Santiago Metropolitan Region

Parks and Natural Wonders

Santiago’s Metropolitan Region offers a diverse landscape ranging from manicured urban parks to rugged Andean glaciers. This collection includes the historic Santa Lucía Hill and the Sculpture Park’s outdoor gallery alongside high-altitude wonders like the El Morado and San Francisco glaciers. Beyond the city center, visitors can explore the thermal pools of Termas Valle de Colina, the protected wetlands of Laguna de Batuco, and the traditional colonial squares of San José de Maipo and Villa Alhué.

Parks and Natural Wonders — Map

Linkey. / CC BY-SA 2.5

A

Santa Lucia Hill

Santa Lucía Hill, also known in Mapuche as Huelén Hill, is a small hill in the centre of Santiago, Chile.

PameMV / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Quinta Normal Park

Quinta Normal Park is an urban park in the city of Santiago, Chile. The park is in a commune, or district of the same name, Quinta Normal.

Hoverfish / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is one of the most interesting places in the city, as it features sculptures by different Chilean artists.

Rodrigo Pizarro / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Parque Araucano

Large urban park in Las Condes featuring rose gardens, sports facilities, and a dedicated bird sanctuary.

E

Glaciar San Francisco

High-altitude glacier in the Cajón del Maipo, accessible via trekking trails starting near the settlement of Baños Morales.

F

Glaciar El Morado

Hanging glacier situated within the El Morado Natural Monument, known for its glacial lagoon and surrounding alpine peaks.

G

Glaciar Olivares Beta

Glacier located within the Olivares River basin in the Central Andes, contributing to the region's freshwater system.

H

Glaciar La Paloma

Glacier on the southern face of Cerro La Paloma, often accessed through the Yerba Loca Sanctuary.

I

Glaciar Juncal Sur

One of the largest glaciers in the central Chilean Andes, situated near the border with Argentina.

J

Glaciar Olivares Gamma

High-altitude glacier in the upper Olivares valley, part of the extensive glacial network of the Metropolitan Region.

K

Laguna de Aculeo

Laguna de Aculeo is since 2018 a dried-out lake located in the city of Paine, Maipo Province, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.

L

Laguna de Batuco

Vital wetland and nature reserve that serves as a primary habitat for migratory birds in the northern Santiago area.

M

Termas Valle de Colina

Natural thermal pools arranged in terraces at the foot of the San José Volcano, featuring mineral-rich waters.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

N

Plaza de Armas de San José de Maipo

Historic central square of San José de Maipo, recognized as a National Monument for its traditional mountain architecture.

O

Zona de ejercicio

Public outdoor fitness area equipped with exercise stations for community use.

P

Plaza de juegos Villa Esperanza Unida

Neighborhood playground and public green space located in the Villa Esperanza Unida district.

Q

Plaza Huelquén

Local public square serving the rural community of Huelquén in the Paine commune.

R

Plaza Villa Alhué

Central park of the colonial village of Villa Alhué, featuring traditional landscaping and local monuments.

S

Plaza Cívica

Civic square in Melipilla used for public gatherings and local community events.

T

El Volcán

Mountainous area and hamlet in the Cajón del Maipo that serves as a base for high-altitude trekking and climbing.

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