The best walks and hikes in Santiago Metropolitan
4.8
(450)
4,040
hikers
67
hikes
Hiking in Santiago Metropolitan offers diverse landscapes, from the towering Andes Mountains to the west and the Coastal Range to the east. The region features numerous hills, national parks, and natural monuments, providing varied hiking experiences. This unique geography includes snow-capped peaks, Mediterranean forests, and Chilean palm trees.
Best hiking trails in Santiago Metropolitan
- The most popular hiking route is Cerro El Carbón Trail, a 4.9 miles (7.9 km) trail that takes 4 hours 1 minute to complete. This…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.7
(54)
474
hikers
7.95km
04:01
650m
650m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(54)
474
hikers
8.00km
04:05
660m
660m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sign up for free
4.6
(29)
246
hikers
6.24km
02:04
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(27)
279
hikers
5.19km
02:27
540m
540m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(11)
191
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(25)
138
hikers
10.3km
04:29
860m
860m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(25)
138
hikers
10.2km
04:28
860m
860m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(22)
121
hikers
13.2km
06:06
1,020m
1,020m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(13)
119
hikers
19.1km
08:43
1,570m
1,570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(8)
102
hikers
7.55km
02:19
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Beautiful viewpoint! Los Peumos trail, a lovely route to end with a refreshing swim
0
0
At the entrance of the Zorro Vidal trail, at the foot of San Cristóbal hill, you can contemplate a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Santiago.
0
0
The Mirador de la Roca viewpoint, in the Aguas de Ramón Natural Park, is a natural balcony with sweeping views of the valley and the rugged foothills of the Andes. Access is via a well-marked trail that combines shade with more exposed sections. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery before continuing your hike; wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on hot days.
0
0
The Altas Cumbres viewpoint, in Aguas de Ramón Natural Park, offers a sweeping view of the foothills mountains and the valleys surrounding Santiago. It's a very rewarding end to a steady, well-marked climb. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended, as much of the route is exposed and sunny.
0
0
From the viewpoint, the city unfolds at your feet like a network of avenues, parks, and rooftops that fade into the horizon. Around it, the mountains rise in a vast natural amphitheater, displaying varying shades of green and gray that frame the landscape. A truly breathtaking sight.
0
0
It's an access point on mountain routes, surrounded by vegetation and trails that connect to stunning natural landscapes. From there, you can begin hikes to higher elevations.
0
0
From this high point you can appreciate the contrast between wooded areas and open clearings, while the tranquility of the place invites you to contemplate the landscape calmly and enjoy a moment of connection with nature.
0
0
The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception symbolizes the purity and grace of Mary, conceived without original sin. She is traditionally depicted wearing white and blue robes, with her hands clasped and the moon at her feet, a symbol of light and hope. On San Cristóbal Hill, her image rises like an icon, watching over the city from its heights.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Santiago Metropolitan?
Santiago Metropolitan offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 60 routes available on komoot. These range from easy urban walks to challenging high-altitude expeditions in the Andes.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Santiago Metropolitan has many easy trails. For instance, the Circular cima del cerro San Cristóbal por sendero Zorro Vidal — Santiago de Chile is an easy 2.8-mile path with panoramic city views. Quebrada de Macul Natural Park also offers family-friendly walks through sclerophyllous forest.
What are some notable viewpoints or landmarks I can see on a hike?
Many trails offer stunning views. Cerro El Carbón Trail provides panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes. Cerro San Cristóbal, accessible via the Circular cima del cerro San Cristóbal por sendero Zorro Vidal, offers city vistas and the iconic Statue of the Immaculate Conception. For a historical viewpoint, consider Cerro Santa Lucía.
Are there any hiking routes that feature waterfalls?
Yes, you can find waterfalls on some trails. Aguas de Ramón Natural Park, on the eastern side of Santiago, features the impressive Apoquindo Waterfall. Quebrada de Macul Natural Park also has a 10-meter Macul Waterfall, ideal for an easy walk.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Santiago Metropolitan?
The best time to hike generally depends on the specific trail and elevation. For high-altitude areas like El Morado Natural Monument, it's recommended to visit between December and March due to climatic conditions. Lower elevation trails and urban hills can be enjoyed for much of the year, though summer can be hot and winter may bring snow to higher peaks.
Are there any circular or loop trails in the region?
Yes, Santiago Metropolitan offers several loop trails. The Morro Las Papas and Alto de las Vizcachas Loop Trail is a moderate option offering impressive panoramic views. Another popular loop is the Circular cima del cerro San Cristóbal por sendero Zorro Vidal.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Santiago Metropolitan?
The hiking routes in Santiago Metropolitan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from Andean peaks to urban hills, and the well-marked paths that cater to various ability levels.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced mountaineers?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers, Cerro Provincia offers a challenging experience with beautiful landscapes, often starting from Ñilhue Bridge or San Carlos de Apoquindo. Cerro El Plomo is another demanding option, known for its height and archaeological significance, with trails leading from the Farellones area. The Cerro El Carbón and Cerro Manquehue Traverse is also a difficult route with significant elevation gain.
Can I access hiking trails using public transport?
Many trails in Santiago Metropolitan are conveniently accessible, some even by public transport. For example, Cerro San Cristóbal, located within Parque Metropolitano, is easily reachable from the city center. Always check specific route access details for public transport options.
Are permits required for hiking in Santiago Metropolitan's parks?
Some natural parks and monuments in Santiago Metropolitan may require permits or entrance fees. For instance, El Morado Natural Monument and Aguas de Ramón Natural Park typically have entry requirements. It's advisable to check the specific park's regulations before your visit.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see while hiking?
Santiago Metropolitan's unique geography offers diverse natural features. You can encounter snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the Andes, Mediterranean forests, and even Chilean palm trees in areas like La Campana National Park. The region also boasts numerous hills, rivers like the Maipo, and unique rock formations such as those at Morro Las Papas.
Are there any trails that lead to astronomical observatories?
Yes, Cerro Pochoco, located in El Arrayán, offers a moderately challenging climb with panoramic views and is home to the Cerro Pochoco Astronomical Observatory. This provides a unique destination for hikers interested in both nature and astronomy.
Most popular routes in Santiago Metropolitan
Most popular attractions in Santiago Metropolitan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
