Chile Guide
Santiago
Parque Quinta Normal
The Parque Quinta Normal is perhaps the most elegant and peaceful of Santiago's parks. It was created in 1830 as a place to introduce and acclimatize foreign trees and plants to the city – Chileans from the nineteenth century onwards have been very fond of filling their public squares with a variety of different trees, many of them imported from abroad. Today the park is packed with some beautifully mature examples: Babylonian willows, Monterey pine, cypress, Douglas fir and poplars, to name just a few. Additional attractions include a pond with rowing boats for hire, and four museums. The best way to get here is to take the metro to Estación Central, then a bus or taxi up Avenida Matucana. Often deserted during the week, the park is packed on summer weekends.