Santa Ana Hill facts for kids

Santa Ana Hill is a really cool place to visit in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It's a famous tourist spot that offers amazing views and a peek into the city's past.

History of Santa Ana Hill

When you look at the Guayas River, you'll see two hills on its right side: Santa Ana Hill and El Carmen Hill. These hills are like landmarks that help people find their way around the city.

Long ago, around 1547, people started building their homes right on Santa Ana Hill. They called it the "Little Green Hill" back then. It was a smart place to settle because you could see everything from up there, which was great for defense. The ground was also firm, making it easier to build strong houses and buildings compared to the flat areas below.

The very first main church and town hall were built here. Slowly, more people moved down from the hill to the areas around it. To protect the city from pirates, who were a big threat, they built forts like San Carlos and La Planchada facing the river. Over time, battles with pirates became less common, and the area became more about trade and business.

Exploring Santa Ana Hill Today

Today, you can still see old cannons and parts of the forts around Santa Ana Hill. Climbing up to the top is a fun adventure! You start at the Diego Noboa central staircase. As you go up, you'll see houses painted in bright, cheerful colors.

There are 456 steps to reach the top. Along the way, you'll pass by cozy cafes, tasty restaurants, art galleries, and small, charming plazas. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the entire city. It's a perfect spot for taking pictures!

Cool Places to See

There are several interesting spots to check out on the hill:

• Plaza mirador el fortin: A lookout point with great views.
• Capilla de Santa Ana: A small, pretty chapel.
• Lighthouse: A tall lighthouse offering panoramic views.
• Plaza de honores: A plaza where you can learn about the hill's history.
• Museo Abierto: An open-air museum.

Places to Eat and Drink

Santa Ana Hill is surrounded by many places where you can grab a bite or a drink:

• La Palette (bar)
• Escalon 69 (bar)
• Budahai (bar)
• La casa del Marinero (restaurant)

See also

In Spanish: Cerro Santa Ana (Guayaquil) para niños