.
Visitors should arrive early or late in the day when crowds are lighter and visibility is clearest. A complete rotation takes about 15 minutes, so plan time for waiting and boarding.
On clear days, visitors can see all the way to the nearby Pacific coast from the highest point. This rare view combines the river, city, and ocean in a single ride.
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