On one hand, Santiago de Chile is considered a flat city. Even though there could be more cycle tracks, there is a lot of potential for riding the bike. But mostly, the city is known for, and surrounded by, one of the worlds largest mountain ranges, the Andes, and has a lot of skyscrapers. Those offer very unique places where the city can be watched from above. The following post will discuss the 5 very best spots in order to be able to enjoy the very best views of this amazing city:
1) Torre Costanera (Costanera Tower):
It is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and with that title, Torre Costanera invites to enjoy one of the best views of Santiago. Sky Costanera, the real name of the lookout, rises 300 meters high, giving the tourist the possibility to understand the dimensions of this dense city. Look to the north, and you will see more of the iconic San Cristóbal Hill and, behind it, the suburbs of Recoleta, Huechuraba and Independencia. Turn yourself to the right and you will be amazed by the magnificent heights of the mountain range of the Andes that appears to guarding the city. Turn to the right again and you will be seeing one of the most populated areas of Santiago: Las Condes, Ñuñoa, Macul, La Reina and La Florida. Look to the right again and, if you came just before night, you will be enjoying a beautiful sunset, touching with its lights the west suburbs: Santiago Centro, Providencia and Estación Central. You can also understand the city’s organization, with the Mapocho River flowing from the Andes towards the Pacific Ocean. A must.
Payed: Yes.
How much? Monday to Sunday and Holidays: $10.000 Adult (13 – 64), $7.000 Kids (4 – 12) and Senior (65+), Students. Wednesdays: $7.500 Adult (13 – 64), $5.000 Kids (4 – 12) and Senior (65+), Students.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (holidays included): 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Las elevator ride going up is at 9:00 PM.
Address: Avda. Andres Bello 2457, Providencia
2) Baha’i Temple:
When you get to the Baha’i Temple in Peñalolén suburb, you realize why this cult choose this place to put one of its 9 Worships Houses of the world: its scenic view, in the foots of the Andes, with the huge Santiago at his foots makes you feel blessed. On winter, you can come here at the end of the day and admire the usually colorful sunsets (in winter, because of the change in the time schedule, the temple closes before night). But the star of this lookout is the the Bahá’í House of Worship of South America, that opened its doors on October 19th 2016, as a place of meditation and admiration to God. It is difficult not to be amazed by the architecture of the temple that resembles a flower in blossom. Even if you’re not a believer, this place invites you to maintain silence and enjoy the sight, an amazing way to end a perfect day.
Payed: No.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sundays: 9:00 AM to 7 PM.
Address: Diagonal Las Torres 2000, Peñalolén
3) Top of Cerro San Cristóbal Hill
One of the first things you would notice when you are arriving to Santiago vía airplane (and sometimes by bus), is that hills are all around the city. The one that stands out, without doubt, is Cerro San Cristóbal. This big hill is home to the Parque Metropolitano, the biggest urban park in Latin America and fourth in the world. There is lots to do in this park: walk or cycle its tracks, visit the Metropolitan Zoo, get a dive in one of its two public pools, take a trip in the renewed “Teleféricos” or take the “Funicular” to the top, in which a centenary statue of Virgin Marie stands. Here, you can also get an incredible view of the city, while drinking some “mote con huesillo” to refresh yourself.
Payed: Just the “Funicular” fee if you take it, because you can get to the top walking or by bicycle.
How much? Week days: $1.500 adults, $1.000 childs. Weekends and holidays: $1.950 adults, $1.300 childs.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Address: Pio Nono 450, Providencia
4) Top of Santa Lucía Hill
The small sister of San Cristóbal hill is Santa Lucía (we Chileans, so saints…), kind of an island in a sea of concrete. It is significantly smaller than San Cristóbal but its beautiful french architecture, constructed by Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna in 1872, and its unique atmosphere is enough to fall in love. Called “Huelen” by the indigenous locals (a pre-colonial word that means “sadness” or “sorrow”) it was first used by Spaniards to keep an eye on indigenous attacks that in the colonial epoch. Nowadays, it is a must see of the historic center of Santiago, with its big balconies, long staircases, chapel and a castle on the top. Perfect for a calm spot just in the middle of the city.
Payed: No.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Address: Santa Lucía Metro Station.
5) Top of Manquehue Hill
This is a little more “sporty” option and the only one in which you need to make a serious effort to get to the top. Praised as one of the best trekking routes in Santiago surroundings, from the very top of the Manquehue you can glimpse all the valley. If you are lucky enough to be in the city just after rain, that is the perfect moment to go up so you can get a clear image (most of the time, Santiago is cover in a cloud of pollution). In this hill you can see native flora and fauna and imagine how the conquerors arrived to this area about 500 years ago. Vía Roja, the principal route, is closed since September 2017, but there is still other options: Los Trapenses, acceso La Pirámide/cerro Carbón and acceso Agua de Palo. The first one is the easiest, while the other two could take more time and effort. Any option you take, you wouldn’t regret it.
Payed: No
Opening hours: Always, but it is recommended to go up during the morning.
Address: Depends on which path you choose.
