Exploring Santiago’s Serene Heights: A Hiker’s Delight
As the autumn season descends upon South America, Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital, transforms into a hiker’s paradise. The city’s vast landscape, home to over six million residents, offers an escape into nature with its volcanic hills offering panoramic views.
The journey begins with a quick ascent that swiftly transitions from urban chaos to serene pine forests. Here, amidst the chirping of birds, one can enjoy sweeping vistas of the city below.
The view of the Andes from Cerro San Cristobal above Santiago, Chile.
Brian Mann/NPR
Venturing up Cerro San Cristobal, explorers encounter dusty trails bordered by age-old stone walls and vibrant wildflowers. The ascent is shaded by peppercorn trees, providing a tranquil spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
The ascent continues, and as the sun rises, Santiago’s towers and surrounding hills appear to levitate amidst a sea of fog. Near the peak, park rangers can be spotted patrolling the area on majestic brown horses.
Trees, wildflowers and cacti intersperse the trails on Cerro San Cristobal.
Brian Mann/NPR
The peak of San Cristobal, towering nearly a thousand feet above the city, is a popular spot. Here stands a majestic white statue of the Virgin Mary, a place for visitors to pause and reflect. A hidden trail, however, leads adventurers into the woodland, where vistas of Santiago and the distant Andes unfold. The mountains rise majestically, draped in snowfields and ice under the azure sky.
Morning fog shrouds Santiago’s neighborhoods and hills during an autumn hike.
Brian Mann/NPR
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
