Metropolitana de Santiago is the central Chilean region built around the capital, Santiago, a city of about seven million set in a valley between the Andes and the Coastal Range. Beyond the capital it holds the Cajon del Maipo canyon, the pottery town of Pomaire, the Maipo Valley vineyards and the Andean ski centres of Farellones, La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Cerro San Cristobal - Pedestre Trail from Pio Nono
The city's most-used hill walk climbs from Bellavista to the Virgin statue at the top of Parque Metropolitano, with Andes views over the whole basin.
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2
Cerro Santa Lucia Walk
A short stair-and-terrace climb through a landscaped hill in the middle of downtown, with castles, fountains and a city lookout.
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3
Cerro Manquehue via Via Cafe
The east-side city summit: a steep path to 1,638 m with the whole Santiago basin and the central Andes laid out below.
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4
Cerro Pochoco
A longer, quieter alternative to Manquehue with a wide ridge, mining-road start and views toward the Andean foothills.
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5
Cerro Ramon via Quebrada de Ramon
Santiago's classic high-altitude day hike: more than 2,400 m of climbing to a 3,249 m summit with a view from the city to the high Andes.
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6
Parque Quebrada de Macul Trail
A creek-side foothill park with an interpretive trail, native scrub and the first sections of the route toward higher Andean ridges.
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7
Cerro Renca Summit Trail
The high point of northwest Santiago, a quieter climb with views to the whole basin and the Andes.
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8
Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo Trails
A CONAF-managed reserve of Andean foothills with river pools, waterfalls, native forest and short well-signed trails.
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9
Monumento Natural El Morado - Laguna El Morado
A gentle climb in the high Andes to a lagoon at the foot of the El Morado glacier, with hanging ice and 4,490 m peaks as backdrop.
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10
Cascada de las Animas Nature Reserve Trails
A private nature reserve in the Cajon del Maipo with river, waterfalls and signed trails, which doubles as base for rafting and horse riding.
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11
Laguna Negra and Laguna Lo Encanado Shoreline Walk
A high-altitude Andean lake in the upper Cajon del Maipo with dramatic ridges and a quiet shoreline walk.
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12
Embalse El Yeso Viewpoint Walk
A turquoise high-Andean reservoir surrounded by snow peaks, with short viewpoint walks and one of the most photographed vistas of the Cajon del Maipo.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.