Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo (Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art) / Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo

Top choice in Guayaquil


Marking the end of the riverfront is the modern MAAC, a museum of anthropology and archaeology that hosts a superb permanent collection of pre-Colombian pieces and videos showing artistic techniques of early peoples. Changing exhibitions showcase thought-provoking works by contemporary Ecuadorian artists. MAAC also has a modern 350-seat theater for plays, concerts and films.

We went on a Saturday, and despite the advertised hours, the museum was closed. Be prepared.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Guayaquil attractions

1. Numa Pompilio Llona

0.05 MILES

This historic street, named after the well-known guayaquileño poet (1832–1907), begins at the northern end of the malecón, to the right of the stairs that…

3. Museo de los Equipos del Astillero

0.21 MILES

A photo- and trophy-filled tribute to Guayaquil's great rival soccer teams, Barcelona and Emelec, this museum is divided neatly into two colors: the…

5. Iglesia de Santo Domingo

0.21 MILES

Behind the open-air Teatro Bogotá is the oldest church in Guayaquil. Founded in 1548 and restored in 1938, it’s worth a look.

6. Lighthouse

0.23 MILES

You can climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse for spectacular 360-degree views of the city and its rivers. It's 444 taxing steps up through…

7. Cerro Santa Ana

0.23 MILES

One of Guayaquil's most iconic sights is this hillside enclave, which is dotted with brightly painted homes, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Follow the…

8. Fortín del Cerro

0.24 MILES

This hilltop fort played a critical role in defending the city against pirate attacks during Guayaquil's early days. The cannons are sometimes fired…