Santiago Walking City Tour

based on 23 reviews

Duration:3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (approx.)
Location: Santiago, Chile

From $

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

Traveler (Age : 0 to 120)

Free Cancellation

Upto 24 hours in Advance.

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Private Sightseeing Tours

Half-day Tours

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

3,5 to 4 hours of walking conversation through the city, depending on physical capacity and interest. Therefore an estimated displacement time between locations is considered as part of the visit per every place of interest.

To be introduced into part of Santiago society for a few hours so the visitor can have a proper introduction to the city.

We will be describing the city as we walk: its infrastructure, activities, values and locations since the minute we get together. It is the job of the guide to explore the interest of the visitor about the route that will be discovered in order to lead his experience to the satisfaction of such curiosity.

If agreed spontaneously, variations of the tour can happen as long as it doesn't exceed the tour area and it's understood that if we include something additional, probably part of the itinerary will be left aside.

In case of Social unrest (demonstrations) or danger (assault), the tour will be modified or cancelled for safety reasons.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts
Next to the Subway station of the same name, "Bellas Artes", there is a coffee, beer and conversation area, a "barrio" we call it, with the same name. Also, the public Museo de Bellas Artes next to it is the inspirational denomination for it. If it's not Monday, between 10 AM and 6 PM we are most likely to be admitted, as long as there is no strike or maintenance duties, in such case we can only admire its architecture from outside and the layout of the premises around it. Among signs of a lively city we can begin (or continue) our conversation about how is it to live by it nowadays, the year before, and what was the origin of the place and how it has endure the recent years. The guide must share some insight about it and then listen attentively to the questions, comments and thoughts of our visitor(s) about their own related urban experience and how they picture it from their own perspective. Then we continue conversation, as we friendly walk on.
2. Cerro Santa Lucia
Unless is Monday (when it's regularly closed) we can enter to the public park Cerro Santa Lucía by the north entrance. It's a small green lung in the middle of downtown where, as if a magic spell was cast upon, the city noise almost goes away and you can enjoy the beauty of green and oxygen as you carry on conversation. Be careful not to over-demand yourself, we can take it to the main terrace or keep going until the top of the tower so some fitness is required! Depending on the point of observation we can admire up close a portion of our city. There is no whole view angle of it from here, but that's precisely the point to find our own point of interest in this "little jungle" we have created for amusement of visitors and locals. Be aware of the uneven trails in the terrain, after all, you are walking on a rock. Visitors will be able to make pictures, check lookout points and share insight on historic and current activities placed in the city.
3. Plaza de La Constitucion
Through the honking of cars and the noise of undistinguished conversation we make it into the Constitution Square, north of the Civic box and The City, it is the heart of the public administration of our country: Palacio de la Moneda, Palacio de Gobierno. Built in order to be the mint house, was inaugurated in 1804, few years before the chilean colony began its emancipation process to become a nation of its own. Built with a mixture of techniques it was a proper school of handicraft led by roman architect Joaquín Toesca, who arrived in the colonial Santiago in 1780 with the mission to complete this construction task, he never saw it finished. A number of presidential statues surround the square adding each a piece to a chapter of our government history. The coup d'etat in 1973, took place here and the reminding of it, plus other historic tokens in place, sets the tone for insight about human rights, civic duty and our hopes and expectations for the future.
4. Espacio M
In the former facility of the newspaper "El Mercurio", there is a commercial gallery that was inaugurated in 2012 and contains the entrepreneurial side of Santiago. Also a nice stop for bathroom and a classic story of construction, architecture and social life prior to the republican life and the history of the conservative Larraín and Edwards family, still relevant to the country public and private life. It's an appropriate bathroom stop and to have some coffee perhaps.
5. Plaza Montt Varas
Before of an ample space dominated by flat water fountains and the statue of President Manuel Montt and Antonio Varas lays the impressive mass of the Supreme Court of Justice, immovable and controversial, we will usually find some lone (or not so lone) demonstrator at its gates, proving that justice, as blind, rarely feels "just" to all parties involved. And in front of it, where in another time a temple enjoyed worship and suffered tragedy, currently another republican institution holds it's facility and not exempt from controversy: it is the former National Congress, closed down after the cup d'etat in 1973. Today relevant meeting take place at this location where, in spite of being a public place we are not always allowed entrance. The guide shall share insight about the composition of our republic, the three powers of the state and our current public affairs under their view. No intention to convince anyone of anything here, but to share useful information por personal analysis.
6. Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Mid XViii to XiX centuries was the span of its construction and after nearly six hundred chilean pesos of the time (a lot more than today I can assure you) there was a first version of the current building, but not the first temple (at least there were two in place before, with entirely different design and structure), the current one has suffered modification after modification since its consecration until before the 1st world war. With services during de week and at the weekend its most likely to visit at noon. We can make pictures inside (unless indicated the contrary in certain spots), but please keep your voice quiet and turn off the flash from your cameras. Naturally we shouldn't enter eating or drinking. Many symbols are present at the House of God: kindness, martyrdom, patriotism and other concepts are in display for observation and meditation. The "Capilla del Santísimo Sacramento" and the "Parroquia el Sagrario" are important and sensitive part of the religious complex.
7. Plaza de Armas
In February 12 of 1541 it was stablished the Main Square and the Governor house, Pedro de Valdivia, took place in its north west side... or at least such is the version we know. Regardless of the new perspectives of the true origin of the city, it is commonly agreed that the beginning of Santiago (and chilean civic life) is attached to the establishment of this square: empty, regular and open to maneuver all logistics related to the establishment of a Spanish colony: horses, weapons, carts, and fortress initially located here or near, then the church, viceroy office, the gallows, livestock rodeo, jail and city council, religious events and jousting sports in colonial times, early civic centre of the newly born republic in the early XiX century, has become a place of entertainment, commerce and tradition in the last couple ten years. Still, located at the heart of Santiago, for better or worse there is always something of interest going on. Let us picture it, admire it and move on.
8. Barrio Lastarria
Walking past street "Mosqueto" a block away from the start point of the tour we get to "Barrio Lastarria", where we shall find the one most interesting formal and informal cultural place Santiago has to offer: Among, bars and coffees, street vendors and performers, you might get lost at times if you don't keep a keen eye on where were you coming from. In any case, it is a colorful and noisy experience that you can always enjoy on your own, after the tour ends or any other time.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : AnaPriscilaD1
Guia excele, nota 1000!!! Atencioso , simpático e nos deu uma aula de história de uma maneira bem descontraída ! Super recomendo!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-01 13:48:49

