Ecuador prepares for an extended four-day holiday for Labor Daywhich in 2026 will go from April 30 to May 3 after the president’s decision Daniel Noboa to suspend the work day on Thursday through Executive Decree 354.
The measure opens the door for domestic tourism, especially to destinations near Guayaquil, where several “magical towns and corners” They stand out for their cultural, historical and natural wealth.
The program seeks to strengthen cultural identity and boost the country’s tourism offer, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
These destinations are characterized by concentrating attractions, services and experiences that reflect living traditions, unique landscapes and local gastronomy, facilitating their promotion at a national and international level.
Nearby options for the holiday
In the coastal region, Portoviejo It is presented as an alternative that combines pre-Columbian history, nature and gastronomy. Its proximity to beaches, Jaboncillo Hill and the tradition of the toquilla straw hat make it an attractive point for those looking for a variety of activities.
Also in Manabí, the community of White Water offers an ancestral experience within the Machalilla National Park. The site preserves archaeological vestiges and a lagoon of sulphurous waters, known for its natural properties, which attracts visitors interested in well-being and culture.
Towards the southern Sierra, Zaruma It stands out for its heritage architecture and mining history. Its steep streets and wooden houses from the 19th century have earned it recognition as Cultural Heritage of Ecuadorconsolidating itself as one of the most picturesque destinations in the country.
For its part, Alausiknown as the City of the Five Heritages, combines tradition and history with attractions such as the railway route of the Devil’s Nose. Its cobbled streets and cultural activities, such as the Callejoneada Alauseña, offer an immersion in the Andean identity.
These destinations represent an opportunity to rediscover the diversity of the country during the holiday, promoting responsible tourism and local economic development.
With options in Costa and Sierra a few hours from Guayaquil, the long holiday is emerging as a key opportunity to tour the so-called “country of the four worlds” and strengthen national tourism. (YO)
