Durán, Ecuador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Durán
Eloy Alfaro
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City
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From top, left to right: Nicolas Lapentti Avenue, Abel Gilbert Boardwalk, Duran railway station, panoramic view of Duran, Santay Island and Samuel Cisneros Avenue.
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 Durán
Location in Ecuador
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| Country |  Ecuador |
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| Province |  Guayas |
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| Canton |  Durán |
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| Founded | October 16, 1924 | |
| Area | ||
| • City | 53.45 km2 (20.64 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 4 m (13 ft) | |
| Population
(2022 census)
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| • City | 295,211 | |
| • Density | 5,523.1/km2 (14,304.8/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (ECT) | |
| Area code(s) | (+593) 04 | |
| Climate | Aw | |
| Website | www.duran.gob.ec | |
Durán, also known as Eloy Alfaro, is a large city in Ecuador. It is the second biggest city in the Guayas area. Durán is located very close to where the Daule and Babahoyo rivers meet. This is also where the Guayas River flows into the ocean.
The city is right across the Guayas River from Guayaquil. Its other name, "Eloy Alfaro," was chosen to honor Eloy Alfaro Delgado. He was a former president of Ecuador. In 2022, a census showed that about 295,211 people live in Durán.
Many people who live in Durán travel to other cities for work. This means Durán is sometimes called a "dormitory town." However, many residents also find jobs right in their own city. They might open small restaurants called "comedores." Others sell fresh food at the market. Some even run little shops that offer basic groceries and household items. The cities of Durán, Samborondón, and Guayaquil are all connected by the Rafael Mendoza Avilés bridge.
Durán's Railroad History
Durán is famous for being the first important railroad center in Ecuador. It was the starting point for trains traveling from the coast. The railroad could not cross the Guayas River. This made Durán the closest train stop to Guayaquil.
In July 2007, the government started a project to bring the railroads back to life. This project aimed to connect Durán with other cities in the highlands of Ecuador. Today, the Empresa de Ferrocarriles Ecuatorianos offers train rides. These services are mostly for tourists who want to travel to Quito.
See also
- In Spanish: Durán (Ecuador) para niños
