Outside the hostel walking through the Parque Forestal there is a spectacular view where you can see a huge hill in the middle of the town with a white statue on its summit. This is the Cerro San Cristobal which is part of the Metropolitan Park. Going up to the top is one of the best activities you can do if you want to have a relaxing time. Here you will be in contact with many species of trees and native plants and if you're lucky some hares and quails.
There are several ways to access: The nearest to the Hostel is the Pio Nono entrance (Pio Nono #445, Bellavista) here you can take the funicular which goes up to the top in few minutes ($1.600 CLP round trip). If you like biking, or want to exercise a little I recommend going up in a bike starting at the Pedro de Valdivia Norte access, you won’t have to pay if you enter either walking or by bike. (Av El Cerro/Pedro de Valdivia Norte)
The road is 3,4 miles long with some few steep slopes in certain places, you can find fresh water and rest areas if you feel tired. There is even a swimming pool (Tupahue $5000 CLP), in case you decide to stop and call it a day. You can visit the Japanese garden, Anahuac culture house and different viewpoints along the way. Reaching the summit is rewarded with a beautiful view of the city, the Mapocho River and the Andes. My favorite is the Mote con Huesillos drink, which is sold at different places on the top. I always go all the way up thinking about it.
If you went up on bike, the best part of all will be the descent; by taking precautions you can have an adrenalin experience downhill.
I recommend doing this activity on the evening starting from 6pm and getting off before 9pm.
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Here's a good tip: in case you don't have a bike, there are bikes for rent at the Pedro de Valdivia entrance to the Park!
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