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A group of people posing in front of a large, circular sculpture with the letters 'ST' visible. 1
A grand staircase leading to a fountain with a statue on top, surrounded by lush greenery and a hill in the background. 2
A group of people posing in front of a building with classical architecture and a sculpture. 3
A plaza with palm trees, a statue, and a large building in the background. 4
A historic church with two towers, palm trees, and modern buildings. 5

La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas & Historic Santiago Walking Tour

By Unplanned Detours
8.0 out of 10
Very good
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$51 per adult
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

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 travellers, history lovers, and first-time visitors alike.

Activity location

  • Citizenship Park
    • 1255 Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
    • Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme
    • Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
    • 8330109, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Check availability

Historic Santiago Walking Tour

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

Semi-private walking tour

Price details
NZ$51.41 x 1 AdultNZ$51.41
Total
Price is NZ$51.41

What's included, what's not

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

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • To ensure a truly personalised experience, our tours are limited to small groups. For parties of 10 or more, we are happy make arrangements to maintain the same high-quality attention.

Activity itinerary

Citizenship Park

  • 5m
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 honouring Chile’s independence leaders. This plaza serves as a powerful symbol of Chile’s history, identity, and civic pride.

La Moneda Palace

  • 5m
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.

Constitution Place

  • 5m
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

  • 5m
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.

Paseo Estado (Pass by)

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.

Paseo Nueva York

  • 5m
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 modernise and mirror European and American cities at the time. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot that contrasts sharply with the city's busy city centre.

Santiago Stock Exchange

  • 5m
Founded in 1893, the Santiago Stock Exchange is housed in a stunning French-style building, symbolising 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 Colorada (Pass by)

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 St. Augustine, Augustinians (Pass by)

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 storey — it remains a vital symbol of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

Plaza de Armas

  • 10m
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.

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

  • 5m
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 Congreso Nacional (Pass by)

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

Santiago Central Market (Pass by)

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 flavours.

Parque Forestal (Pass by)

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

Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Pass by)

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.

Cerro Santa Lucia

  • 15m
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 centre.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Citizenship Park
    • 1255 Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
    • Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme
    • Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
    • 8330109, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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