The idea of a funicular originated when the Cerro San Cristóbal began to be taken for public use in the 1910s, project that was finally commissioned to the Italian engineer Ernesto Bosso in 1922.

The foundation stone of the funicular was laid on 24 November 1923, and its construction was completed and inaugurated on 25 April 1925 (99 years ago) (1925-04-25) by the then President of Chile Arturo Alessandri.

The station located at the feet of the hill was designed by architect Luciano Kulczewski,[1] while the strength of steel wire ropes was tested by engineer Jorge Alessandri, who later went on to become president of Chile (1958–1964).

[1][6][2] In January 1998, the only serious accident occurred, when a car ascending to the Cumbre station —which carried six park employees— crashed against the hill due to a late brake activation.

[2] The funicular is 485 metres (1,591 ft) long and consists of three stations: "Pío Nono" (at the base of the hill), "Zoo" and "Cumbre", where the Santuario a la Virgen is located and where there is a connection with the Santiago Cable Car.