Sky Costanera

Sky Costanera is the observation deck at the top of the Gran Torre Santiago, the 300 metre skyscraper that has been the tallest building in South America, a record dated to April 2011. Designed by the Argentine architect César Pelli with Alemparte Barreda and Associates and completed in 2013, the tower is part of the Costanera Center complex, which also includes a large shopping centre, two hotels and two further office towers. The viewing platform occupies floors 61 and 62, around 300 metres above the city.

From the top you get an unbroken 360-degree view across the whole Santiago basin. On a clear day you can follow the line of the Andes along the eastern edge of the city and pick out landmarks such as Cerro San Cristóbal and the historic centre.

The deck is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00, with the last ascent at 21:00, although hours can change on public holidays. Tickets are sold online through the website, and the ticket office and entrance are on the ground floor (Nivel PB) of the Cenco Costanera shopping centre. Buying ahead is sensible at weekends and in the summer holidays, and changes to holiday hours are announced on the attraction's social media channels. The visit needs very little walking, which makes it an easy outing with children or older relatives.

Timing makes a big difference. Visibility is best after rain or wind clears the haze, so check the sky before you buy tickets for a particular time. Late afternoon lets you see the city by daylight, at sunset and then lit up at night, although it tends to be a popular time. Allow about an hour including the lift ride and any queue, and bring a jacket on cooler days.

The tower stands on Avenida Andrés Bello in Providencia, in the modern business district. The shopping centre below has places to eat, and the hotels and restaurants of El Golf and Vitacura are a short taxi ride away. It is a good choice for families and for a first-day orientation, or for anyone who wants to understand how the city sits against the mountains.