Parque Seminario is also known as the Iguana Park, since dozens of iguanas live in its ornate gardens. When you first step into the park, you see the cathedral, statues and flocks of pigeons. Then you notice one of these prehistoric-looking creatures staring at you from the grass or suspended in a tree. Soon they seem to be everywhere.

These are green iguanas (Iguana Verde), one of five species living in Ecuador. They can measure up to five feet long and reach 13 pounds. Their nickname is the Iguanas of Guayaquil and are the main attraction of the Park and mingle amiably among the people.