Parque Mahuida de La Reina
NileGuide Expert Says:
Easiest access to pre-Andean hikes, only about 40 minutes from Providencia.Address:
Phone:
(0)2 273 4301NileGuide Expert tip:
Bring lots of water or fill up once you get there, since there is little to no running water in the park. Wear lots of sunscreen!Description:
At the end of Avenida Larrain, when the city of Santiago has fallen behind you, but busses still chug up the near-vertical hills on this paved street, lies Parque Mahuida, a park with incredible access to the pre-cordillera for day hikes, picnics, photo opportunities, and even access to the Sendero de Chile, which will one day connect the whole country on a single walking path.There are nine easy day trails, which range from several hundred meters to several kilometers, including my favorite, Sendero El Litre (careful of the litre tree here, as it causes allergic reactions in some), which is abloom with flowers in the springtime. There are also four harder trekking trails which require technical know-how and are overnight hikes including Cerro La Cruz and Cerro Ramón.
In the park you'll see many native trees, cacti, and occasionally, wildlife (none of it poisonous). You can get here by taking the D10 or D02, from Tobalaba and Simón Bolivar or the Irrarazaval metro, respectively. Just ask the driver to make sure you get off at Parque Mahuida. Entry costs 500 CLP per pedestrian.
This park is also where the Rodelbahn is located, if you want to finish your hike with an alpine slide or give the kids something to talk about for months!
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