Parque Forestal is a long narrow park running along the south bank of the Mapocho River from the city centre to Barrio Bellavista. It was designed in the early 20th century on land reclaimed after the river was channelled, and it holds some of Santiago's oldest and largest trees — the towering tipas and jacarandas that flower purple in November are among the best in the city.
The park is one of the great urban walks in Santiago: shaded, flat, and connecting the cultural district (the Bellas Artes museum is at its western end) to the Bellavista nightlife area at the east. Joggers, cyclists, families, and couples use it heavily on weekends. The Bellas Artes metro station is at the western end; walking the full length takes about 25 minutes.