The funicular
Since the 1920s.
Rjcastillo — CC BY 4.0 · David Berkowitz — CC BY 2.0 · Rjcastillo — CC BY 4.0 · Rjcastillo — CC BY 4.0
A green hill rising about 300 metres above Santiago, to 880 metres above sea level, known by its old Mapuche name Tupahue, and the heart of the Santiago Metropolitan Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Its summit gives the fullest view of the capital beneath the snow-capped Andes. The ride up is part of the fun: the historic funicular, running since the 1920s, climbs from Bellavista in wooden cars on a steep track, the cable car glides over the hills with wide views, and many walk or cycle up the winding roads. On the hill are Japanese and rose gardens, summer pools, the national zoo, old observatories and kiosks selling mote con huesillo, Chile's traditional drink of dried peach juice with husked wheat. The view is clearest after rain or in winter, when the smog lifts and the white peaks shine. The sun is strong in summer, so carry water.
Since the 1920s.
Over the hills.
City and Andes.
Santiago Metropolitan Park (Parquemet), Bellavista district
By funicular from Bellavista, by cable car, or on foot up the winding roads in about an hour.
