Santa Lucia Hill

Santa Lucia Hill featuring château or palace
Climb the elegant stairs to the top of this central hill to enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and admire the ornate fountains, flower displays and amphitheater.

Rising out of the eastern edge of downtown Santiago is the picturesque Cerro Santa Lucía (Santa Lucia Hill). Escape the city centre crowds and enjoy panoramic views over Santiago’s rooftops to the Andes mountains. Admire an impressive collection of art and architecture or shop for handicrafts at artisanal markets.

The hill marks the spot where Spaniard Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541. Originally used as a lookout, this 226-feet (69-metre) high hill remained unchanged until the late 19th century. In 1872 the city mayor turned it into a landscaped public park, which is now popular with young couples and those wanting to take a break from the downtown bustle. Traditionally, a cannon shot is fired from the hill at midday on weekdays.

Reach the summit on foot or take the elevator at the hill’s western entrance. Brick pathways wind around the hill and lead to small squares and lookout points. Pause to admire grand stone staircases, regal façades and ornamental fountains. Look for monuments and statues hidden among the trees. These honour notable Chileans, such as city founder Pedro de Valdivia and former archbishop Manuel Vicuña Larraín. 

At the top of the hill is the dramatic fortification Castle Hidalgo, which is now an events centre. A square in front of the castle has benches to rest with a view. Go to the observation deck above the castle for even better city vistas. 

Santa Lucia Hill can be reached on foot from the Plaza de Armas, a 15-minute walk. Public buses, the metro and a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus all stop nearby. Also visit the Centro Artesanal de Santa Lucía, opposite the hill’s main entrance and browse for handcrafted shoes and woollen clothing, musical instruments and leather goods. Find indigenous crafts at the Centro de Exposición de Arte Indígena. 

Cerro Santa Lucía is a public park, but you are asked to sign a registry to enter. There are three entrances to the hill, all at varying locations along Santa Lucía street. The elevator operates from Tuesday to Saturday around lunchtime and the late afternoon.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Santa Lucia Hill Hotel Deals

Novapark
Novapark
3 out of 5
Presidente Juan Antonio Rios 59, Santiago, Región Metropolitana de Santiago
Novapark
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
4 out of 5
Alameda 816, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
Mercure Santiago Centro
Mercure Santiago Centro
3.5 out of 5
Av. Libertador Bernardo O Higgins, 632, Centro, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Mercure Santiago Centro
Novotel Santiago Providencia
Novotel Santiago Providencia
4 out of 5
Avenida Holanda 222, Providencia, Santiago, Santiago
Novotel Santiago Providencia
Hotel Magnolia Santiago
Hotel Magnolia Santiago
4 out of 5
Calle Huérfanos 539, Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Hotel Magnolia Santiago
The Singular Santiago
The Singular Santiago
5 out of 5
Merced 294, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
The Singular Santiago
Luciano K Hotel
Luciano K Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Merced, 84, Lastarria, Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Luciano K Hotel
Hotel Sommelier Boutique
Hotel Sommelier Boutique
3.5 out of 5
Merced 433, Santiago, Región Metropolitana de Santiago
Hotel Sommelier Boutique
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.