Parque Metropolitano de Santiago

The Parque Metropolitano, a city park that is larger than New York's Central Park, sits on the western edge of Providencia. Take the historic funicular to the top of the San Cristóbal Hill, or walk up one of the park's many trails and roads, for dazzling views of Santiago and the Andes. Families can stop off at the Jardin Zooogical, the city zoo, and then reach the summit where a 45-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary stands watch over Santiago. The park is home to botanical gardens that represent nearly all the flora found along the length of Chile. Note that on a smoggy day, the obstructed views are not worth the trip to the top.