San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Walking/Hiking,
Monument - Natural,
Park / Garden
The Santiago skyline is dominated by San Cristobal Hill - or Cerro San Cristobal, a forest-carpeted mountain rising from the city, protected as the Parque Metropolitano, or city park. It was once called Tapahue, after the indigenous headdress it resembles, and developed into a public greenspace at the beginning of the 20th century, after the astronomical observatory was constructed atop.
Today, the park serves as a scenic escape above the smog that can choke Santiago on winter days, and offers fantastic views across this city of 6.5 million to the Andes. Walking trails, picnic spots, and an amphitheater are all dwarfed by the 22-meter (72-foot) statue of the Virgin Mary, erected here in the 1930s.
The park extends into the cerro's skirts, and also encompasses the National Zoo and two pretty public pools, both excellent options for families.
Latest Reviews
Review by Clair M, May 2013
Doing what: Santiago Like a Local: Private Walking Tour with Coffee, Markets, Street Food and San Cristobal Hill
(see review for Private Walking Tour, Santiago like a Local). Our tour guide was Gladys and she was excellent in every way. Can't recommend this half day tour with her enough - we wish all of our tours this week had been with Gladys, such was her knowledge of the subject matter, country and culture. She had excellent English, was and looked very professional and was fun - she joined in our English humour. Fascinating day, the best tour we did as it gives you a great introduction and background to the city and country you're in. If there's one thing you do in Santiago, do this tour. A very nice lady. Thank you Gladys - you're a credit to your employer.
Review by Robert C, April 2013
Doing what: Santiago Like a Local: Private Walking Tour with Coffee, Markets, Street Food and San Cristobal Hill
gOOD ALLROUND TOUR
Review by Rodney C, March 2013
Doing what: Santiago City Sightseeing Tour
The tour guide was extremely informative. Her knowledge on the history of the city gave us great overview. of its customs and history. I have already recommender it to my next door neighbour who is travelling to Santiago next month.
Practical Info
While you can certainly climb the 860-meter (2,821-foot) San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal) yourself, or perhaps hire a car or take a taxi, there are 2 other options worth considering.
From the Pío Nono entrance to the park, you can take the Funicular, a steeply pitched railway with wonderful views. If you're closer to the Pedro de Valdivia Norte entrance, the slightly less expensive cable car sails through the air up toward the peak. Both stop at the swimming pools and National Zoo.
While the park itself is free, note that there are surcharges for just about everything else, including stiff parking fees and separate admission costs to the pools, zoo, and amphitheater. It's still worth it.
