Cerro San Cristóbal rises 880 metres above sea level, 300 metres above the city floor, and dominates the northern skyline of Santiago. It is the largest urban park in the city and one of the best places in South America to get a panoramic view of a metropolis backed by a mountain range. On a clear winter day — most days from May to August — the entire Andean cordillera is visible, from Aconcagua in the north to the Maipo volcanoes in the south.
The funicular from Barrio Bellavista (Pío Nono station) runs to the summit. There is also a cable car connecting the summit to the eastern side of the hill at Providencia. The park has swimming pools (open in summer), picnic areas, a Japanese garden, and the Zoo Nacional on the lower slopes. Walking up via the various trails takes 45 minutes to an hour; the funicular is quicker but the walk is rewarding. The summit terrace has a café and the views are outstanding.