Cerro Santa Lucia

The Cerro Santa Lucia

The Santiago audio-guided tour has you climb the Cerro Santa Lucia, a hill in the heart of the city whose stairs reward the effort with a magnificent view. Here you are on the Plaza Pedro de Valdivia, where the city was officially founded.

From Huelen to the Cerro Santa Lucia

It is on this hill that the conquistador Pedro de Valdivia officially founded Santiago. In the Mapuche language, the hill was called Huelen, which means "curse"; it was Valdivia who gave it its present name of Santa Lucia. It was only in the 1870s that the Cerro became an attraction, when the winding paths that today allow it to be walked were laid out. This transformation was long considered the most important work ever realised in Santiago for the pleasure of its inhabitants.

What there is to see

The hill mingles stairs, terraces, fountains and gardens, in a romantic setting in the heart of the city. Climbing up to the Torre del Mirador, the highest point, one enjoys a three hundred and sixty degree view over Santiago, with the Andes mountain range in the background. It is one of the finest viewpoints of the capital, to be explored freely.

Practical information

The Cerro Santa Lucia is in the heart of the centre of Santiago. Access is generally free during the day, according to its own hours. The ascent is made by numerous stairs and is therefore not on the level; it is advisable to bring good shoes and water.

What does the Mapuche name of the Cerro Santa Lucia mean?

In Mapuche, the hill was called Huelen, which means "curse"; Pedro de Valdivia gave it its present name of Santa Lucia.

What can you see from the summit of the Cerro Santa Lucia?

From the Torre del Mirador, a three hundred and sixty degree view over Santiago, with the Andes mountain range in the background.