Cerro Santa Ana
Cerro Santa Ana
4.5
About
Like the ugly duckling to swan tale, this once poor area was transformed into a prime tourist attraction – a 465-foot stairway flanked by colorful houses, eateries, gift shops and galleries.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,016 reviews
Excellent
543
Very good
402
Average
57
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Lorali Reynolds
Portland, OR19 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
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 and we had lots of people offer assistance and chairs. Wonderful Ecuadorians all along the hill. We enjoyed the history and the whole idea of making it a revived space. You can do this even if you think you can’t. Lots of places to rest and get refreshments.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natalia c
Lima, Peru114 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
For me, this is the #1 attraction in Guayaquil.
Although the view is fantastic, if you normally have a bad time with the heat, you won't be able to appreciate it as well as you could. Bear in mind that you have to climb 444 steps to get to the top.
There are plenty of shops on your way up that sell cold drinks and ice cream, but the price is (obviously) a little higher than it would be if you bought them elsewhere. These work as bars too. However, there isn't much food for sale.
Although the view is fantastic, if you normally have a bad time with the heat, you won't be able to appreciate it as well as you could. Bear in mind that you have to climb 444 steps to get to the top.
There are plenty of shops on your way up that sell cold drinks and ice cream, but the price is (obviously) a little higher than it would be if you bought them elsewhere. These work as bars too. However, there isn't much food for sale.
Written July 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orcaSydney_Australia
Greater Hobart, Australia216 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
444 steps to the top.
Guayaquil was once a haunt of pirates and on this historic hill you can see reminders of some of the original fortifications. The access to the top of the hill is by foot and it is very colourful on the way.There are many finely restored cafes, bars and private residences on the way up to the top where there is a small church with nice stained glass windows a lighthouse and great views of the city.
Guayaquil was once a haunt of pirates and on this historic hill you can see reminders of some of the original fortifications. The access to the top of the hill is by foot and it is very colourful on the way.There are many finely restored cafes, bars and private residences on the way up to the top where there is a small church with nice stained glass windows a lighthouse and great views of the city.
Written May 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyinPawPaw
Michigan25 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
We wanted to visit Cerro Santa Ana but my wife has difficulty with stairs. We were excited to read others on this forum tell of going around the backside for easier access. Bad idea. Very bad idea.
We found a taxi and explained what we wanted to do. He seemed amiable to the idea. When we arrived and jumped out of the taxi two young women came running up and began yelling excitedly in Spanish. Something about robbers and danger. Suddenly the taxi driver is yelling, venga, venga, venga, meaning "come on, let's get out of here." Back into the taxi we jumped and away we went with a great squealing of tires. Later the driver explained that the girls were saying there was a gang of thugs coming down the street and as obvious tourists we were in danger.
Back at the hotel the owner told us that the only safe place on Cerro Santa Ana is the stairs which are heavily patrolled by the police. Anyone straying away from the stairs and into the back neighborhoods puts themselves in danger. So if you want to visit Cerro Santa Ana stick to the stairs and do not go "around back" looking for an easier way to the top.
We found a taxi and explained what we wanted to do. He seemed amiable to the idea. When we arrived and jumped out of the taxi two young women came running up and began yelling excitedly in Spanish. Something about robbers and danger. Suddenly the taxi driver is yelling, venga, venga, venga, meaning "come on, let's get out of here." Back into the taxi we jumped and away we went with a great squealing of tires. Later the driver explained that the girls were saying there was a gang of thugs coming down the street and as obvious tourists we were in danger.
Back at the hotel the owner told us that the only safe place on Cerro Santa Ana is the stairs which are heavily patrolled by the police. Anyone straying away from the stairs and into the back neighborhoods puts themselves in danger. So if you want to visit Cerro Santa Ana stick to the stairs and do not go "around back" looking for an easier way to the top.
Written February 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lily
Los Angeles, CA38 contributions
Dec 2011 • Solo
If you are facing the river from the Malecon and you look to your left, you'll see a few hills with multicolored homes covering them. This is Cerro Santa Ana, the one with the lighthouse at the top. It seems insurmountable to get there, let alone up the hill, but the hole neighborhood is set up for visitors. The entire hill has signposted pathways with stairs directing you to the top, or to other points if that is your destination. Super easy, you'll be at the top before you know it, looking down at stunning views of the river and town. The whole place looks like a map come to life.
