Cerro Pochoco
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Cerro Pochoco

4.6
·491k reviews·Puente Alto, Chile

A popular Santiago trek offering rewarding Andes views, accessible via public transport. Ideal for families and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Cerro Pochoco

Cerro Pochoco

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular Santiago trek offering rewarding Andes views, accessible via public transport. Ideal for families and nature lovers.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Cerro Pochoco is a classic Santiago panorama, a family-friendly trek with stunning views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Essential Footwear & Poles

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for stability on loose terrain.

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Views

Summit Views

Summit of Cerro Pochoco

Panoramic vistas of Santiago and the surrounding Andes mountains. A rewarding sight after your climb.

The Trek Itself

The Trek Itself

Trails of Cerro Pochoco

A moderately challenging hike with varied terrain, offering a great workout and connection with nature.

Winter Snow

Winter Snow

Upper slopes of Cerro Pochoco

Experience snow-capped peaks and a winter wonderland during colder months for a unique trekking adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Gear Up for Cerro Pochoco

This popular Santiago trek demands good footwear due to loose material and steep sections. Trekking poles are highly recommended by many visitors to help with stability and reduce strain on knees. Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly.

Timing Your Ascent

While Cerro Pochoco is a family-friendly trek, arriving early is key, especially on weekends, as parking is limited. Some visitors suggest it's best to go during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures for the hike.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Winter mornings
Why
Chance of snow, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#misterio #cuevas #puentealto #santiago #chile #cerro . Pd: Vídeo corregido, gracias a los que avisaron en buena onda.
@visitantescl
25.2K likes • 1.1M views

🥾 Essential Footwear & Poles

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for stability on loose terrain. Instagram+1

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated throughout your trek. Instagram

Esta mañana nos sumamos a la recuperación del patrimonio natural 🌻🌲 en el Cerro La Ballena en Puente Alto. Una maravillosa jornada que nos permitió conectar con los vecinos y vecinas, con la naturaleza y con la candidata presidencial Jeannette Jara ❤️
@li_fridman
16.8K likes • 257.9K views
📍Cerro Pochoco - Lo Barnechea En transporte público 🚍 te puedes acercar desde la estación de metro Escuela Militar tomando la micro c01 desde la parada 4 PC 160 que te deja en la PC 358 de Av. Las Condes esquina Raúl Labbé o desde la estación de metro Pedro de Valdivia caminando hasta la parada 3 PC 203 que te deja en el mismo PC 358 antes mencionado, una vez en la plaza San Enrique puedes tomar ...
mdelosangelesmenares
3.6K likes • 75.7K views

⏰ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited; aim for an early start to secure a spot. Instagram

♻️ Leave No Trace

Pack out all your trash and help keep the mountain clean. Instagram

📍Cerro Pochoco, Santiago • El cerro Pochoco es uno de los cerros más conocidos y visitados en la comuna de lo Barnechea Santiago El trayecto hacia el cerro Pochoco pareciera fácil, pero no lo es!. Desde el principio el sendero tiene mucho material suelto y pendientes pronunciadas, es importante el uso de calzado y bastones de trekking para evitar resbalar. Gran parte del trayecto será pendiente ...
wildtravelchile
1.8K likes • 26.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Essential Footwear & Poles

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for stability on loose terrain. Instagram+1

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated throughout your trek. Instagram

⏰ Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited; aim for an early start to secure a spot. Instagram

♻️ Leave No Trace

Pack out all your trash and help keep the mountain clean. Instagram

📱 Check Weather Beforehand

Conditions can change quickly; be prepared for varying weather. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cerro Pochoco for its accessible trekking trails and stunning panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes. It's praised as a family-friendly activity offering a great connection with nature. Some find the terrain challenging with loose material, emphasizing the need for proper footwear and trekking poles.

What People Like

Beautiful summit views
Family-friendly trek
Accessible nature escape

What People Dislike

Loose, steep terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Cerro Pochoco via public transport. From Metro Escuela Militar, take micro c01 to Av. Las Condes esquina Raúl Labbé. Alternatively, from Metro Pedro de Valdivia, walk to a nearby stop for the c01 micro. If using public transport to Plaza San Enrique in Lo Barnechea, you'll need a taxi or colectivo to the trailhead. Instagram+2

Yes, there is parking available, but it is limited. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Some suggest parking near the Observatorio Pochoco. Instagram

Yes, taxis and ride-shares are an option, particularly if you're taking public transport to Plaza San Enrique in Lo Barnechea, from where you can get a taxi or colectivo to the trailhead. Instagram+1

The closest metro stations are Escuela Militar and Pedro de Valdivia, from which you can connect to bus routes that will take you closer to the trailhead. Instagram

