Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Santiago

Santiago Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Santiago.

By Updated

This guide covers 12+ hiking trails in Santiago — Cerro San Cristobal - Pedestre Trail from Pio Nono, Cerro Santa Lucia Walk and Cerro Manquehue via Via Cafe top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Santiago is the capital of Chile, a city of about seven million set in a valley between the Andes and the Coastal Range, with a walkable historic centre, the Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods, Cerro San Cristobal and a fast, clean metro.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Cerro San Cristobal - Pedestre Trail from Pio Nono

    About 3 km one way from Pio Nono to the summit1 to 1.5 hours up, 45 minutes downAbout 280 m gain (summit 880 m above sea level)

  2. 2

    Cerro Santa Lucia Walk

    About 1 km of stairs and paths30 to 60 minutesAbout 65 m gain

  3. 3

    Cerro Manquehue via Via Cafe

    About 4 km each way2 to 3 hours round tripAbout 600 m gain (summit 1,638 m)

  4. 4

    Cerro Pochoco

    About 6 km each way4 to 5 hours round tripAbout 1,000 m gain (summit about 1,600 m)

  5. 5

    Cerro Ramon via Quebrada de Ramon

    About 22 km round trip8 to 10 hours round tripAbout 2,400 m gain (summit 3,249 m)

  6. 6

    Parque Quebrada de Macul Trail

    About 5 km round trip on the main path2 to 3 hoursAbout 250 m gain

  7. 7

    Cerro Renca Summit Trail

    About 5 km each way2 to 3 hours round tripAbout 450 m gain

  8. 8

    Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo Trails

    Trails from 1 to 7 km1 to 4 hoursUp to about 400 m gain on the longer trails

  9. 9

    Monumento Natural El Morado - Laguna El Morado

    About 5 km each way (10 km round trip)4 to 5 hours round tripAbout 400 m gain (lagoon at about 2,500 m)

  10. 10

    Cascada de las Animas Nature Reserve Trails

    Trails from 2 to 8 km1 to 4 hoursUp to about 300 m gain

  11. 11

    Laguna Negra and Laguna Lo Encanado Shoreline Walk

    About 6 km round trip to the shoreline viewpoints3 to 4 hoursAbout 200 m gain (lake at about 2,700 m)

  12. 12

    Embalse El Yeso Viewpoint Walk

    Short walks of 1 to 4 km1 to 2 hoursMinimal

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Santiago.

Autumn (March-May)
Season Autumn (March-May), Conditions Clear air, warm days, best light; ideal for the city hills
Winter (June-August)
Season Winter (June-August), Conditions Cleanest air and snow above 2,500 m; short days; high Cajon del Maipo roads often closed
Spring (September-November)
Season Spring (September-November), Conditions Clear air, wildflowers on the foothills, comfortable temperatures
Summer (December-February)
Season Summer (December-February), Conditions Hot and exposed; hike at dawn; the high Cajon del Maipo is at its best from November to April

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Carry at least 2 litres of water: almost no hill routes have sources

Medium

Hazard: Start early; the Andean sun is intense and afternoon winds rise

Medium

Hazard: Do not hike alone after dark on the city hills

Medium

Hazard: Check road and park status before driving to the Cajon del Maipo

Medium

Hazard: Mild altitude effects are possible above 2,500 m

Medium

Hazard: Emergency numbers in Chile: 131 ambulance, 132 fire, 133 Carabineros

Medium

Hazard: Wildfire risk is high in summer (December-March); parks can close on alert days, check conaf.cl

Medium

Hazard: Some isolated city-hill sections have had robberies: hike in daylight and in groups

Related topics