Bahá'í Temple Tour with Exclusive Lapislázuli Workshop

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

Spanish

Mobile ticket

This half-day tour is available in both morning and afternoon schedules. We begin at the Bahá'í Temple of South America, a serene architectural masterpiece completed in 2016. Its nine translucent wings of glass and marble seem to shift with the light, inviting reflection and openness. Set in the foothills of the Andes, the temple offers panoramic views of Santiago and a peaceful space to learn about the Bahá'í faith, centered on unity and the dignity of all people.

Next, we’ll visit a lapis lazuli workshop, where you’ll see how artisans transform this rare blue stone—found only in Chile and Afghanistan—into elegant jewelry and decorative pieces. You’ll also enjoy a refreshing sample of pisco sour, on the house, and browse items crafted from Chilean copper and other local materials—perfect for finding a unique souvenir.

To end the tour, choose to return to your hotel or stay to explore Patio Bellavista, a lively area full of restaurants and culture.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We are unable to transport children under 9 years old.

Estimated timing: 1.5 hours at the Bahá'í temple, 30 minutes at the lapis lazuli workshop, and 1.5 to 2 hours of total driving time

Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Guide

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Templo Baha'i

Let’s visit one of Santiago’s most remarkable and inspiring landmarks: the Bahá'í Temple of South America. Completed in 2016 by architect Siamak Hariri, this temple was conceived as a symbol of unity and openness to all people, regardless of belief. Its architecture is striking—nine translucent wings of cast glass and marble that subtly shift in appearance with the changing light, creating an almost ethereal presence against the sky. The design has been recognized with major international awards for its beauty, innovation, and spiritual resonance. Peacefully set at the foothills of the Andes, the temple offers sweeping city views and a serene natural environment ideal for reflection and quiet inspiration. As we explore, you’ll learn about the Bahá'í faith, rooted in principles of equality, harmony, and the shared dignity of humanity. This is more than a visit—it’s a moment to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with a sense of peace and perspective.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Discover one of Chile’s most treasured gems: lapislázuli, the deep-blue semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. Revered since ancient times for its vibrant color and golden flecks of pyrite, it has long been associated with wisdom, protection, and inner clarity. We’ll visit a workshop where skilled artisans cut, polish, and set the stone into elegant jewelry and decorative pieces. Watching their work up close reveals how each creation is shaped with patience, artistry, and cultural pride rooted in Andean tradition. The artisans are happy to explain their process. You’ll also find beautiful pieces made from Chilean copper, the country’s most iconic mineral and a symbol of its land and history. From minimalist jewelry to handcrafted art objects, every item carries a story of origin and craftsmanship. This is the ideal moment to choose a meaningful, locally made souvenir—something authentic that will continue to connect you with Chile long after your journey ends.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Bahá'í Temple Tour with Exclusive Lapislázuli Workshop

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Many other Baha'i fours...
Ronald H,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Many other Baha'i tours included wineries, etc. We had already done that so this one was good for just the temple. There was a short stop at a lapiz factory but that was it. Otherwise, the tour was very informative both at the temple and as we were driving, as we had questions about life in Santiago.
Quality tour
danoutcalt,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really interesting visit to the temple. Beautiful facility, had an opportunity to walk around and meditate and just enjoy the peaceful and serene environment. Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly, and made the trip exceptional!
Bahai Temple Tour with Gems of Chile – A Memorable Finale to Our Trip
roman4soccer,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As our two-week stay in Santiago was coming to an end, my fiancée and I wanted one last memorable outing. The Marriott Hotel recommended the Bahai Temple, and after checking Tripadvisor, we booked a four-hour small group tour with Gems of Chile. We were the only guests that day, which meant a private guide and vehicle, exactly how we like to travel. Choosing a Sunday proved wise, as traffic was light and the drive took only about forty minutes each way. Our guide, Daniel, arrived on time and immediately impressed us with his excellent English. Having lived abroad for several years, he had mastered the language, and his fluency made the tour far more engaging. He shared fascinating historical context about Chile throughout the drive, making sure no time was wasted. The first stop was at Gems of Chile’s workshop and showroom, where the family owners craft jewelry from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan. We toured the workshop, enjoyed a taste of pisco, and browsed their creations. I tried to buy something for my fiancée, but she preferred to continue on to the temple. After about fifteen minutes, we were back in the van and heading toward the foothills. When we arrived, the temple grounds were lively but not overcrowded. Visitors are welcomed with an orientation from a Bahai member, who explains the faith and its history. Since there were few English-speaking visitors that day, we were given a private orientation in a conference room. I had expected a high-pressure pitch, but it was nothing of the sort, just a thoughtful and informative introduction. When I offered a donation for his time, our guide politely declined, which I found refreshing. Daniel then explained the layout and visiting protocols, and we explored the grounds and interior at our own pace for about thirty minutes. The temple’s architecture and setting were serene and inspiring, making it a highlight of our trip. The entire tour lasted two hours and forty minutes at the pace we set. Back at our hotel, we thanked Daniel for his professionalism, knowledge, and insights into Santiago’s fascinating political past. I told him I only review tours I truly enjoy, so here it is. Thank you, Daniel, and I highly recommend Gems of Chile for anyone visiting Santiago.
Bahía temple/lápiz lazuli workshop
veronicamB2041YI,
Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The views of the Baha’i temple were amazing! The tour was fun and informative. The lápiz Lazuli workshop was interesting and beautiful in seeing how the artesian made beautiful art work with the lápiz lazul rock.
Good city walk
gusyena1,
Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Daniel good guide. Interesting talk. Knowledge of the City and History. Helpful and attentive to our questions and doubts.
Fall in love with Chile
Mobile608174,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I love the Temple. It is a beautiful place and the views of Santiago are lovely. I think it is totally worth the visit, because it gives you such a different perspective and a change of pace and focus. The guide is personable and a great conversationalist and fun. The visit to the workshop was a different experience because it focus on creating beautiful pieces with Lapislazuli. I did end up buying more pieces than I had intended to! It is the real deal, though, so I know it was a good investment.