Visiting Fuente Neptuno at Cerro Santa Lucía was a highlight of my trip to Santiago. The fountain…read moreitself is incredibly grand, and the entire hill feels like a hidden oasis tucked away in the bustling city.
To get the best experience, you do have to put in some effort. There is a fair amount of hiking and stair climbing involved, but the panoramic views from the top are stunning - way better in person than in any photo!
It's completely free to enter. There is a person at the entrance who will ask for your name, group size, and ID number (like a passport). They just write it down and don't strictly verify it.
There are paid public toilets near the entrance, but be very cautious. The staff there are known to try and scam tourists by shortchanging them. It's a cash-only operation, so if you use a larger bill, make sure you count your change before walking away!