- Address: Calle Pio Nono 450, P 2, Recoleta, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile;
- Phone: +56 2 2730 1331;
- Website: parquemet.cl;
- Area: 722 hectares;
- Date of creation: April 1966;
- Opening hours: 8.30 - 19.00, Monday - closed.
The city of Santiago , located in the central part of Chile and being the official capital of this amazing state, is considered one of the most beautiful and developed cities in South America. Many of the country's cultural and natural attractions are located here. In the heart of the capital is the Metropolitano Park (Parque Metropolitano de Santiago) - the largest city park and one of the largest in the world. Let's talk more about it.
General information
Metropolitano Park is located between the 4 communes of Santiago (Uecuraba, Providencia, Recoleta and Vitacura) and covers an area of 722 hectares. It was founded in April 1966, when its territory was expanded to include the National Chilean Zoo and Mount San Cristobal . In September 2012, the government of the state adopted a plan for the modernization of the park, the main points of which are:
- construction of new pedestrian paths;
- planting more than 100,000 trees;
- expansion of the zoo.
Local Attractions
The Metropolitano Park is today one of the most visited sights of Santiago and Chile in general. On its territory there are many interesting places, visiting which will please both adults and small travelers. Among places worthy of special attention, tourists distinguish:
- Swimming pools . One of the most attractive places, both for foreign visitors, and for local residents, are the pools of Tupahue and Antilén. The first was opened Tupahue in 1966 on the hill of the same name. Its area is 82 m in length and 25 m in width. The Antilén basin was built 10 years later, in 1976, on the top of the Chacarillas hill. Its parameters are 92x25 m, and the main feature is a 360-degree panoramic view of the capital. Both pools are open from November to March.
- Funicular . The base of the cable car in the Metropolitano Park dates back to 1925. Today it is a popular tourist destination, where a special attraction is held for all visitors on weekends. The funicular connects two stations: the National Zoo and the top of San Cristobal, on which is the statue of the Virgin Mary, the patroness of Chile.
- Chilean National Zoo . This place is home to thousands of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo also has many endemic species: guanaco, llamas, condors, penguins of Humboldt, deer Pudou, Somali sheep and many others.
- Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception on San Cristobal Hill . One of the main places of worship of Catholics in Chile, a kind of icon of Santiago. The height of the statue of the Virgin Mary is more than 20 meters. At its foot there is an amphitheater designed for mass and other religious ceremonies, and a small chapel for prayers.
- Botanical garden Chagual . The park was founded in 2002 and covers an area of 44 hectares. The garden was created to conserve and protect the endemic plants of Chile in the Mediterranean climate zone.
How to get there?
You can get to the Metropolitano Park either on your own, using a taxi or renting a car, or by a funicular that leaves from the Bellavista station. The easiest way to get there is by buses 409 and 502.