Cerro Santa Lucia

Climbing to the top of Cerro Santa Lucía might leave you a little breathless, but it’s worth every step. You’re now standing on Pedro de Valdivia Square, named after the Spanish conquistador who defeated the local Indigenous forces  and founded Santiago. Back then, the hill was called Huelén, which means “curse” in the Mapuche language, but Valdivia renamed it Cerro Santa Lucía. It wasn’t until the 1870s that the hill began to attract visitors, when about a hundred prisoners were put to work carving out the winding stone paths you’re walking on now. The transformation of Cerro Santa Lucía is considered one of the most impactful urban renovation projects in Santiago’s history—a gift to the city’s residents. Before you head back down, make sure to climb up to the Torre del Mirador, the very top of the hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view over Santiago and the Andes Mountains stretching across the horizon.