Cerro Santa Ana Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse atop a colorful hill offering breathtaking panoramic views of Guayaquil and the Guayas River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safer with more people
Cerro Santa Ana Lighthouse
Best Time
Safer with more people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse atop a colorful hill offering breathtaking panoramic views of Guayaquil and the Guayas River.
"It's worth the 444 step walk to the top, but priceless pictures can be taking from the top."
🎯 Follow the Numbered Steps
Stick to the stairs marked 1-444 for a safe and clear path to the top.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a climb! Comfortable footwear is essential for the 444 steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cerro Santa Ana Lighthouse
Summit of Cerro Santa Ana
Iconic blue and white lighthouse offering panoramic Guayaquil views. Climb to the top for the best experience.
Colorful Houses & Art Streets
Along the ascent to the lighthouse
Vibrant, painted houses create a picturesque climb. Explore the art and charm of this historic neighborhood.
Puerto Santa Ana
Base of Cerro Santa Ana
A lively waterfront area with restaurants and bars, offering a different perspective of the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Navigating the Steps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow the Numbered Steps
Stick to the stairs marked 1-444 for a safe and clear path to the top.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a climb! Comfortable footwear is essential for the 444 steps.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic city views from the top are incredible for photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as the climb can be strenuous.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow the Numbered Steps
Stick to the stairs marked 1-444 for a safe and clear path to the top.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a climb! Comfortable footwear is essential for the 444 steps.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic city views from the top are incredible for photos.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as the climb can be strenuous.
🛡️ Be Aware of Surroundings
While generally safe, always be cautious with your belongings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cerro Santa Ana for its stunning panoramic views of Guayaquil, especially from the lighthouse summit. The colorful houses along the climb add to its charm, and many find the ascent to be a rewarding experience. While generally safe, especially on weekends, visitors advise sticking to the marked paths and being aware of surroundings.
"This was a great area to visit. There’s a couple of spots on google map with reviews to this area, but this one is the right one that leads you to the blue and white lighthouse and the small church. My partner and I went on a Saturday around sunset time and it felt very safe. It’s also free to just walk up and spots to sit and hang out. There were a lot of security guards the whole way and family, friends, and couples walking up the stairs. I think there were other stairs that could lead up to it as well, but to know that you’re following the right path, just make sure you see the numbers on the right side of the stairs. They are labeled very clearly starting from 1 and goes up to 444. As you go along you will find other stairs that don’t have numbers on them and some lead to restaurants and bars it looks like, but other stairs, we weren’t sure where they lead to. So stick to the numbers and you’ll be fine. This area seems to be pretty popular during the weekends, so if you want to maybe feel safer with more people, I would say do it during the weekend. But again at no point did we feel unsafe at all, but of course just always be cautious with your belongings wherever you go. Beautiful area to see the sunset."
Ivy Moncada
"This is a nice place to go and see the city from above; colorful old quarter, art streets, little shops and local people. It is not that high - the steps are written in the stairs and if I remember correctly then a bit more than 430 steps. In general the main path is safe but from the other side - not that much. We tried to climb from the old quarter side and local people told us not to go further cause we might get robbed. After traveling many countries - always trust the locals. We went back down and took the “tourist” path. Beautiful view."
Liene Dziluma
"You can take great pictures at this place, especially those colorful houses are beautiful. It won't take you too much time to climb to the top, plus there are many stores along the way."
Sui Chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cerro Santa Ana by taxi or public transport to the base area near Puerto Santa Ana. From there, you'll begin your ascent via the numbered steps. +1
Yes, the main path to the lighthouse is clearly marked with numbered steps, starting from 1 and going up to 444.
Vehicle access to the very top is limited. The primary way to reach the lighthouse is by climbing the stairs from the base.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available and convenient for reaching the base of Cerro Santa Ana.
While not always advertised, local guides may be available. However, the marked path makes it easy to explore independently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Cerro Santa Ana and the lighthouse is free. You can explore the area and climb the stairs without any admission fee.
The area is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening. Sunset is a popular time to visit for the views.
There is no separate entrance fee for the lighthouse; it's part of the free public access to the summit of Cerro Santa Ana.
Since there's no ticket purchase required, advance booking is not necessary for visiting Cerro Santa Ana.
While generally open, it's advisable to check for any specific municipal announcements regarding access, especially during events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves about 444 steps and can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
At the summit, you'll find the iconic lighthouse, a small church, and breathtaking panoramic views of Guayaquil and the Guayas River. +1
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars along the path and at the base in Puerto Santa Ana, offering various dining options.
Many visitors report feeling safe, especially on weekends with more people around and security present. However, always exercise caution.
Sunset offers stunning lighting for photography, but the colorful houses are photogenic throughout the day.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself, the colorful houses lining the stairs, and the panoramic city views from the summit are prime photo locations.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the municipality before flying a drone in the area.
Capture the vibrant colors of the houses during the day and the city lights at dusk. The lighthouse is a great subject from various angles.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive city views, while a standard zoom can capture details of the colorful architecture.
Yes, the city lights create a beautiful backdrop for night photography from the top of Cerro Santa Ana.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climb: Steps, Safety, and Scenery
Safety is a recurring theme in visitor experiences. While the main tourist path is generally considered safe, especially during peak hours and weekends when more people are present, it's always wise to remain aware of your surroundings and belongings.
The scenery along the climb is a major draw. The brightly painted houses create a picturesque and lively atmosphere, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
The Lighthouse and Summit Views
The panoramic vistas from the summit are consistently praised by visitors. From this vantage point, you can see the sprawling urban landscape, the bustling port area, and the distinct architecture of Guayaquil.
Puerto Santa Ana: A Lively Waterfront
Puerto Santa Ana offers a different perspective of Guayaquil, contrasting with the historical climb of Cerro Santa Ana. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the malecón (waterfront promenade), taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
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