Parque Metropolitano Santiago
Santiago's vast urban oasis with breathtaking views, lush gardens, and diverse attractions atop Cerro San Cristóbal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Parque Metropolitano Santiago
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Santiago's vast urban oasis with breathtaking views, lush gardens, and diverse attractions atop Cerro San Cristóbal.
"A must-visit for stunning views and a refreshing escape into nature within the city."
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, especially for popular spots like the viewpoints.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the extensive park grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirador Gabriela Mistral
Cerro San Cristóbal
Breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes. Perfect for sunset!
Japanese Garden
Cerro San Cristóbal
A tranquil oasis with vibrant flora, especially stunning in spring. A peaceful escape.
Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception
Cerro San Cristóbal Summit
Iconic statue of the Virgin Mary offering incredible city vistas. A spiritual and scenic spot.
Pasarelas (Walkways)
Various locations
Free, elevated wooden walkways offering unique perspectives of nature and the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Navigate the Expanse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, especially for popular spots like the viewpoints.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the extensive park grounds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Amenities are spread out, so staying hydrated and fueled is essential for a full day of exploration.
🚠 Utilize Cable Cars & Funicular
These are fun ways to get around and offer great views, especially for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, especially for popular spots like the viewpoints.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the extensive park grounds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Amenities are spread out, so staying hydrated and fueled is essential for a full day of exploration.
🚠 Utilize Cable Cars & Funicular
These are fun ways to get around and offer great views, especially for families.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Many areas of the park welcome your furry friends, making it a great outing for the whole family.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Parque Metropolitano Santiago's immense size, stunning panoramic views of the city and Andes, and the variety of attractions like the Japanese Garden and the Virgin Mary statue. It's praised as a perfect urban escape for nature lovers and families, offering both relaxation and active pursuits. Some minor issues include occasional lack of clear signage and obstructed views from overgrown foliage.
"The Santiago Metropolitan Park, also known as Parquemet, is widely regarded as one of the most impressive and largest urban parks in Latin America, offering stunning views and a variety of attractions. It is situated in Santiago, Chile, covering an expansive area that includes six hills, with Cerro San Cristóbal being the most popular one. I would like to highlight its beauty, well-maintained facilities, and the impressive panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding Andes Mountains. The park offers a great nature escape within the city, providing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sightseeing , and features numerous attractions such as a zoo, Japanese Garden, and the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception. Visitors constantly remark on the park's size, beauty, and the variety of attractions that make it a must-visit destination in Santiago. I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, for maximum enjoyment and to avoid crowds. Staying close to the cable car stations is advised due to the extensive size of the park, and bringing water and snacks is essential since amenities are spread out."
Mark Perczuk
"Parque Metropolitano de Santiago felt like the perfect escape from the city’s bustle. Riding the funicular up San Cristóbal Hill, I was treated to stunning views of Santiago stretching out below. The Japanese Garden was a serene highlight, offering a peaceful moment to pause and reflect.
Hiking through the trails was invigorating, and reaching the Virgin Mary statue at the summit felt rewarding. The National Zoo added a fun touch, especially seeing Chile’s native wildlife up close.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an active day outdoors, this park delivers. I left feeling refreshed, already planning my next visit."
Santanu Mukhopadhyay
"Amazing Park. We stopped here as our layover at SCL was about 8 hours and it was enough time to come here for a quick visit. The rides up and down on the funicular and gondolas are fun for the kids and they have a lot of activities and food to keep the family entertained. Highly recommended if you have a short time in Santiago."
Bhavik Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Parque Metropolitano Santiago via public transport. The closest metro stations are Pedro de Valdivia and Baquedano. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the park entrances. The funicular and cable car are also popular ways to ascend Cerro San Cristóbal within the park.
Yes, there is parking available at various points within the park, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. Some areas offer free parking.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify can drop you off at designated entrances of the park.
The park is extensive. You can walk, rent bikes, or use the funicular and cable car system to navigate between different attractions and viewpoints.
