Cerro Santa Lucía

Cerro Santa Lucía — The Founding Hill

While Cerro San Cristóbal is the taller and more famous of the two city hills, Cerro Santa Lucía has the more exciting history: Here, Pedro de Valdivia founded the city of Santiago in 1541. The 69-meter-high hill in the center was transformed into a romantic park in the European style by Intendant Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna at the end of the 19th century — with winding staircases, balustrades, fountains, terraces, and a neo-Gothic castle ruin (Castillo Hidalgo) at the summit.

The ascent through the winding stone stairs takes only 15–20 minutes and leads past bougainvillea, palms, and small viewpoints. Once at the top, the Terraza Caupolicán offers a 360° view over the city center, while the highest point (Terraza Neptuno) reveals the view of the Andes. Less crowded than Cerro San Cristóbal and right in the center — perfect for a stop during a city tour.

Castillo Hidalgo

The neo-Gothic fortress at the summit now houses a event center and a restaurant with a terrace. The architecture feels like a piece of medieval Europe in the middle of South America — a fascinating contrast.