World by City

Shopping & districts

Las Peñas

Open in Maps
Las Peñas

Las Peñas

Las Peñas is a historic hillside neighborhood in Guayaquil characterized by colorful houses and stepped streets. Travelers visit this area to walk through its traditional architecture and climb to the lighthouse at the summit, which provides a view of the Guayas River and the city center.

Getting There

The neighborhood is located near the riverfront, within easy reach of the city center. Depending on your starting point, you can reach the area via taxi or ride-sharing services in approximately 5 to 15 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours to explore the neighborhood. This provides enough time to walk the stepped paths, visit local galleries, and reach the lighthouse at the top of the hill.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The area can become crowded, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Be aware that the climb to the lighthouse involves steep stairs, which may be challenging for some visitors.

Nearby Attractions

Due to its central location, this neighborhood can be combined with other nearby sites:

  • Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo (0.3km)
  • Torre The Point (0.5km)
  • Basilica La Merced (1km)
  • Luis Adolfo Noboa Naranjo Museum (1.1km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Las Peñas

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Las Peñas Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Guayaquil hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo

Museums & galleries

Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo

A museum located along the Malecón 2000 riverside promenade in Guayaquil, Ecuador, showcasing pre-Columbian art and culture from Ecuador and Latin America. It's a great stop to combine with a walk along the river.

0.3 km away

Torre The Point

Views & landmarks

Torre The Point

A high-rise office building in Guayaquil, standing 36 stories tall and considered Ecuador's tallest building. Located within the Ciudad del Río complex, it has become a symbol of the city's skyline.

0.5 km away

Basilica La Merced

Temples & religious sites

Basilica La Merced

A Roman Catholic church in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, holding the status of a minor basilica. Its delicate decoration and quiet interior make it a pleasant place to pause and rest.

1.0 km away

Luis Adolfo Noboa Naranjo Museum

Museums & galleries

Luis Adolfo Noboa Naranjo Museum

This art museum in Guayaquil houses the collection left behind by Ecuadorian businessman Luis Noboa Naranjo. Ten galleries display 97 works by Ecuadorian modern painters, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace.

1.1 km away

Torre Morisca, Guayaquil

Views & landmarks

Torre Morisca, Guayaquil

A landmark clock tower in Guayaquil that took its current form in 1931 after several rebuilds. It makes for a pleasant stop while strolling through downtown.

1.3 km away

Guayas River

Nature

Guayas River

Ecuador's most iconic river, so significant it even appears on the national coat of arms. Its banks running through downtown Guayaquil offer a great vantage point for the cityscape.

1.5 km away