Mercado del Río and Resaca Closures Mark End of Private Concessions at Guayaquil’s Malecón 2000

The Mercado del Río complex and the nearby Resaca venue on Guayaquil’s Malecón Simón Bolívar have announced permanent closures. The operators cited “circumstances of the environment that made the continuation of the project unviable,” referencing the lingering impact of the pandemic, security concerns, traffic changes and reduced visitor numbers.

The Fundación Malecón 2000, which manages the waterfront concessions, clarified that the businesses operated under private concessions and that the decision to cease operations was strictly a private one, not a direct action by the foundation. It added that concession renewals are part of the normal commercial cycle and that the former Mercado del Río site will be redeveloped for new family‑oriented offerings to strengthen the area’s dining and entertainment mix.