La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas & Historic Santiago Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
To ensure a truly personalized 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.
What To Expect
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 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.
Options
Historic Santiago Walking Tour
Semi-private walking tour
What‘s Included
Photo stops at key locations like Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucía
Certified Local Expert Guide (Portuguese/English)
Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible
Enjoy panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
Recommendations for food, shopping, and things to do after the tour
Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions
Fully narrated walking tour through Santiago’s historic downtown
Gratuities
Transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
EXCELLENT!!!
luizl0uren 0s,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent location. It's worth seeing the shift of the guard.
Very good tour
Raul R,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good tour. Lot of history and lot of information. Easy walking. Good pacing. Felipe, our tour guide was punctual, flexible and easy to walk with him. He was willing to take pictures for us. Overall, very good tour.
This is the executive and political heart in Santiago
Stephane O,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The moneda palace is the heart of the executive power of santiago and chili Large and imposing palace
Great tour
Safari37411270574,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria our tour guide was amazing, her energy and enthusiasm for Santiago in addition to all the historical facts of Chile made this tour memorable.
Fun historical tour with Maria
Priya D,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is great way to learn about the history of Chile and Santiago landmarks. Maria answered all our questions!
Santiago City walking tour
Douglas R,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very interesting insights into the history and architecture of Santiago. Knowledgeable and energetic guide.
Discovering Santiago on Foot
franciscR9450RC,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour—such a perfect intro to Santiago 💛 I did this walking tour on my first days in the city and honestly, it was one of my favorite experiences. The group was small, which made it feel relaxed and personal, and our guide was amazing at bringing Santiago’s history to life with stories and little local details you’d never catch on your own. We covered all the must-sees like La Moneda and Plaza de Armas, but also wandered down charming streets like New York Street that made the city feel really authentic. I especially enjoyed hearing about the colonial roots and how modern Santiago grew around them.
l had a traumatic...
Beverly J,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00l had a traumatic expedience on this walking tour! During the tour, my gold necklace was ripped off my neck by a thief while crossing the street with the tour (3 people plus the tour guide). The tour guide immediately contacted his local company and I was told they would contact me that evening or the next day to check on me. I never heard from them. Unfortunately, I was not warned by the guide that the area we were walking through that this could happen or that I should cover my necklace. I expected a phone call and at minimum, to be refunded for this tour for me and my husband. I hope to receive a communication. Beverly
Emmanuel was extremely...
Yuli,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Emmanuel was extremely knowledgeable and explained Chilean history in a very clear and interesting way. The tour was well organized, interactive, and never rushed. I truly appreciated the insights and local perspective. Highly recommended!
Felipe was a great guide,...
Diego V,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Felipe was a great guide, he showed us the history of the Mint and also the different areas of Santa Lucia
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