Jared and I had two very different experiences at Parque Metropolitano de Santiago, but both were awesome in their own way! Jared decided to go all in with a sunrise hike, while I opted for the funicular ride later in the day to enjoy the views a bit more casually. Jared’s morning hike started before dawn, and he said it was totally worth the early wake-up. The park was quiet, and as he hiked up in the dark, the city lights were still twinkling below. By the time he reached the top, the sun was just starting to rise over the Andes, casting this beautiful golden glow over Santiago. He loved the peacefulness of the morning and said the view of the sunrise from the summit was incredible—definitely one of those “wow” moments that make getting up at the crack of dawn feel worth it. As for me, I took the much easier route! Later in the day, I took the funicular up to the top, which was a fun experience in itself. The ride is super scenic and lets you take in the views as you climb up without breaking a sweat. When I got to the top, the city was buzzing, and the views were still amazing, even in the bright afternoon light. The panorama of Santiago, surrounded by mountains, is seriously stunning from up there. I spent a little time wandering around, checking out the statue of the Virgin Mary, and enjoying the peaceful vibe at the top. Even though we did it differently, we both had a great time at Parque Metropolitano. Jared loved the serenity of the sunrise hike, while I enjoyed the more relaxed, daytime experience. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a more laid-back approach, this park is definitely a must-do in Santiago!
