Signs in the park say this is the largest urban park in Latin America. I believe it, because it's massive! You could spend a day or two exploring the entire area. The park has so many trails, gardens, playgrounds and general amusements to keep you busy. There's even a zoo on the west side. Hiking all the way to the top for sunrise or sunset is magic. It'll take some time and effort but it's so worth it. Running or biking up will be your workout of the week. Bring lots of water and snacks because there's not much cover. Cars can't go up so plan for some effort! read more

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We started our day taking the tram up to Cerro San Cristobal to explore the rest of Parque Metropolitano. It was inexpensive to do so and the wait wasn't too bad, considering I hear that it can get pretty busy. It only took about 15 minutes to go all the way to the top and it's a great way to catch an awesome view of the city skyline. Immediately after getting off, you have the option to begin exploring what's on the platform like The Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception and stop into souvenir shops and restaurants to grab a meal or snacks to eat along the way. We moved right onto the cable car to travel across the park from stop to stop. The cable cars were very well kept and offered a floor-to-ceiling window so that you could an amazing view of the city as you traveled across the park. My hubby and I were lucky that most of our ride across, you didn't have to share it with others. I think a helpful thing to keep in mind is that you can't backtrack with a round trip ticket, but you can get off at any stop along the way and hop back on as long as it continues to progress forward. So we kept the map with us so we could plan which stops were the most important for us to want to hit. It was a really great way to see the city and enjoy free activities throughout our day there. Would absolutely recommend it! read more

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Parque Metropolitano de Santiago (the Santiago Metropolitan Park) is an urban park located within the city of Santiago, Chile. Comprised of the three cerros (hills) of San Cristóbal, Chacarillas and Los Gemelos, and the areas of Tupahue, Lo Saldés, Pirámide and Bosque Santiago, the park is located between four communes of Santiago - Huechuraba, Providencia, Recoleta and Vitacura - and covers around 722 hectares (1,800 acres). This is the largest urban park in Chile and one of the largest in the world. For comparison, North America's biggest urban park is New York's Central Park at 843 acres. The park was created in April 1966, when incorporating the Chilean National Zoo and the amenities of San Cristóbal Hill and is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. In September, 2012, the Chilean government resolved to significantly refurbish and expand the park over the following four years. The plan includes building new footpaths and trail, planting 100,000 more trees, and expanding the Chilean National Zoo. The crown jewel is Cerro San Cristobal which is filled with multiple attractions including the Chilean National Zoo, a cable car, a funicular, a botanical garden, two outdoor swimming pools, an observatory, a restaurant and souvenir stands, hiking paths as well as the scenic views of Santiago and the distant Andes mountains. You can see most of the city from up there. The OUTDOOR PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS The Park has two outdoor swimming pools: the Tupahue pool and Antilén pool. Both are open in summer from November to March. The Tupahue pool ("place of God") is of course on Tupahue Hill. This huge pool is 82 meters long and 25 meters wide. The cable car stops here at Estación Tupahue. On a stone wall is a famous mural by artists María Martner of Chile and Juan O'Gorman of Mexico. The Antilén pool ("there is sun") was opened in 1976 on the summit of Chacarillas hill with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The pool is 92 meters long and 25 meters wide. THE CABLE CAR The Cable Car was opened in 1980 and takes visitors from the base of the hill, in Pedro de Valdivia Norte neighborhood (Estación Oasis) to the summit (Estación Cumbre) in 20 minutes, passing through Tupahue station. Alight at Estación Tupahue for the Tupahue Pool, the Mapulemu Botanic Garden, and the Camino Real restaurant. THE HISTORIC FUNICULAR The funicular runs about 500 meters on a 45 degree incline, between Barrio Bellavista at the bottom to the summit of Cerro San Cristobal. The historic funicular, built in 1925, is declared a National Monument and is a cool thing to see and ride. And it saves you from a long hike. The first station is for the National Zoo and the botanical gardens, and the other station is at the summit. The funicular has two carriages, and a memorial plaque commemorates the ride of Pope John Paul II in 1987 to give mass at the sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill. THE CHILEAN NATIONAL ZOO Founded in 1925, the Zoológico Nacional de Chile is home to over 1,000 animals representing 158 species. Is currently in the process of expansion from its size of 4.8 hactares (12 acres). About one quarter of the animals and one-third of the birds are native to Chile. These include guanacos, llamas, rhea birds, condors, Humboldt penguins and the endangered pudú. Also on display is Darwin's Frog, a rare frog native to Chile known for its unique method of reproducing. The zoo also has elephants, giraffes, lions, jaguars, kangaroos, emus and polar bears. THE SANCTUARY ON SAN CRISTOBAL HILL This catholic sanctuary at the top of San Cristóbal Hill commemorates the Immaculate Conception, and has a 12 meter statue of the Virgin Mary that overlooks the city. The Pope gave mass here in 1987. THE BOTANICAL GARDENS The Jardin Botanico Chagual specializes in the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile and its rich pool of native plants. About one-third of over 3000 plant species here are found only in this region. Lots of trees evergreen and other trees also. Conservation and research. The Mapulemu Botanic Garden ("forest of the earth" in Mapundungun) is located at Estación Tupahue near the Tupahue pool and the Camino Real restaurant. BICENTENARY CHILDREN'S PARK This Children's Park was set to open in 2012 with an amphitheater, treehouses, water features, an interactive fence and a cable car. BYO children. read more

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Every time I come to Santiago, I suggest first timers come here. The view is spectacular, even on the hazy day I was there. I recommend an early start here, as the line for the funicular can get long. On the day I was here, it was about a 30 minute wait. When I left, the line was much longer. The funicular also stops at the zoo, part way up the hill. The ride is pleasant and if you can get in the front of the car, it's a great view. Once at the top, you'll find a large outdoor church with many flowers and shrubs. There is also a chapel and a gift shop. The pope is popular here, so there were many items with his image. Climbing the stairs takes you to the base of the Virgin Mary statue, with her arms out as if she is unsure of whether she should order a pizza or nachos. There were many people just sitting around, making a pristine photo difficult. But the people make it easy to give the statue's size perspective. There are places to find a snack and there is a toilet at the top. I spent about an hour there and then went back to the bottom to continue my tour of the city. Take a hat and water and sun screen would be good, as well. Don't forget your camera. read more

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This is where you can find The Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception on San Cristóbal Hill. They have a tram that can give you a lift to the top for pretty cheaply. The sanctuary has parking towards the top of the hill if you have your own car. They say that the peak of San Cristobal Hill is the highest point of elevation in Santiago. The view from this site is truly amazing, quite the panorama. My family and I came up here only expecting to see close up views of the giant statue that overwatches santiago. Admittingly the statue was definitely quite a sight. However the view was even more amazing than the statue. This place is definitely worth the stop if you are passing by. My family definitely enjoyed the spectacular view seen from the top of this hill. read more

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