Cerro Santa Ana, Guayaquil

4.6

Must see · Neighborhood · Other

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Dotted with brightly painted homes, cafes, art galleries, and craft shops, Cerro Santa Ana owes its name to a legendary Spanish treasure hunter who topped the hill with a votive cross to Santa Ana. Follow the winding 444-step stairway to reach the lighthouse on the hilltop, which offers panoramic views of the city and its rivers. At the open-air museum you can see the remains of a 17th-century fortress and cannons, which protected the city from pirate attacks. Other highlights include a bar occupying half of a reconstructed pirate ship, a small chapel, and a naval museum. Arrange to visit Cerro Santa Ana and other attractions in Guayaquil using our Guayaquil road trip planner.

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Tours to Cerro Santa Ana

FROM $8 BOOK WITH VIATOR Guayaquil City Tour of My Loves / Double Decker Bus Guayaquil City Tour of My Loves / Double Decker Bus

3.9

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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FROM $64 BOOK WITH VIATOR City Tour around Guayaquil City Tour around Guayaquil

4.5

Duration: 3 hours

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Cerro Santa Ana reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,015 reviews

Google

4.6

By LoraliReynolds

Climbed all 444 steps up this hill for the terrific views and see the old church and lighthouse. Most favorite thing we did in a week of touring here. My friend took the steps carefully and slowly...

Climbed all 444 steps up this hill for the terrific views and see the old church and lighthouse. Most favorite thing we did in a week of touring here. My friend took the steps carefully and slowly... more »
By CherylG1992

Spectacular view of Santa Ana from the cable cars that cross the river. The entry for the cable cars is across the street from the Malecon, on the Santa Ana end.

Spectacular view of Santa Ana from the cable cars that cross the river. The entry for the cable cars is across the street from the Malecon, on the Santa Ana end. more »
By Rachel B

You can see these painted houses from almost anywhere in the city. It is worth it to see it from the top Santa Anna. The house has me look pretty from a distance but they are still in poverty. They...

You can see these painted houses from almost anywhere in the city. It is worth it to see it from the top Santa Anna. The house has me look pretty from a distance but they are still in poverty. They... more »

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Google

By Karen Chong

WARNING!!! Sadly, I've been reading the reviews and wanted to be able to get a great view of the city. Perhaps I did not go up the right entrance, but followed my Google Maps to get to the top - I WAS MUGGED, and this was at 12 noon, on a bus route (that just picked up), and about 50 m from a moderate traffic area with taxis. This is a residential neighbourhood (edit: where this actually happened was between Santa Ana Hill and Torre CNT Cerro Del Carmen). I was approached by 2 men, that grabbed my bag and phone (that surely didn't help having it open). I fought and screamed loudly during the whole fight, but was knocked over and dragged as I tried to keep my bag. There was no mercy, so don't think your fighting back or screaming will help you out of the situation. I did go up the steps at Las Penas, and maybe to my own ignorance, but thought that the Santa Ana Hill was separate, and followed my Google Maps to another hill top (per above). Las Penas was otherwise very cute (edit: I believe this is where all the tourists are actually calling this Santa Ana Hill with the 400+ steps). For any single tourists, please do not go by yourself, even if it's in broad daylight. Your belongings can be more valuable than you think. I did not expect that a tourist site could result in this. Please be warned or get a guide that can ensure your safety. I have otherwise had a great experience with Ecuadorians and my time here, but wanted to warn those during their travels. Keep your passports, money, and phones in the hotel if at all possible. Left shaken...

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By Einar Rodriguez Lahoz

A recommended place to see and learn about the popular culture and people of Guayaquil. You go up some steps, which lead to a park, church and lighthouse. You cannot ignore the view that can be enjoyed here in the evening or at dusk.

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By Anna Ph

Very nice view! From above it is worth the effort to climb the 432 steps 😸😸

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By Arelys Pita Tubay

A very touristic site is located a few meters from the walks of Cerro Santa Ana. You can admire the paintings made by our Ecuadorian artists and even certain houses serve as museums to admire the paintings of our artists, you can also find restaurants with our typical foods. Very good place to have a good time with family or friends.

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By Byron Barros Saavedra

Excellent view a wonderful place to meet

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