Background

Faro Las Peñas: Guayaquil's Iconic Lighthouse

Climb the colorful steps of Las Peñas to Faro for breathtaking Guayaquil views and a glimpse into the city's rich history.

★★★★★4.8 (4)

Faro Las Peñas, a charming lighthouse in Guayaquil, Ecuador, sits atop Santa Ana Hill in the historic Las Peñas neighborhood. Ascend 444 steps through colorful streets to reach the summit, where panoramic city and river views await. This beacon represents the city's history and offers a rewarding climb through a vibrant cultural hub.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Faro

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Faro Las Peñas, Escalon 444, Guayaquil, Tarqui, 090313, EC

Explore places near Faro

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Faro

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Walking

    From the Malecón 2000, head north towards the Las Peñas neighborhood. Follow the cobblestone street Numa Pompilio Llona to the base of Santa Ana Hill. The staircase to Faro Las Peñas begins at La Planchada, where you'll start the 444-step climb. There are no costs associated with walking this route.

    Public Transport

    From Guayaquil city center (e.g., Parque de las Iguanas), take bus number 24 (or any bus heading towards Tarqui). Get off at the stop closest to Escalon 444, the address of Faro Las Peñas. From there, it is a short walk to the base of Santa Ana Hill and the start of the 444 steps to the lighthouse. A rechargeable card is needed for public buses in Guayaquil, obtainable at the bus stop for $2.00. The bus fare is $0.30 per person per ride.

    Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Guayaquil. Provide the driver with the address 'Escalon 444, Faro Las Peñas, Tarqui, Guayaquil 090313'. The taxi will take you to the base of Santa Ana Hill, where you can begin the climb to the lighthouse. Taxi fares are not regulated, so negotiate the price before starting your trip. A 5km ride in Guayaquil costs about $12.3 USD.

    Local tips

    Wear comfortable shoes for the 444-step climb to the lighthouse.
    Visit during sunset for spectacular views of Guayaquil.
    Explore the art galleries and shops in the Las Peñas neighborhood.
    Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night.

    Discover more about Faro

    Faro Las Peñas, gracing the summit of Santa Ana Hill in Guayaquil's oldest neighborhood, Las Peñas, is a must-see landmark blending history with stunning scenery. Built in 2002, this lighthouse replaced the original 1841 beacon that guided ships from Santa Clara Island. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city, offering visitors a rewarding climb and unparalleled views.The ascent to Faro Las Peñas involves traversing 444 steps winding through the vibrant Las Peñas district. This climb provides a glimpse into Guayaquil's past, with colorful houses, art galleries, and captivating street art lining the route. Once a marginalized area, Cerro Santa Ana has been transformed into a safe and appealing tourist destination.At the top, the lighthouse offers a 360-degree panorama of Guayaquil and the Guayas River. The site also features a colonial-style chapel, Plaza de Honores, and the Naval Museum El Fortín, adding to the historical significance of the location. Faro Las Peñas is more than just a viewpoint; it's an immersive experience that captures the essence of Guayaquil's culture and heritage.

    A brief summary to Faro

    Use Faro as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Salinas beach view in ecuador south america.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Southwest Coast

    Discover the Southwest Coast of Ecuador: A treasure trove of cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and coastal adventures.

    Tell me more about Southwest Coast

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.