Cerro Manquehue, with its impressive presence, is one of the most iconic mountains in Santiago, Chile.
The hill, whose name means “place of condors” in Mapudungún, is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering an experience that combines physical effort with incredible views as a reward.
From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountains, making the hike a truly worthwhile experience.
Climbing Cerro Manquehue is not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to disconnect from the urban bustle and reconnect with nature.
The views from the top are stunning and will give you a sense of accomplishment after conquering one of the city’s most iconic mountains.
Cerro Manquehue offers several routes that vary in difficulty:
Vía Roja Route (Lo Curro)
This is the most well-known and frequented route. It starts in Lo Curro (Vitacura) and offers a challenging hike.
The ascent takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, and while the trail becomes steep and rocky near the top, it is well-marked.
If you plan to go, we recommend arriving early since parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Los Trapenses Route (La Dehesa)
This alternative, less crowded route begins in La Dehesa (Avenida el Golf de Manquehue – continue to the end of the street where you’ll find a gate, with plenty of parking available).
It is an ideal option for those seeking tranquility in nature, with a similar duration (1.5 to 2 hours).
This route is a bit longer in distance but has a gentler incline, making it suitable for beginners.
Santa María de Manquehue Route
Starting in Lo Barnechea (head to Camino Agua del Palo in Santa María de Manquehue and continue north until the street ends), this route is known for its high difficulty.
The path is more direct but also more demanding, with steep slopes and exposed rocky sections.
The ascent takes between 2 and 3 hours, making it ideal for those looking for a more challenging experience.
Technical Information
- Height: Cerro Manquehue rises to 1,638 meters (5,374 feet), offering unrivaled panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding valley.
- Difficulty: the routes range from moderate to high difficulty. The rocky terrain and steep inclines near the end of each trail add an extra level of challenge.
- Ascent Duration: the main routes take between 1.5 and 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on the chosen path and your level of experience.
Recommendations
- Hydration and sun protection: It is recommended to bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Sunscreen and a hat are essential since much of the trail is exposed to the sun.
- Appropriate clothing: Santiago’s weather can vary significantly, especially at higher altitudes. Dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes during the hike. In winter, bring warm clothing, and in summer, try to avoid climbing during the hottest part of the day.
- Additional gear: during winter, consider bringing trekking poles and thermal clothing. In summer, wear shoes with good grip to prevent slipping on rocky sections.
- Best time to visit: although it is possible to hike Cerro Manquehue year-round, the best months are from October to May. During this period, the weather is more stable, and you are less likely to encounter ice or snow.
- Safety: it’s always better to hike with a companion. If it’s your first time, follow a map app (like Wikiloc) or bring a GPS, as some trails can be confusing, especially on the descent. Always stay on marked paths.
- Start early: Manquehue is a very popular route, particularly on weekends, so starting early will allow you to enjoy the hike with fewer people and cooler temperatures.
If you’d like to explore this famous hill with us, you can book our half-day trekking tour from Santiago.
