圣塔安娜山

It was a hot day, but we started early. The lighthouse at the top was nice and the view of the city was nice. The way up had some places for drinks but many were closed when we were on the steps. We started to go down a side "street" but the security guard ( of which there are many) called us back and motioned for us to stay only on the steps. We saw people at the lighthouse at night, but I think it would be more of a daytime walk.

Visited here on a Sunday, after walking along the Malecon. The entrance to the path and stairs to the top is just off the main road at the end of the Malecon, The pathway and the stairs themselves are quite wide in most places and the stairs are not one continuous stretch so it was not as taxing as we first thought it would be when reading about how many stairs there were.Being a Sunday there were lots of locals (and security personnel) around and the area was quite vibrant with lots of music and people in the doorways of their houses, in bars and small restaurants along the route to the top. There were 4 of us (2 couples) and we felt quite safe.The 360 degree view from the top was spectacular. We could see the airport, our hotel (Hilton Colon), the city, the waterways and lots of different standards of housing. There was a beautiful little church at the top as well as a lighthouse.Not sure what it would be like on a weekday - presumably less people.Recommended.

My friend and I were in Guayaquil for a long layover on our way back to the States and decided to venture out into the city for the afternoon. We headed to this area as other reviewers had suggested it as a good (and relatively safe) walking zone. Indeed it was - there was a pop up street market near one plaza (happened to be a Japanese anime festival of some kind - random!) and the many steps (numbered and in the hundreds) lead you up to a 360 degree vista complete with a small church, a lighthouse and a fake 1/2 pirate ship. If you have the time, walk around this area - there are plenty of bars and little shops to check out along the way.

The steepness of the climb undoubtedly puts some visitors off but this area is well worth investigating. The brightly coloured houses tumble down the hill and the views from the lighthouse at the top (which is open and free to visitors) is lovely and gives a real sense of the size and scope of the city. You can see the way the river splits and winds towards the sea and the way that areas of higher ground was colonised first, as well as the sheer scale of the river. Drinks/ iices are sold from front doorways en-route, there's at least one place to stop for a cool beer and there's a "local" restaurant at the top serving typical dishes. A small park next to the summit has various "maritime" artefacts. It is apparent that a lot of money has been spent making this whole area inviting for tourists. Apparently it used to be a crime hotspot (and you can see how the very narrow passages and steep inclines would give a local mugger a distinct advantage) but now it is a safe and friendly place where you feel welcome as well as secure.Wish I could post some photos as it was very photogenic!

This was a great find for us. What was a miserable part of town was completely transformed by adding this beautiful stairway to the old fort and light house. Each step is numbered from 1 - 446 but there are small plazas and benches along the way. The staircase goes past homes, shops, bars and restaurants up to a small chapel and parts of the old fort with a few cannons. They have made it plain that this part of the city has been reclaimed from the "bad guys". There are security cameras and Police as well as security guards.If you go to the top of the light house it is a total of 497 steps, I counted. Estopped at a little bar on the way down for some beer and a tremendous view of the two rivers coming together.

It is a nice and easy way up. Beautiful colored houses and a nice vieuw on the river and town. Not enough bars or cafetarias for a coffee or a cold drink. Safe trip to do durind day light.

This area have several cheap local restaurant or cafes.Not sure if everyday is so packed, but there were guards and people everywhere.On the top there is a church and it provides views from the whole city.The view is worth the hike.

This is for me, the best of Guayaquil. Its 440 steps to climb up the El Faro are tired but the view of the city from this point is outrageous!!! You can visit during the day or before 10:00 p.m. do not forget your camera!!! Night view of Guayaquil is the best, so if you can go at night I would recommend it. If you forget your camera, you will regret it or will have to return!! You have to pass by the middle of a neighborhood and some bars and small restaurants are available. Don't miss!!

Area known as Las Penas also, a fine hike and views, history, flora, and plenty of police to keep it safe for tourists. Not there for a meal, but would be great place as described by others. Good art galleries at the bottom of the hill.

This is where the city was first established in the 1500's and today is the most picturesque area with the colorful houses, the lighthouse and chapel at the top of the 444 steps. It's just like a postcard. Stopped at La Taberna Bar at about step 100 on my way back down for a beer. Went late in the afternoon so not much going on, but well worth the steps up and back down just for the beauty of it and the great view of the city.

This place is full of colours, bars, restaurants, on the other side of the hill. From the top you get a wonderful view of the city. Dont forget to stop and try the delicious fried green plantains (patacones) and black coffee. You can visit this place anytime from 9am till late night. You can spend 3-4 hrs around here. Congrats for choosing this place to visit in Guayaquil..

Very beautiful houses and little shops on either side of the steps so you can have a cold beer if you get tired on the climb up to the top!

We took a walk from the malecon to Las Penas. It is a nice area with old buildings, cobblestoned roads and lots of artists. From Las Penas you can walk up to Cerro Santa Ana, which used to be a very dangerous area but there are now restored houses, restaurants, cafes and shops. You can walk the 444 steps up to Plaza de Honores, which gives you amazing views of the city.

Very much worth the hike up to the top in spite of the blazing midday heat. Recommendation is to go before 10am (maybe even before 9am) or to go around 3/4pm when the sun has begun to retreat. The little restaurants and bars don't really add much to the ambience on the way up, but the winding stairs are really a joy to ascend if only for the breathtaking view from the top.

I started to climb the 444 steps at 05:00, well before sunrise, very few people around but it all felt perfectly safe. Interesting photos on the walls of some properties of how they looked before the area was renovated. I met some very helpful security patrolmen near the top who got the guard to open up the lighthouse courtyard well before its official opening time. The best possible view of Guayaquil and a beautiful light early in the morning. The lighthouse itself though was not open until 10:00. As I descended nothing much was open but there were all the preparations going on to start the day. Back to my hotel for breakfast.I did not have time to visit in the evening when I am sure it would have transformed from the sleepy village to a bustling town.