Contrasts of Historic Santiago and Cerro Santa Lucía Walking Tour

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Overview

Duration:2 hours 30 minutes
Travelers:10 guests
Tour Type:Private tour
Language:English, Portuguese, Spanish
Email Ticket:Yes

Explore the heart of Santiago on this small-group walking tour through its historic landmarks and hidden gems. Visit iconic sites like La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Stroll down charming streets like New York Street and pass by Casa Colorada as your guide shares fascinating stories of Santiago’s colonial roots and the city’s transformation over the centuries. Along the way, admire neoclassical architecture, lively plazas, and the everyday rhythms of local life. Enjoy local anecdotes, cultural insights, and photo stops that bring the city’s past and present together. The tour ends with panoramic views from Santa Lucía Hill — a scenic and symbolic spot where Santiago was founded. This 3-hour guided experience offers a rich and unforgettable look at the layers of history and culture that define Chile’s capital — ideal for curious travelers, history lovers, and first-time visitors alike.

Uncover Santiago’s past and present on this small-group walking tour through iconic landmarks, lively streets, and cultural gems. A rich introduction to the city’s history, architecture, and spirit.

Includes/Excludes

Certified Local Guide (Portuguese/English/Spanish)
Fully narrated walking tour through Santiago’s historic downtown
Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions
Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible
Photo stops at key locations like Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucía
Enjoy panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
Recommendations for food, shopping, and things to do after the tour

Tip or gratuity

Please note

Stroller / pram accessible

Animals or pets allowed

Public transportation nearby

This tour covers considerable walking at a leisure pace, so comfortable shoes are a must

It might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments

We run the tour in any weather, so make sure to dress for the conditions and come ready for an awesome adventure!

Not wheelchair accessible

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable walking shoes – City streets + stories = lots of steps.

Weather protection – Think sunscreen, hat, or a light rain jacket—just in case.

Keep it simple – Best to leave flashy jewelry and valuables at home.

Refillable water bottle – Stay cool while we keep moving.

Cash or card – You never know when you’ll find the perfect souvenir.

Curiosity and good vibes – The city brings the rest.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

Citizenship Park

Discover Plaza de la Ciudadanía, a grand civic space in Santiago that stretches from the southern façade of La Moneda Palace to Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins. Redesigned in 2006 as part of Chile’s Bicentennial Project, the plaza features elegant water mirrors, the monumental Bicentennial Flag, and the underground Centro Cultural La Moneda, which hosts exhibitions and cultural events. It also houses the Altar de la Patria, where the remains of national hero Bernardo O’Higgins rest, alongside statues honoring Chile’s independence leaders. This plaza serves as a powerful symbol of Chile’s history, identity, and civic pride.

La Moneda Palace

La Moneda is Chile’s presidential palace and a cornerstone of national identity. Completed in 1805, this neoclassical building originally housed the colonial mint. Today, it serves as the seat of the President and key government ministries. With its elegant columns, grand courtyards, and symbolic architecture, La Moneda represents Chile’s political legacy and resilience. Visitors can admire its façade from the Plaza de la Constitución and explore its surroundings, which include public art, gardens, and historical monuments.

Plaza de la Constitución

Located at the heart of Santiago, Plaza de la Constitución is a historically significant square, home to the La Moneda Palace, the seat of Chile's government. This grand plaza is a symbol of the country’s political life, where important events and demonstrations have taken place. Surrounded by beautiful neoclassical buildings, the plaza offers a peaceful space to reflect on Chile’s rich history and political evolution. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the nation's heritage.

Church of San Francisco

The oldest standing building in Santiago, the Church of San Francisco dates back to 1618. This colonial-era landmark survived major earthquakes and holds a rich collection of religious art, offering a glimpse into the city’s Spanish colonial roots and resilience.

Estado Walking Boulevard

One of Santiago’s busiest pedestrian streets, Paseo Estado reflects the city’s commercial heart, lined with shops, historic buildings, and vibrant street life. It’s a lively connection between colonial-era landmarks and the modern city.

Ney York & London Street

Step into a hidden corner of Santiago that feels like a slice of Manhattan. Paseo Nueva York is a short, elegant street lined with early 20th-century neoclassical buildings, reflecting Santiago’s ambition to modernize and mirror European and American cities at the time. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot that contrasts sharply with the city's busy downtown.

Santiago's Stock Exchange

Founded in 1893, the Santiago Stock Exchange is housed in a stunning French-style building, symbolizing Chile’s economic boom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's still one of Latin America’s most important financial centers, and its elegant architecture highlights the city's historical ties to global markets.

Casa Colarada Museum

Built in 1769, Casa Colorada is one of the best-preserved colonial mansions in Santiago. With its iconic red façade, it once housed important figures of Chile’s independence movement and now stands as a symbol of the city's colonial past.

Church of Saint Augustin

Built in the early 1600s, the Church of St. Augustine is one of Santiago’s oldest and most historic churches. Known for its baroque architecture and the famous statue of Cristo de Mayo — a crucifix tied to a legendary earthquake story — it remains a vital symbol of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

Plaza de Armas

Founded in 1541, Plaza de Armas is the historic heart of Santiago. It has been the city’s main public space for centuries, surrounded by iconic buildings and full of life with street artists, performers, and locals.

Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, built between the 18th and 19th centuries, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and the seat of the Catholic Church in Chile. Its richly decorated interior reflects centuries of history and resilience.

Ex-National Congress

Once home to Chile’s National Congress, this grand neoclassical building dates back to the 19th century. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it symbolizes Chile’s political history and remains a striking example of the country’s republican architecture.

Santiago's Central Market

Opened in 1872, Mercado Central is Santiago’s iconic seafood market, famous for its fresh catch and lively atmosphere. The iron structure was designed in Britain, and today it’s one of the best places to experience authentic Chilean flavors.

Parque Forestal

Stretching along the Mapocho River, Parque Forestal is Santiago’s green lung, designed in the late 19th century. It’s a favorite spot for locals to relax, exercise, and enjoy outdoor art, connecting major cultural landmarks along its path.

National Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building from 1910, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes holds one of Latin America’s oldest art collections. It’s a cultural treasure, blending Chilean and international art across centuries.

Santa Lucía Hill

Once a rocky outcrop and now a lush urban park, Santa Lucía Hill is where Santiago was officially founded in 1541. Its beautiful stairways, fountains, and panoramic views make it a must-visit spot in the city center.