O'Higgins Park spans 74 hectares of green space south of downtown Santiago. A former leisure destination for Chilean families, a site of national memory, an amusement park and a music venue: the site combines multiple functions and remains one of the capital's most frequented green lungs.

Why visit O'Higgins Park

Just ten minutes by metro from the city center, the park offers expansive, flat terrain crossed by a 4 km jogging circuit. You'll find families picnicking, joggers, thrill-seekers drawn by Fantasilandia, music lovers during festival season, and curious visitors wanting to see how Santiago celebrates its national holiday.

The site's appeal lies in this layering of functions: a 19th-century landscaped park, an amusement park, a major concert venue (Movistar Arena), a small museum, and a gathering place for patriotic celebrations all coexist within the same perimeter.

History of the park

The site was originally called Pampilla or El Llano. Chileans already gathered here to celebrate Fiestas Patrias before it became a developed park. In 1845, the government took possession of the land and had various buildings constructed in the southern section.

The State later granted the northern section to entrepreneur Luis Cousiño, who conceived the idea of turning it into a public park. For its design, he enlisted French landscape architect Guillermo Renner. Cousiño would not live to see its opening: it was his widow, Isidora Goyenechea, who inaugurated the park in 1873 under the name Parque Cousiño, in honor of her late husband.

The park was later renamed in honor of Bernardo O'Higgins, considered one of Chili's founding fathers and a major figure in the country's independence.

What to see and do

The landscaped park

At the center of the site, a large paved plaza serves as a learning area for children's cycling and skating; a few toy shops are located nearby. Further south, a lake allows for pedalo boating, bordered by restaurants and fast-food kiosks. The 4 km jogging circuit makes a loop around the entire area.

Fantasilandia

Fantasilandia is Chili's largest amusement park. Roller coasters, rides, thrill attractions and zones for young children: the offering covers all age groups. The park operates on a separate admission fee from the public park.

Paleontology Museum and Movistar Arena

The Paleontology Museum features a compact yet educational collection, interesting for a short visit with children. Movistar Arena, an indoor venue located in the park, hosts concerts by Chilean and international acts year-round.

Picnicking and barbecue areas

The park is one of Santiago's premier picnicking destinations. Unlike other parks in the capital, the quinchos (barbecue areas) do not have permanent grills: mobile grills are available for rent on-site. A few small shops inside the park can help if you forget supplies, and alcoholic beverages are permitted in a family-friendly context.

When to visit

The park is open year-round, but two periods stand out.

• September: Fiestas Patrias are celebrated here each year around September 18, with a military parade and fondas (traditional festive kiosks). Very Chilean atmosphere, dense crowds.
• March: the Lollapalooza festival takes place here every year since 2011 over three days. Advance booking essential, park partially closed to the public during this time.

The austral summer (December to February) is hot and dry: plan for shade and water. Winter (June-August) remains manageable but more humid.

Practical information

• Hours: open during daytime every day, with evening closure and slightly extended hours in summer. Check the day's hours before visiting.
• Fee: free admission to the public park; paid entry for Fantasilandia and Movistar Arena.
• Duration of visit: allow 2 to 3 hours for a stroll and picnic, a half to full day if you include Fantasilandia.
• Safety: family-friendly attendance during the day. As in any large urban park, stay alert as darkness falls.

How to get there

The park is served by Line 2 (yellow) of Santiago's metro. Two stations border the site: Parque O'Higgins (north entrance) and Rondizzoni (east side). By car, access is via the Autopista Central; the park has a parking lot.

From the historic center, allow about ten minutes by metro. The park makes for an easy stop to include in a day in Santiago.

Nearby attractions and beyond

The park is located south of downtown Santiago, near the capital's typical residential neighborhoods. If you extend your stay in Chili, several striking natural sites are accessible from Santiago by domestic flight:

• The Los Flamencos National Reserve in the Atacama desert, to the north.
• The Lauca National Park, on the Far North's altiplano.
• The Beagle Channel, at the country's far south.
• Magdalena Island and its penguin colony, in Chilean Patagonia.

Frequently asked questions

Planning the rest of your trip

O'Higgins Park integrates easily into an urban stop in Santiago before or after exploring the country's natural regions. To build a custom itinerary, explore our Chili travel ideas.