Given its prime location close to Santiago’s historic center and the Lastarria neighborhood, most city tours at least pass by the impressive main entrance to Cerro Santa Lucía, while some factor in time to climb to the peak. Choose the option that suits you: half-day and full-day excursions, both group and private, are typically available, as well as options that include trips to nearby wineries and vineyards. You can also visit the Santa Lucía Hill independently—pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely picnic overlooking Santiago.
A visit to Santa Lucía Hill can be easily added onto a day in the Lastarria, Bellavista, or Historic Center neighborhoods.
It’s free to enter.
Skip the heels and flimsy sandals if you plan on walking to the peak of Cerro Santa Lucía, as there are lots of steps and cobblestones to contend with.
An elevator at the end of Huérfanos Street takes you halfway to the top of the hill.
It’s best to visit Santa Lucía Hill during the day, as it can be unsafe after dark.
Cobblestones, steps, and other uneven walkways mean the Cerro Santa Lucía is not fully wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Santa Lucía Hill is sandwiched between downtown Santiago and the popular Lastarria neighborhood. As such, it’s well served by public transit—depart at the Santa Lucía subway stop. Alternatively, it’s easy to arrive on foot from the aforementioned neighborhoods.
Santa Lucía Hill is accessible year-round from mid-morning to early evening, although it’s best to visit during the day. In summer—December to February—it’s far more pleasant to climb the hill in the morning, before the worst of the day’s heat. If possible, you should also try to visit on a clear day to enjoy the best views over surrounding Santiago.
The Santa Lucía Hill viewpoint—known as the Torre Mirador—may be one of the city’s most popular places for panoramic vistas, but there are plenty of other sky-high spots from which to enjoy the view. If you’re happy to spend some money for a view, head to the Sky Costanera, South America’s tallest lookout, or simply ride the Metropolitan Park Cable Car for mountain top views.