When I first hiked in Santiago, I couldn’t believe how quickly the city disappeared. One moment I was weaving through traffic and noise, and the next I was on a dusty trail, the wind sharper, the air cleaner, with the Andes stretching out endlessly in front of me. The sounds of the city faded, replaced by the crunch of gravel under my boots and the rustle of dry grass in the breeze.
I’ve put together a Google Maps list of these 11 Santiago hiking trails, so you can easily save and use it for your own adventure. Follow it here: 🥾 Santiago Hiking Google Maps List.
From short city walks to full-day climbs, hiking Santiago has become my favorite way to escape the chaos and see the city from a completely new perspective - raw, quiet, and unforgettable.
These are the 11 best Santiago hiking trails that will show you exactly why.
If you ask locals about their favorite hike in Santiago Chile, chances are they’ll say Cerro Manquehue. Rising 1,638 meters above the city, it’s one of the most recognizable peaks and a true classic for Santiago hiking.
The trail isn’t long, but it’s steep. You’ll zigzag your way up dusty paths, sometimes scrambling over rocks, with every turn revealing wider views of both the city and the Andes. On a clear day, the panorama is unforgettable - Santiago’s skyline on one side, endless mountains on the other.
Difficulty: Moderate – expect a good workout, especially on hot days
Duration: Around 4 hours round trip
How to get there: The trailhead is at Vía Roja Street in Vitacura. You can grab an Uber or taxi straight to the start, or take public transport to Vitacura and continue by car.
If you only have time for one trail, this is easily one of the best hikes near Santiago Chile to experience how close the city is to real mountain adventure.
Alto del Naranjo is a local favorite for anyone looking for a quiet escape from the city. At 1,866 meters high, this trail gives you both a solid workout and incredible views of the Andes. It’s one of those hikes near Santiago where you really feel like you’ve left urban life far behind, even though you’re still so close to the capital.
The path begins at Puente Ñilhue Park on the road to Farellones. The trail is well-marked, with color-coded routes that branch off toward different peaks. Stick to the green markers to reach Alto del Naranjo itself. Along the way you’ll pass native trees and open ridges, perfect spots to pause and take in the scenery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: About 4 hours round trip
How to get there: Take the road toward Farellones and get off at Puente Ñilhue Park. From there, follow the green-marked trail to Alto del Naranjo.
If you’re searching for hiking around Santiago Chile that’s accessible yet feels adventurous, Alto del Naranjo is one of the best options.
Salto de Apoquindo is one of the most rewarding hikes near Santiago, ending at a 30-meter waterfall hidden deep in the valley. Unlike many of the city’s steeper climbs, this route is less about pushing uphill and more about following a scenic trail through forests, streams, and open valleys. On hot days, some hikers even take a quick dip at the base of the falls.
The trail starts inside Aguas de Ramón Park, a protected area on the eastern edge of the city. The path is well-marked and takes you gradually deeper into the canyon, with plenty of shaded sections along the way. It’s a longer hike, so be prepared with enough water and snacks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Around 8 hours round trip
How to get there: Enter through Aguas de Ramón Park in La Reina. There’s a small entrance fee, and it’s best to arrive early since access is limited during busy weekends.
If you’re looking for hiking in Santiago Chile that combines adventure, scenery, and a natural reward at the end, Salto de Apoquindo is hard to beat.
El Roble is a peaceful trail that rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Andes and a chance to spot eagles circling overhead. The real highlight, though, comes in autumn when the oak forests turn deep shades of red and orange, making this one of the most scenic hikes around Santiago Chile during that season.
The path is steady but not too demanding, winding through forest before opening up to panoramic viewpoints. It’s the kind of trail that feels both calming and adventurous, perfect for a full day outdoors without pushing yourself too hard.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: About 6 hours round trip
How to get there: Access is via the Caelu Chapel Association gate. Entry is usually open on weekends and holidays, but for weekdays you’ll need a special permit, so it’s best to plan ahead.
For anyone searching for the best hikes near Santiago that combine mountain views with seasonal color, El Roble is a memorable choice.
Cerro Pochoco is a classic for locals who want a quick but intense climb. The trail isn’t long, yet it rises steeply from the start, making it a great workout and one of the most popular hikes near Santiago for an afternoon escape. From the summit you get clear views of the city and the snowcapped Andes in the distance.
The path is rocky and dusty, so good shoes are essential. Because it’s shorter, many hikers choose it as a training route or as an introduction before tackling bigger peaks like Cerro Manquehue or Cerro Provincia.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Duration: Around 4 hours round trip
How to get there: The trailhead starts near San Enrique in Lo Barnechea. From Plaza San Enrique, follow Pastor Fernández Street and then El Alto Road until you reach the Pochoco Observatory parking lot.
If you want hiking around Santiago Chile that delivers a challenge without taking up your whole day, Cerro Pochoco is a perfect pick.
La Campana is one of the most famous hikes near Santiago, partly because Charles Darwin himself climbed it in 1834. The trail takes you through forests of quillayes and peumos before opening up to rocky slopes near the summit. The last stretch can be tough, with scrambling over boulders, but the 360-degree view from the top makes it worth every step.
The park is also home to Chile’s iconic palm trees, and in spring and autumn the landscape is especially colorful. Because it’s about two hours from the city, La Campana works best as a full-day trip, giving you time to enjoy both the hike and the surroundings.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Around 7 hours round trip
How to get there: From Santiago, drive or take a bus to Olmué. From there, follow the road east to the Granizo sector, where the main entrance to La Campana National Park is located.
