Metropolitan Park of Santiago, Santiago

Enter the Metropolitan Park of Santiago through the Pío Nono entrance, at the northern end of Bellavista. Once through the gate, keep to the main road leading uphill and follow the signs for Zoológico Nacional. The zoo entrance is about 300 meters, or roughly a seven-minute walk, from the park entrance.

You will recognize the Chilean National Zoo by its clearly marked entrance on the hillside. The grounds climb quite steeply, so be prepared for some uphill walking. Among the animals there, you can see Chilean condors, rheas, Humboldt penguins, pumas and pudús, alongside species from other parts of the world.

After visiting the zoo, make your way back toward the funicular route. Look for the distinctive red-and-white funicular cars climbing San Cristóbal Hill. The line connects the Pío Nono sector with the Cumbre, or summit.

At the top, leave the funicular and follow the pedestrian path uphill. Look ahead for the enormous white statue of the Virgin Mary standing above the trees. This marks the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, one of the easiest landmarks in the park to identify. From the terraces here, you get broad views across Santiago and, in clear weather, toward the Andes.

When you are ready to continue, walk toward the nearby Cumbre cable-car station, following the Teleférico signs. From here, the gondolas carry you east across the park. You can get off at Tupahue Station for the Tupahue Pool and surrounding recreational area, or remain aboard to Oasis Station, near the Pedro de Valdivia entrance.

If you prefer to finish where you started, simply return from the summit by funicular to Pío Nono.

Other attractions, including the Japanese Garden, Mapulemu Garden, Antilén Pool, and the Bicentenario de la Infancia children's park, lie in separate sections of the park and require short detours from this main route.