Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana

Las Peñas is the oldest existing district of Guayaquil; its houses date from more than one century ago. It is located in the Santa Ana hill and houses buildings that belonged to important figures of ecuadorian history.

The horizon line facing, when viewed from the Guayas River, is punctuated by two hills on its right margin. The Santa Ana and El Carmen Hills are unequivocal icons of visual reference to locate any of the principal sectors of the city. For it was here, on the Santa Ana Hill and its surroundings that the first definite settlement of its citizens began in 1547. Seeking security on the “little Green Hill”, as it was originally called, was a logical decision, since it afforded complete visibility and ample possibilities for defense. Additionally, the firm ground, compared to the plains below, allowed for more solid and reliable structures that would adhere to the hill like climbing ivy. It was here that the first Main Church and Town hall were built, the traffic of its populace slowly trickling downward to the surrounding areas. The San Carlos and La Planchada fortifications were emplaced directed toward the River in order to face one of the most fearsome enemies of the city, pirates. The glories of pirates battles gradually gave way to commercial triumphs.

It gives name to the Guayas Province, and it is the most important river in South America that does not flow into the Atlantic Ocean or any of its seas. Its total length, including the Daule River, is 389 km. It is the national river of Ecuador, and is present on the Coat of Arms.