“In 1987, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, was in this car.” Although the inscription is not exactly that, that is basically what the sign inside one of the Cerro San Cristóbal funicular cars says. The Pope was there during his visit to the capital of Chile. As Cerro – a Spanish word that means hill or hill – is the best viewpoint in the city, in addition to housing one of the most important Catholic temples in the country, it was natural that the Polish pontiff would pass by there. And you, dear traveler, should do the same: this is one of the most interesting tours in Santiago. Why?
Well, for starters, because of the view, which is spectacular. O:
Cerro San Cristóbal is the second highest point in Santiago, at 845 meters. Exactly for this reason, it has been an important place for Chileans for centuries. The hill was already considered sacred by pre-Columbian populations who lived there, a feeling that was expanded when the Spanish founded the city in 1541. It wasn’t long until a huge wooden cross was placed on the hill overlooking the city.
In the 20th century, a movement began for, let’s say, the definitive canonization of the hill. This was how, in 1908, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception of Cerro San Cristóbal, a space at the top of the hill that is nothing more than the temple that the Pope visited in the 80s. From there, a 22.30 meter statue of Mary (including the pedestal) blesses the city, more or less like Christ the Redeemer does to Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the image, there is a church, where a mass is held every Sunday, always at 10:30 am.
See too: What to do in Santiago
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“But what if I’m not religious?”
Well, I’m not. And although Cerro San Cristóbal does have an interesting side for Catholics, it remains a great trip for those who are not. After the creation of the Sanctuary, the city government transformed the entire area of the hill – and a large area around it, including other hills – no Santiago Metropolitan Park. Therefore, there you will also find a viewpoint, the city zoo, swimming pools, leisure areas and a huge green area, a complex that forms one of the largest urban parks in the world.
Every Sunday, Cerro San Cristóbal is packed. Chileans go there in droves, eager to enjoy their time off, play sports and, of course, admire the view. Snack bars at the top of the hill help keep people interested, although the star of the place is the sunset. And the colors of Santiago, of course.
See too: Where to stay in Santiago
How to get to Cerro San Cristóbal
The most common way, especially for tourists, is by funicular, a type of train that goes up the hill. That’s how I got to the top, both times I was in the city. As stated at the beginning of the text, this was also the path chosen by John Paul II.
If you choose to take the funicular, get off at the Baquedano metro station (Lines 1 and 5). Walk for 15 minutes to the park entrance, which is at Pio Nono Street, 445. There you will see the first funicular station. Entry costs two thousand Chilean pesos (about 11 reais) on weekdays and a little more (2600 pesos) on weekends. The funicular runs from 1pm to 7pm in summer and from 1pm to 8pm in winter.
Practical information noted, it’s time to get on the funicular. There are three stations: the first, at the bottom of the hill, the second, in the middle of the way and which serves the Santiago Zoo, and the one at the top of the hill, where the viewpoint and the Sanctuary are located.
If you decide to go to the zoo, keep in mind that entry is purchased separately (about three thousand pesos) and that there are specific opening hours.
When you get off at the last station, you will come across a viewpoint. If you climb a few more steps, you will also reach the sanctuary, where the image of the saint is located. In both places the view is beautiful.
Although the funicular itself is an attraction, many people – especially city residents – climb the hill by bike, walking or even by car, although it is not possible to reach the top by vehicle. If you choose to go this way, just look for one of the several entrances to the metropolitan park.
Extra tip: the tour around Cerro San Cristóbal combines with two other things: visiting Neruda’s house, which is close to the first funicular station, and enjoying the nightlife in the Bellavista neighborhood. Take advantage of the opportunity to do at least one of these programs.