For anyone searching for the best hikes near Santiago Chile that mix history, biodiversity, and adventure, La Campana is a must.
Parque Andino Juncal is a private ecological reserve about three hours from Santiago, and it feels like stepping into another world. The trail begins with a quiet valley walk, passes through high Andean wetlands, and eventually leads to dramatic views of the Juncal Glacier. It’s one of the lesser-known hikes around Santiago, which means fewer crowds and a stronger sense of wilderness.
There are two main options: a shorter route to the river that’s manageable for beginners, and a longer, more challenging hike that crosses streams and climbs higher into the mountains. Both give you a taste of untouched Andean landscapes that are rare so close to the city.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard, depending on the route
Duration: 3 hours for the short loop, 8 hours for the longer trail
How to get there: Take the international road toward Mendoza and turn off on a gravel track that follows the old Trasandino railway. You’ll reach Los Hornitos, where the park rangers are based and where the trail begins.
If you’re looking for hiking day trips from Santiago Chile that feel remote and wild, Parque Andino Juncal is one of the best-kept secrets.
El Morado Glacier is one of the most iconic hikes near Santiago Chile, and for good reason. Located in the Cajón del Maipo valley, this trail takes you past rivers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks before finishing at the base of the impressive hanging glacier. Standing there, surrounded by icy cliffs and bright blue sky, you feel like you’ve stepped deep into the Andes.
The trail isn’t overly technical, but the altitude and terrain can make it demanding. It’s a favorite for anyone looking to combine adventure with stunning mountain scenery on a single-day hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours round trip
How to get there: From Santiago, drive into Cajón del Maipo and continue past Baños Morales. The trailhead begins about 1.5 km past the Choriboulder climbing area.
For hikers who want to experience the Andes without straying too far from the capital, El Morado is one of the best hiking day trips from Santiago Chile.
The Río de los Cipreses National Reserve is a quiet alternative to the more famous parks near Santiago. Its main trail runs for 33 kilometers, but most hikers choose shorter sections that pass through forests, rivers, and viewpoints over the valley. Along the way you can spot orchids, condors, and even the endangered Tricahue parrot, making it one of the most unique hikes around Santiago Chile.
What makes this reserve special is its variety. You can plan a multi-day trek with camping or simply enjoy a half-day walk to Los Maitenes sector. Either way, it offers a real sense of being off the beaten path.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on distance
Duration: From 3 hours to multiple days
How to get there: Take Carretera del Cobre from Rancagua to Coya, then continue into the Río de los Cipreses National Reserve. Public transport is limited, so driving or joining a tour is the easiest option.
For hikers searching for less-crowded routes and authentic nature, this is one of the best hikes near Santiago Chile to truly disconnect.
Cerro San Cristóbal is the most famous city hike in Santiago, rising right from the center and offering some of the best views without leaving town. The trails wind through eucalyptus and cactus, and at the summit you’ll find the Virgin Mary statue looking out over the city with the Andes as a backdrop. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a taste of Santiago hiking without needing a full day.
You’ll share the path with locals walking, running, or biking, especially on weekends. While it’s not remote like Cajón del Maipo, it’s a classic experience and perfect if you want to stretch your legs and catch sunset over the skyline.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: About 1–2 hours round trip
How to get there: The main entrances are at Pío Nono in Bellavista or Pedro de Valdivia in Providencia. You can also take the funicular up and hike down if you want to save time.
For anyone short on time, Cerro San Cristóbal is one of the best hikes in Santiago Chile to combine urban life with mountain views.
Cerro Provincia is one of the toughest day hikes near Santiago Chile, and also one of the most rewarding. Standing at 2,750 meters, it towers above many of the other city peaks and delivers incredible views over both Santiago and the Andes. The climb is long and demanding, with steep switchbacks and rocky terrain, but reaching the summit feels like a true accomplishment.
Many hikers start before sunrise to make the most of daylight and cooler temperatures. If you’re prepared, you can also camp overnight near the summit and watch the city lights glow far below.
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 8–10 hours round trip
How to get there: The trailhead is at Puente Ñilhue on the road to Farellones, the same starting point as Alto del Naranjo. From there, follow the blue-marked trail all the way up to Cerro Provincia.
For those seeking a serious challenge, Cerro Provincia is the ultimate test of Santiago hiking and a true Andean adventure right on the city’s doorstep.
Santiago is surrounded by mountains, which means the seasons change the hiking experience a lot. Summer (December to February) brings hot, dry days, so start early and carry plenty of water. Autumn (March to May) is cooler, with colorful forests in places like El Roble and La Campana. Winter (June to August) can bring snow to higher peaks such as Cerro Provincia, making them more challenging but also spectacular. Spring (September to November) is one of the best times for hiking in Santiago Chile, with mild weather and blooming landscapes.
Most of the hikes near Santiago Chile can be reached within one to three hours. For city hikes like Cerro San Cristóbal or Cerro Manquehue, you can simply grab an Uber or local bus. For Cajón del Maipo or La Campana, it’s easier if you have a car or join an organized tour. Public transport is limited for some of the more remote routes, so planning ahead is key. If you prefer convenience, guided hiking day trips from Santiago Chile are widely available and often include transport, making it simple to explore without stress.