Posted By : crisfant
Extraordinary guide, very knowledgeable on various topics, historical, cultural, architectural.
Very polite and timely, he managed to anticipate our every possible need and make the trip particularly pleasant and comfortable.
He took an interest in our preferences to plan the most interesting visits for us
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-18 17:04:42

Posted By : Robert-fromthe-South
JP was fabulous! He was so friendly, knowledgeable and informative and his English is very good and he taught us how to correctly pronounce his name so we didn't accidentally call him something rude 😉. The meetup was well organized with rapid communication to get us together at the Cruise Ship Terminal... using WhatsApp (which is really really necessary). We enjoyed so much learning from him about of the history & culture of Valparaiso (and Santiago and Chile in general). He walked us through all the best sights and areas of the city. He has organized and planned his tour exhaustively and maximized the time we had. Also fun was the spontaneous greetings with his fellow tour guides and anecdotes about the various people and companies he's worked for with them. He gave us a wonderful mix of personal stories, information about all the sites, history and just a little politics and he never stopped his commentary which was amazing. I recommend him most highly. I suggest if you do book him, just turn him loose on the best things to see and do, as we did, because then you will receive his absolute maximum energy & effort.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-18 16:45:04

Posted By : miguelbO1395QX
My wife and I flew into Santiago at 7:30 am unsure of what to do until the hotel room was available later on that day. Wanting to make the most of our time, we scheduled the tour that same morning. Juan Pablo met us at the lobby of the hotel (Sommelier Boutique, excellent choice, centrally located, but the subject of a different review). Juan Pablo is charming, fluent in English, and a wonderful guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and very talented at sharing information regarding culture and life in the historical and in the contemporary Santiago in an engaging fashion. He was generous with his time, and spot on with his recommendations about other activities and restaurants to experience while visiting. I recommend this tour very highly.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-15 19:58:15

Posted By : Angela L
We had a short stopover in Santiago on our way to Antarctica. We booked a private walking tour so we could have the flexibility in case our flight came in late, which turned out to be necessary. Our guide Catalina was very accommodating. She met us at our hotel which was in Providencia district, outside the city center. We started the tour in Providencia neighborhood and moved to the downtown area. We ended up spending almost 5 hrs on the tour and saw more than we had expected. A great experience with a great guide. Thank you, Catalina!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-14 16:13:22

Posted By : priscillao218
Cinthia is an excellent guide and helped us with relevant information, with tips to speed up our time in relation to restaurants and shopping. Congratulations on the work.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-13 23:41:57

Posted By : 877vicenter
very good guide, juen hotel, the city tour and spectacular vineyards, Las Condes is a good area to live in the Chilean capital, good shopping centers, restaurants and hotels.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-02-24 20:16:43

Posted By : O9330BXjohnb
J.P. was a wonderful guide. Knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend him and the tour. You eat like a local. And learn a lot about the history of Chile.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-27 11:35:21

Posted By : clairefH3830CA
Perfect day walking around this city! Amazing views, informative walk, and a fantastic tour guide! Would recommend to anyone visiting this area.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-02 14:56:16

Posted By : 495marlees
My family and I had the pleasure of spending a few days with JP during our trip to Chile. He was an amazing tour guide and I cannot recommend him enough if you are travelling to Chile. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history, politics and culture of Chile, has a great sense of humor, speaks amazing English (among other languages), and is a very genuine human being. We learned a lot, explored great areas, felt safe, and truly enjoyed our adventures thanks to him. JP was both punctual and professional. He also connected with and catered to the interests of all 5 members of our family. Our time in and around Santiago wouldn't have been the same without JP!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-21 22:05:06