There was a time when I thought that nothing could be more creepier than Lizards, then, I came to realize that I was wrong. There was something which was more creepier to me than lizards, and that was- Giant Lizards a.k.a IGUANAS...(I am quivering as I even write it).
Okay, so I am an animal lover, a nature lover etc etc; but love for this creature, I can't fake. I am literally a scared little kitten when it comes to anything which is this large, this slimy and which stares at me with those "I am watching you" eyes.
To be honest, when I decided to visit this park; I was in this enthusiastic, energetic, full-on foreigner on an adventure mode. When I had heard about this very popular and mass visited place in my new home town, this is what I had imagined-
A park amidst lush greenery, with big dense trees, pretty birds nesting on these trees, a pathway between the nature which after walking for about 10 minutes or so, finally leads us to these sky high metal, not easily dented or broken - CAGE. And yes, I imagined that these 'little' creatures will be left loose INSIDE this cage and the onlookers stand and admire(or whatever) them from the other side of the cage.
But NO. I could not be farther from the actual truth. Thus is what was the reality my friends.
I get down from my car, and I see the park entrance with the words "Parque De Las Iguanas" deeply embedded. So far, so good. Then I enter, that too FREE...Even better. And that is where the good part ends.
As soon as I step inside, IGUANAS, of all shapes and size are all around the place, roaming freely, staring freely and owning the place like it's their freaking kingdom and one should be glad that they are let in. Major Creep-out ALERT..
Since, I saw kids half my size waiting behind me and continuously nudging me to get my backside inside the park, I swallowed my fear and let my ego and pride take charge as I could not afford to look like a silly 'little' sissy girl who was too scared to go inside. Yes, I entered. I took careful steps, with full military attention so as to not step in the way of an Iguana and managed to finally get used to the surroundings. The place was full of - Men and Iguanas. Hmmm I wonder which of the two creeps me out more.Anyways, this park, which is also called Parque Seminario, is located at the center of the city of Guayaquil, right opposite to the Cathedral of Guayaquil, which is another major tourist attraction.The reason it is called Park of Iguanas is because of the large population of iguanas in this place. It is believed that these Iguanas, settled here in the early days of the city because of the proximity to a river. Iguanas usually dwell near water, in mangroves and near willow trees whose fruits, are their favorite food. Also, now with the locals being so familiar with these creatures around them, the reptiles are left in peace and thus are comfortable in their surroundings. The Iguanas are used to having humans around them, and are not scared, neither do they flinch an inch if touched or tried to be fed by a person.
A popular sight and attraction for tourists and locals is the 'feeding time'(usually in the morning around 10 and in the afternoon around 2 pm). All of these creatures rush to the one feeding spot and have a feast.
Mathematically speaking:
( Creepy x Infinite times= Sight during the feeding time).
Some unknown yet very interesting facts about Iguanas that I found out about:
1) Unlike the scary, evil structure that gives them a look of a big time 'Carnivore', these reptiles are actually PURE VEGETARIANS. Yes, I was shocked too. They feed on fruits, green leafy vegetables etc. Talk about being health conscious huh ;) .
2) An Iguana can actually end it's own life anytime it wants, if not happy with it. Talk about being 'dramatic'..Suicideeee......
3) A type of Iguana called the 'Green Iguanas' were(and in some countries still is) hunted down and then served as a special delicacy called the 'Bamboo Chicken'.
Puke....and then Puke again...
4)These Green Iguanas actually have a third eye at the top of their head. Yup. It's true. They have taken the popular saying- " Be aware of your surroundings", way too seriously.
5) Iguanas can fall from a height of around 40 feet and yet will not get hurt even a bit
6) Lastly, at the time of delivery, the mother Iguana lays her eggs underground, and then, leaves them.The baby Iguana hatches itself from the shell, digs itself out from the ground and then learns survives on it's own. Wow, a true example of 'Mature beyond their Years' for the baby Iguana and 'I care two hoots' for the Mama Iguana.
All in all, whatever said and done- even with all the creepy moments, moments when I was going to faint thinking I had something slimy brushing on my legs, moments when I was thinking- chuck the photography and run for your life etc; this was one hell of an experience. Check out this badass 'Head- Banger' Iguana Style:
A must, must visit when in Guayaquil. I wouldn't have NOT gone even if I knew the actual truth about the Iguanas running free and wild in the park, because these are moments that make me smile when I think about my experience and are memories that will go a long way with me in this short life.
Read more about Guayaquil in my other blogs:
1)Beinvenidos a Guayaquil- My new home!!!
2)Preparing to move: Ecuador here I come
You can also refer to these other articles which I found helpful while looking for more information on Guayaquil and things to do when here :
1)Beinvenidos a Guayaquil- My new home!!!
2)Preparing to move: Ecuador here I come
You can also refer to these other articles which I found helpful while looking for more information on Guayaquil and things to do when here :
1)Tripadvisor
2)Lonely Planet
3)Guayaquil Overview
That's all from my side for now. Keep reading for more blogs.
Till then,
2)Lonely Planet
3)Guayaquil Overview
That's all from my side for now. Keep reading for more blogs.
Till then,
Chao!
Adiós!
Hasta Luego!
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