Written January 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael
New York City, NY9 contributions
Cerro Santa Ana is a colorful neighborhood located on a hill directly north of the Malecon 2000. What used to be one of the worst areas of the city (it looks like a Favela) is now a vibrant commercial area with several restaurants and bars lining the 400+ step staircase.
Once you get to the top, you can visit a small church and lighthouse. The views of Guayaquil are the best from this vantage point. Completely safe during the day and early evening. It does get a little rowdy closer to midnight, but I still saw plenty of police patrols.
Las Penas is located at the bottom of Cerro Santa Ana, towards the river. There are a few nice art galleries there, and probably the nicest colonial buildings in the city (the rest of Guayaquil is a hodge-podge of concrete and corrugated metal).
Worth checking out.
Once you get to the top, you can visit a small church and lighthouse. The views of Guayaquil are the best from this vantage point. Completely safe during the day and early evening. It does get a little rowdy closer to midnight, but I still saw plenty of police patrols.
Las Penas is located at the bottom of Cerro Santa Ana, towards the river. There are a few nice art galleries there, and probably the nicest colonial buildings in the city (the rest of Guayaquil is a hodge-podge of concrete and corrugated metal).
Worth checking out.
Written February 17, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngieGreek
Florida1 contribution
We walked from one side of the Malecon to the other so we happened to stumble upon Cerro Santa Ana on accident. The colorful hillside peaked our interest from afar. So off we ventured to the hill we went!!!
The cobblestone roads were so inviting, the art galleries on the water captivating and the climb uphill worth it's weight in gold! Go up thirsty, stop at the top and grab a cerveza or two. Talk about relaxation... We loved Ecuador!
The cobblestone roads were so inviting, the art galleries on the water captivating and the climb uphill worth it's weight in gold! Go up thirsty, stop at the top and grab a cerveza or two. Talk about relaxation... We loved Ecuador!
Written July 7, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessei C
14 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
The "Santa Ana" Hill, is one of the most attractive places in the city of Guayaquil, you must climb 465 stairs to reach the hill "Santa Ana", which are clearly marked, so you can track your ascent. In 20 or 25 minutes you can reach the top. You will find yourself with stunning views that it will be worth all the effort.
All the way through, you will find a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries and shops mixed in with residences. Many of the buildings are painted in bright, contrasting colors, creating a beautiful effect and at the top you will find the chapel of Santa Ana, along with a beautiful lighthouse and from its top you can watch the rest of city.
I recommend this place for enjoying with all family or friends.
All the way through, you will find a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries and shops mixed in with residences. Many of the buildings are painted in bright, contrasting colors, creating a beautiful effect and at the top you will find the chapel of Santa Ana, along with a beautiful lighthouse and from its top you can watch the rest of city.
I recommend this place for enjoying with all family or friends.
Written June 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom0486
Luang Prabang, Laos17 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
at the end of the malecon, you can climb the more than 400 steps. If you need it, take your time, but you have to do it. You'll be rewarded with some nice views of the big city that Guayaquil is. On the way to the top, there are several bars and food opportunities. When you're in Guayaquil, this is a must visit!
Written July 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enrique Blacio
Guayaquil, Ecuador33 contributions
Colorful houses and the best overview of the city from the top. Of course you have to climb 444 steps, but the way is paved with pubs, bars, restaurant, you can go at you own pace!
Written March 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Any that are near the hill or near the waterfront will tell you
Written September 26, 2018
¿ Como puede llegar al mirador una persona discapacitada ? con grandes dificultades para andar.
Muchas gracias.
Written May 23, 2017
Gracias por su interés de visitar el Cerro Santana, por ahora no esta disponible para personas con discapacidades para subir escaleras, se espera que el Municipio en algún momento haga algún medio para poder subir mediante transporte aéreo.
Written May 24, 2017
What is the best time to visit the 444 stairs? I want to be able to go into open shops, cafés and mingle with the local people. In the month of September.
Written April 15, 2017
things open up about 9:00 or 10:00 every morning, watch out for Sundays and Mondays though, museums are closed on Mondays, some shops follow suit. Best bet, Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 - 6:00
Written April 19, 2017
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