Plaza de Armas to Cerro Santa Lucía
A free self-guided walk through central Santiago, from La Moneda to the Plaza de Armas, the Mercado Central and up Cerro Santa Lucía.
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Walking time
- 39 min
- Allow
- About 1.5 hours with stops
- Stops
- 4
Open the route in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Santiago city guide
About this walk
This walk covers Santiago's historic centre and ends with a view over the city to the Andes.
The hill has steep stairs; take your time.
- Terrain: Flat in the centre; steep steps up Cerro Santa Lucía.
- Best time: Late morning, on a clear day for the mountain views.
Route map
The stops
La Moneda Palace
Start at the presidential palace.
Plaza de Armas
The main square and cathedral.
Mercado Central
The iron market hall.
Cerro Santa Lucía
Finish at the hilltop lookout.
Tips
- Cerro Santa Lucía is free but asks visitors to sign in.
- Watch your bag in the Plaza de Armas.
- The Mercado Central is best at lunchtime.
Prefer a guide?
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Sources and review date
- Santiago, Wikivoyage (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Stop locations and walking route: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) (accessed 2026-10-28)


