Cerro Santa Ana
Iconic Guayaquil landmark with a colorful climb, offering panoramic city views and a vibrant waterfront at its base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Cerro Santa Ana
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Guayaquil landmark with a colorful climb, offering panoramic city views and a vibrant waterfront at its base.
"Climb the 444 steps for breathtaking views, but stay vigilant as safety is a concern. "
🚶♀️ Climb with a Buddy
Solo visits, even in daylight, carry risks. Consider a guide or go with friends for safety. :shield:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 444 steps are a workout! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 444 Steps of Las Peñas
Ascent from Las Peñas neighborhood
Climb the iconic 444 steps to reach the summit, passing colorful houses, shops, and art galleries.
Panoramic City Views
Summit of Cerro Santa Ana
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Guayaquil, the Guayas River, and beyond.
Lighthouse and Chapel
Summit of Cerro Santa Ana
Visit the charming lighthouse and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Monument at the top.
Puerto Santa Ana
Base of Cerro Santa Ana
Explore the vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First on Santa Ana Hill
Distinguishing Santa Ana Hill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Climb with a Buddy
Solo visits, even in daylight, carry risks. Consider a guide or go with friends for safety. :shield:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 444 steps are a workout! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic cityscapes are incredible. Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos! :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if climbing during warmer hours, carry water to stay refreshed. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Climb with a Buddy
Solo visits, even in daylight, carry risks. Consider a guide or go with friends for safety. :shield:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 444 steps are a workout! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic cityscapes are incredible. Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos! :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if climbing during warmer hours, carry water to stay refreshed. :droplet:
💰 Keep Valuables Secure
Minimize what you carry. Keep phones, money, and passports in a secure place. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cerro Santa Ana offers iconic views and a charming climb through Las Peñas, but visitors should be aware of safety concerns, with some reporting muggings. It's important to distinguish it from the more tourist-centric Las Peñas area with the 444 steps. The vibrant Puerto Santa Ana at its base provides dining and entertainment options.
"This place seems to be getting confused with Las 444 Escaleras. Google that if you want to see the lighthouse and church on top of the hill. This place is just a normal road on top of the hill in a residential neighborhood with radio towers on it. You might get a view of the city from here but the real tourist place starts in Las 444 Escaleras."
Al Gambini
"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..."
Karen Chong
"Chevere"
Javier julio bedon cupe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cerro Santa Ana by taxi or Uber from most parts of Guayaquil. The ascent typically starts from the Las Peñas neighborhood, where you'll find the famous 444 steps.
Yes, local buses run along routes that pass near the base of Cerro Santa Ana. However, for convenience and safety, many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber.
The most popular approach is via the colorful steps of Las Peñas. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber directly to the top, but you'll miss the charming climb.
While there's access to the top by road, it's generally recommended to park at the base and walk up the steps to fully experience the area.
Cerro Santa Ana is approximately a 20-30 minute taxi or Uber ride from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Cerro Santa Ana and the 444 steps is generally free. You can explore the area without purchasing an admission ticket.
Cerro Santa Ana is typically accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better views.
The lighthouse and monuments at the summit are usually free to access. Enjoy the historical and scenic points without additional charges.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended, especially for solo travelers, to ensure safety and gain historical insights.
To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. Weekends and evenings tend to be busier.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the 444 steps offers incredible panoramic views of Guayaquil. Don't miss the colorful houses along the climb and the lighthouse itself.
While the views are tempting, be extremely cautious when using your phone for photos, especially if you are alone. Keep your phone secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Evenings offer a different charm with city lights.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities before flying a drone in this area to avoid any issues.
Absolutely! The climb up Cerro Santa Ana is adorned with vibrant murals and street art, making for colorful and engaging photographs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The base of the hill, Puerto Santa Ana, offers a wide array of restaurants, from local Ecuadorian cuisine to international options. +2
Yes, you can find budget-friendly meals, especially in Puerto Santa Ana, with some options offering meals for under $10.
You can find traditional Ecuadorian dishes, seafood, and international cuisine. Puerto Santa Ana also features themed restaurants like Mexican restobars. +1
Yes, there are Asian-inspired eateries in Puerto Santa Ana offering bubble tea and ramen.
While the summit has some vendors, the main concentration of cafes and bars is in Puerto Santa Ana at the base of the hill.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Cerro Santa Ana: The Climb and the Views
At the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Guayaquil, the Guayas River, and the surrounding landscape.
Puerto Santa Ana: The Vibrant Waterfront
Puerto Santa Ana is also known for its bars and nightlife, making it a popular spot for evening outings.
Safety Considerations for Visitors
When exploring, minimize the valuables you carry. Keep your passport, significant amounts of cash, and expensive electronics secured in your hotel if possible. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit