After being shut down for 7 years, Teleférico de Santiago (or Teleférico Parque Metropolitano) is now scheduled to reopen in July 2016.
Teleférico de Santiago. Image from biobiochile.
This 2.0km cable car was originally built in 1980 and connected users to the largest urban park in Latin America, Parque Metropolitano. Soon after it opened, it became a popular attraction for both visitors and locals looking for recreation in the Chilean capital.
Since it was closed for modernization in June 2009, the system has been completely updated with new cabins, ropes, drive systems and control devices. To improve the level of service, the system’s capacity and speed has been upgraded to 1,000 pphpd and 5 m/s (from 960 pphpd and 4 m/s).
The system’s 3 stations – Oasis, Tupahue, and Summit – provide users with fun and easy access to different parts of the large greenspace including gardens, pools, and a cultural center.
At the top station, visitors arrive at the Cerro San Cristobal (845m, second highest point in city) and have sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes. From here, visitors can take another cable-driven system, the Funicular de Santiago, back to the Pio Nono park entrance.
As the park is preparing to celebrate its 100th birthday, officials and residents alike are excited at the prospects of once again riding in one of the city’s most beloved attraction.
For those who can’t wait until July, a video of the journey can be seen here.