Introduction

Cerro Pochoco is a myth. In the last few years, this peak has become a virtual sanctuary for thousands of Santiaguinos that have found it a good place to exercise, take a family hike, or a moderate Sunday walk.

Hidden at the northeastern edges of the capital, in the magical sector El Arrayán, this summit is on the verge of a long and beautiful mountain ridge that ends in Cerro Coradera (3333m). The view from the summit gives the pleasant feeling of being at the a feet of the great peaks of the zone, such as La Paloma, El Altar, and El Plomo, and at the same time, offers a great view of the city.

One of the most notable aspects of this peak is the "Old Man of Pochoco." The Old Man of Pochoco, whose real name is Hugo Ravera, is a man who has climbed the mountain thousands of times, always accompanied by innumerable stray dogs that prowl the nearby area. In days gone by, a cyclist of the club Audax Italiano, Hugo for many years climbed Pochoco some three days per week, very early in the morning. The interesting thing about him is that, if anyone bumps into this man at least three times on the mountain, they could receive, in their own hands, the classic red steel trekking pole, or "pole of Pochoco," that marks those who with their perseverance have become true fanatics and faithful friends of Cerro Pochoco. For whoever is interested in obtaining such a souvenir, Hugo usually climbs on Sundays in the mornings, with other hikers.