Barrio Lastarria

✨ About this place

A short walk through one of Santiago's most visited neighborhoods. Cobblestoned José Victorino Lastarria street, lined with cafés, bookshops and restaurants, leads to Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro, home to the Visual Arts Museum and the Santiago Archaeological Museum. The Church of La Veracruz is close by, and the Gabriela Mistral Center (GAM) is a block away.

From Lastarria you cross over to Santa Lucía Hill: climb past the Neptune Terrace and its stairways to Hidalgo Castle and the upper terraces, with views over downtown and the Andes. About 2 km in all, with a short but steep climb.

Getting there: Universidad Católica Metro station (Line 1) or Bellas Artes (Line 5), both a few blocks from Lastarria street. The walk can end at Santa Lucía Metro station (Line 1), at the foot of the hill.

When to go: Year-round. In summer, climb the hill early or near sunset, when it's cooler. Check the hill's opening hours before you go.

Tips: The hill's stairs are steep and some have no railing: wear comfortable shoes. As in any big-city center, keep your phone and wallet put away and wear your backpack in front in crowded areas.