Yes, it is accessible by public transport, though it may require a combination of metro and bus, followed by a short taxi or colectivo ride from the nearest bus stop to the trailhead. Instagram+2

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of entry fees or tickets required for Cerro Pochoco. It appears to be an accessible natural area for hiking. Instagram+1

Specific opening hours are not listed, but it's a natural area best accessed during daylight hours. Early mornings are recommended for parking and cooler temperatures. Instagram

Based on available information, there is no entrance fee to hike Cerro Pochoco. Instagram+1

While some TikTok videos mention night hikes on similar hills like Cerro La Ballena, it's generally not recommended for Cerro Pochoco due to safety and trail conditions. Stick to daylight hours. TikTok

Cerro Pochoco is a well-known natural area within Lo Barnechea, often visited for its trekking opportunities. While not explicitly stated as a national park, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered medium-low difficulty, suitable for families. It involves steep sections and loose material, making trekking poles and good footwear advisable. Instagram+2

The trek is approximately 5 km round trip and can take about 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend, depending on your pace. Some longer routes like Loma de la Vaca can take much longer. Instagram+1

Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary. Don't forget sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Instagram+1

There are no specific facilities mentioned at the trailhead. It's a natural area, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. Instagram

Yes, Cerro Pochoco is often described as a family-friendly trek with medium-low difficulty, making it suitable for children. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes, perfect for landscape photography. The diverse flora and fauna along the trail also provide great photo subjects. Instagram

Yes, especially during winter months, you can encounter snow on the upper slopes, creating beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hour hues. Instagram

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones. However, it's always best to check local rules and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife. Instagram

The mountain is home to various flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for birds and other small animals, but always maintain a respectful distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cerro Pochoco is a fantastic option for families looking for an outdoor adventure. It's often described as a family-friendly trek with a medium-low difficulty level, making it manageable for children. The trail is relatively short, around 5 km round trip, and can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours for the ascent. Instagram

To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear, as the trail can be loose and steep in places. Trekking poles can also be helpful for both adults and older children to maintain balance. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, and remember to pack out all trash to keep the mountain clean for everyone to enjoy. Arriving early is a good strategy to avoid crowds and secure parking. Instagram+1

👟 Budget Travelers

Cerro Pochoco is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as there are no reported entrance fees or significant costs associated with hiking the trail. The primary expenses would be transportation to the trailhead and any personal gear you might need. Instagram+1

Utilizing Santiago's public transport system, including metro and micro buses, is the most economical way to reach the vicinity of Cerro Pochoco. From there, a short taxi or colectivo ride can complete the journey. Packing your own water and snacks will also save money compared to purchasing them near the attraction. This makes Cerro Pochoco an accessible and affordable outdoor activity. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Trekking Cerro Pochoco: What to Expect

Cerro Pochoco is a popular trekking destination in Lo Barnechea, Santiago, known for its accessible trails and rewarding summit views. The hike is generally considered to be of medium-low difficulty, making it a great option for families and beginner hikers. The trail is about 5 km round trip and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend. Visitors often note that the path has a lot of loose material and some steep inclines, which is why sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended to ensure stability and reduce strain. Instagram+2

Many visitors emphasize the importance of preparing for varying weather conditions. It's crucial to check the forecast before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Carrying sufficient water is also essential, especially during warmer months. The experience is enhanced by the natural beauty of the Andes, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all your trash and leaving the mountain as pristine as you found it. Instagram

For those looking for a slightly different challenge, the Loma de la Vaca shares a trail with Cerro Pochoco and offers a longer, more demanding trek of nearly 14 km. This route can take up to 6 hours and may involve encountering snow, especially in higher elevations during winter. Whether you choose the classic Pochoco trail or the more adventurous Loma de la Vaca, both offer a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding Santiago. Instagram

Getting to Cerro Pochoco: A Traveler's Guide

Reaching Cerro Pochoco from Santiago is achievable through a combination of public transport and a short taxi or colectivo ride. If you're starting from Metro Escuela Militar, you can take the c01 micro bus from stop PC 160 to stop PC 358, located at Av. Las Condes esquina Raúl Labbé. Alternatively, from Metro Pedro de Valdivia, you can walk to a nearby bus stop (PC 203) to catch the same c01 micro to the same destination. Instagram+1

Another common route involves taking public transport to Plaza San Enrique in Lo Barnechea. From there, you can easily find a taxi or a colectivo (shared taxi) to take you directly to the entrance of the Cerro Pochoco trail. Buses like the 411, C01, and C05 serve the Plaza San Enrique area. It's advisable to go early, especially on weekends, as parking at the trailhead is limited. Instagram+1

While the journey involves a few steps, the accessibility via public transport makes Cerro Pochoco a convenient option for those looking to escape the city and enjoy a hike without needing a private vehicle. Planning your route in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this popular trekking spot. Instagram

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