Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a provincial capital located on Ecuador's Pacific coast at the country's westernmost mainland point. The city sits within the Santa Elena Peninsula and serves as the administrative hub for the entire region.

Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded this settlement in 1531 and named it after Saint Helena of Constantinople. The land itself has roots going back over 10000 years, when early peoples first made their homes here.

The region maintains a strong connection to the sea that shows in the crafts and fishing traditions of the people who live here today. This bond shapes daily life and how locals relate to their coastal home.

The city center is easy to walk through, with clear streets and a straightforward layout to find your way around. Regular bus services connect to other cities like Guayaquil, making it simple to arrive or explore surrounding areas.

An archaeological museum here preserves human remains from over 10000 years ago, including skeletons of two people buried in an embrace. This rare find offers a direct look at the deep emotional bonds between early people at this location.

Location: Santa Elena Province

Location: Santa Elena Canton

Inception: August 18, 1531

Founders: Francisco Pizarro

Elevation above the sea: 40 m

Website: http://gadse.gob.ec

GPS coordinates: -2.22670,-80.85830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:34