Santiago In-depth tour - Santiago de Chile

Our local guides will use their insight and local knowledge to give you an in-depth perspective perspective on Santiago's history and local life, people and culture. Some of the main places which could be included on a full or half day tour in the Chilean capital are detailed below.

One of the symbols of Santiago and one of its most historic building is the neoclassical La Moneda - the Government Palace. Located in the centre of the city, it was originally a colonial era coin mint but soon became the seat of the president. It was here that General Pinochet and his troops overthrew the incumbent government on 11 September 1973, establishing a new dictatorship that would dramatically change the course of the country.

The pedestrian streets of Huerfanos and Ahumada are where the main commercial activity of the city is concentrated, whilst the main square - Plaza de Armas - is the site of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office building. One of the most picturesque parts of the city is Santa Lucia, the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. It is a lone steep rock, with many plants and an antique building rising steeply from the city below. From here you can see the Parque Forestal (park) on one side and the Mapocho River on the other.

Across the river is the bohemian district of Bellavista, the cultural and artistic neighbourhood of Santiago. Bellavista lies at the foot of the Metropolitan Park's San Cristobal, the highest hill in town and the one that affords the essential view of Santiago, as the powerful Andes rise up in the distance.

Los Dominicos Craft Market began as an artists’ commune supported by the Dominican monastery. In this place of more than 150 workshops you will find the most complete and representative sample of Chilean handcrafts.

You might like to supplement the above and receive in-depth knowledge about the country’s military, social and cultural past, visiting the places in which, about 40 years ago, historical events took place to see how they continue to play a key role in Chile today. Along the city tour visit the Museum of Human Rights, the National Stadium, Villa Grimaldi Peace Park and many other highlights.