Key entrances include those near the Metropolitan Zoo, the Japanese Garden, and the base of the funicular on Cerro San Cristóbal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many areas of the park are free to enter, including the walkways and some viewpoints. However, specific attractions like the zoo or special events may have separate admission fees.
The park generally opens early, around 6 AM, and closes around 7 PM or later depending on the season and specific areas. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
For general park access, advance tickets are usually not required. However, for special events or specific attractions like the zoo, it's advisable to book online to secure your spot and potentially save time.
Absolutely! Exploring the viewpoints, walking the elevated pasarelas, and enjoying the natural landscapes are all free activities.
Fares for the funicular and cable car vary. It's best to check the official Parquemet website for current pricing, as they offer different ticket options for single rides or day passes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Mirador Gabriela Mistral for stunning views, the serene Japanese Garden, the iconic Virgin Mary statue, and the unique elevated walkways (pasarelas). The National Zoo is also a popular family attraction.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids will enjoy the zoo, the funicular and cable car rides, and open spaces for playing.
Definitely! There are numerous trails for hiking and areas suitable for biking. You can even rent bikes within the park.
The Mirador Gabriela Mistral and the summit near the Virgin Mary statue offer the most spectacular panoramic views of Santiago.
While official guided tours might be limited, many visitors create their own tours using online resources and maps. Some creators share detailed routes on platforms like TikTok.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants located throughout the park, offering various dining options.
Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially for longer visits, and many visitors enjoy picnics.
You can find a range of options from quick snacks and ice cream to more substantial meals at the park's eateries.
Yes, there are designated areas suitable for picnics, allowing you to enjoy a meal amidst nature.
Some of the park's restaurants and cafes offer seating with excellent views of the city, enhancing your dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mirador Gabriela Mistral, the Japanese Garden, the Virgin Mary statue, and the elevated walkways offer incredible photo opportunities. The cable car rides also provide unique shots.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for cityscapes and landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in large public parks for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check the park's official regulations before flying a drone.
The cable car provides sweeping aerial views of the park and the city, perfect for panoramic shots and capturing the scale of the park.
Influencers often highlight the Mirador Los Gemelos for its dramatic views and the Japanese Garden during cherry blossom season. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as the park is large and amenities can be spread out. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated areas. The open spaces and walking trails are perfect for little legs to explore, and the pasarelas offer a unique and safe way for kids to experience nature.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks for a picnic. While the funicular and cable car have fares, they offer excellent value for the experience and access they provide.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Japanese Garden provides a more intimate setting with its intricate details, tranquil water features, and vibrant seasonal blooms, perfect for landscape and macro photography. Don't overlook the elevated walkways (pasarelas) for unique perspectives of the park's natural environment and the urban sprawl.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cerro San Cristóbal: The Heart of Parquemet
+1Beyond the summit, Cerro San Cristóbal is a treasure trove of experiences. The Mirador Gabriela Mistral is a must-visit for photographers and anyone seeking breathtaking vistas, especially during sunset. For a moment of tranquility, the Japanese Garden offers a beautifully landscaped escape with its serene ponds, bridges, and meticulously pruned flora, particularly vibrant in spring.
Navigating Cerro San Cristóbal is part of the adventure. While walking is an option, the funicular and cable car are highly recommended for efficiency and enjoyment, especially for families. Remember to bring water and snacks, as the park is vast and amenities can be spread out.
Nature and Tranquility: Gardens and Green Spaces
+3Another significant natural area is the Bosque Santiago, an environmental education center focused on native forests. It's an ideal spot for breathing fresh air and reconnecting with nature without leaving the city. Visitors can explore its trails and learn about local biodiversity.
These green havens provide a welcome respite from the urban environment, offering opportunities for quiet contemplation, leisurely strolls, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world within the bustling city.
Activities for Everyone: From Adventure to Art
Families will find plenty to keep them entertained, with the National Zoo being a major draw, showcasing a variety of animal species. The funicular and cable car rides themselves are exciting experiences for children, offering fun transportation and great views.
The park also hosts events like outdoor cinema nights, offering a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend an evening under the stars.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit