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Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill: Santiago's Iconic Landmark

Visit the iconic Virgin Mary statue atop San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views of Santiago and a serene escape in Metropolitan Park.

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Crowning San Cristóbal Hill, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception is a prominent Catholic landmark in Santiago, Chile, featuring a colossal Virgin Mary statue offering panoramic city views. A symbol of faith and national identity, it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill

  • Av. Pedro Bannen, Providencia, Recoleta, Santiago Metropolitan Region, CL
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for stunning views of Santiago bathed in golden light.
  • Take the funicular or cable car for a scenic ride to the top.
  • Explore the surrounding Metropolitan Park, including the Japanese Garden and the National Zoo.
  • Bring water and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike to the summit.
  • Check the operating hours of the funicular and cable car in advance, as they vary depending on the day.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Baquedano Metro Station (Line 1 or 5), walk north across the Mapocho River into the Bellavista neighborhood. Continue along Pío Nono Street to Plaza Caupolicán, where you'll find the Funicular station. Take the funicular to the summit for CLP$2,250 on weekdays and CLP$2,790 on weekends and holidays. Alternatively, take the Metro to Pedro de Valdivia station (Line 1). From there, walk north on Pedro de Valdivia Norte Avenue to the Oasis station and take the cable car to the top. Prices for the cable car vary. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the funicular, cable car, and panoramic buses for unlimited rides within the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the entrance of Parque Metropolitano at Av. Pedro de Valdivia, Providencia. From there, you can either walk up the hill (approximately 45 minutes), take the Teleférico (cable car) to the top, or walk to the Funicular station. A taxi from Providencia to the park entrance will cost approximately CLP$4,000 - CLP$6,000. Note that you may need to pay an entrance fee to the park in addition to the taxi fare.

  • Walking

    From the Bellavista neighborhood, walk along Pío Nono Street towards the base of San Cristóbal Hill. Enter the Santiago Metropolitan Park and follow the signs to the funicular. You can either take the funicular up or hike the trails to the summit, which takes approximately 45-90 minutes. Be prepared for a steep incline and wear comfortable shoes. The entrance to the park is free.

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Discover more about Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill

The Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, perched atop San Cristóbal Hill, is one of Santiago's most recognizable and significant landmarks. Rising 880 meters above sea level, the hill provides unparalleled views of the city and the Andes Mountains. The sanctuary is a major pilgrimage site and a cultural icon, distinguished by its colossal 14-meter statue of the Virgin Mary. Originally known as Tupahue, meaning "Place of God" in the indigenous Mapundungun language, the hill held spiritual significance long before the arrival of the Spanish. In 1904, Archbishop Mariano Casanova proposed the construction of a sanctuary to honor the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Conception. The statue, a gift from France, was designed by Giuseppe Obici and erected in 1908. The statue weighs over 36,000 kilograms and is illuminated at night, making it visible from across Santiago. Within the pedestal, there is a small chapel where Pope John Paul II prayed in 1987. The site also includes an amphitheater for religious ceremonies. Visitors can reach the summit by foot, car, funicular, cable car, or bus. The Santiago Metropolitan Park, one of the world's largest urban parks, surrounds the hill, offering gardens, pools, and the National Zoo.

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