Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city with about 3 millions inhabitants. Situated at sea level its port Puerto Maritimo is the main sea port of the country where about 80% of the country´s imports and more than 50% of its exports are handled. It is the commercial and industrial center of Ecuador and lies on the west bank of the river Guayas about 60 km from its outflow in the Gulf of Guayaquil. The climate in the dry season (May to November) is warm and pleasant (27C or 81F), in the rainy season or between January and April a hotel-room with air conditioning is recommended. Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galapagos, has been transformed over recent years with its newly restored historic district characterized by centuries-old houses and narrow lanes. Guayaquil is the main port of the country and is considered one of the most important because its location and infrastructure provides facilities for international maritime trade.