PlanetEye

Any trip through Santiago would not be complete without a stop at Parque Metropolitano Cerro San Cristobal.  This is the largest park in Santiago and sits atop the second highest peak in Santiago.  The park houses a public zoo, gardens, picnic areas, miles of hiking and walking trails, two public swimming pools, a gondola, and at the summit an open air church, amphitheater, and 22 meter tall statute of the Virgin Mary.  The main entrance into San Cristobal is in Barrio Bellavista.  At the main entrance you will many local artists selling their goods, and when you make your way past them you will be forced to make your first decision in the park.  As previously stated this park sits atop a hill, and to fully enjoy the park you must get to the top of the hill.  Your two options in reaching the top is to pay for a ticket to ride the funicular or walk up to the top of the hill.  A walk is enjoyable and nice, but it is not an easy walk.  So if you do not like strenuous walks up hills, I would recommend a ride on the funicular.  The funicular will drop you off just below the summit.  From the funicular drop off just a short walk is required to get to the open air church and the great views to be had from atop Santiago's second highest peak.  Also nearby is a restaurant and the park's gondola.  A trip on the gondola will drop you off at one of the park's two pools, called Tupahue.  The second pool, called Antilén, can be reached via taxis that can be found at the entrance of the park or at the entrance to Tupahue.  Finally, if you are visiting Cerro San Cristobal stop at one of the information booths near the entrance to get a map of the park.  This is an essential tool in a visit as many of the parks attractions are poorly identified inside the park.  The park maps are easy to read and will guide you where you need to get.