Santiago, from Estación Central to the General Cemetery
A half-day route through Santiago's folk devotion, from Romualdito's wall to la Marinita's animita and the miracle graves of the General Cemetery.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 hours
- Distance
- 12 km (mostly by metro)
- Stops
- 3
Sample text for version 1 of the site.
Stop 1: Romualdito's animita
Start on San Francisco de Borja street, by the Alameda and Estación Central station (Line 1). Take time to read the plaques; early mornings are usually quieter.
Stop 2: La Marinita, Parque O'Higgins
Take Line 1 to Los Héroes and change to Line 2 for Parque O'Higgins. The animita stands under the trees, surrounded by dolls and toys; it is a place of deep reflection.
Stop 3: General Cemetery
Take Line 2 north to Cementerios station. Inside the cemetery, some graves receive folk devotion similar to that of animitas, with candles and thank-you plaques. Respect opening hours and any funerals taking place.
This route links three forms of folk memory in Santiago: the city’s oldest and best-known urban animita, the animita of a little girl that Santiago has visited since 1945, and the devotion found inside the cemetery.
Tips
- Getting around: all three stops are next to metro stations (Estación Central, Parque O’Higgins and Cementerios). You only need to change once, at Los Héroes.
- What to bring: water, a candle if you would like to light one, and comfortable shoes.
- When to go: in the morning, Monday to Saturday. Check the cemetery’s opening hours before setting off.
Going further
From the General Cemetery you can continue to the Patronato neighbourhood and La Vega market, or return downtown along Avenida La Paz.
Route under review: check opening hours and access before you set off.