Cerro San Cristobal

You’re now at the foot of the famous Cerro San Cristóbal, one of Santiago’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 860 meters above sea level, this scenic hill offers sweeping views of the city and the Andes Mountains beyond. It’s a perfect spot to take in Santiago’s landscape. If you’re not quite ready to climb it now, no worries—you can always come back later. Cerro San Cristóbal is the heart of Parque Metropolitano, the largest park in Santiago. Inside, you’ll find miles of walking and biking trails, beautiful botanical gardens, kids’ play areas, refreshing public pools, the National Zoo of Chile, and at the summit, a massive 22-meter-tall white statue of the Virgin Mary—Santiago’s equivalent of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer. This towering figure is visible from all over the city and has become one of its most recognisable symbols. At the base of the statue, there’s even a small chapel where Pope John Paul II once held mass during his visit to Chile. If you don’t fancy hiking to the top, you can take the funicular—it’ll carry you up to Terraza Bellavista, a panoramic viewpoint partway up the hill that offers incredible views. Entry to the park and the hill is free, but you’ll need to pay a small fee for the funicular, the pools, or the zoo. If you’re coming by car or bike, there’s also a small access fee.