How to Plan Your Private Full Day Santiago Highlights Walking Tour

Are you planning to visit Santiago, Chile anytime soon? Then you definitely should not miss out on this private walking tour that lets you discover the best of Santiago Chile in just one day. This tour is perfect for travelers who have limited time but still want to see all of the most important landmarks in the city. Let’s get started planning your unforgettable Santiago tour experience.

Overview of the Private Full Day Santiago Highlights Walking Tour

This private walking tour of Santiago is a personalized experience exclusively for your party. You’ll immerse yourself in the culture and history of Chile’s capital with a multilingual guide who will take you to the most important landmarks and attractions in the city. The tour includes pickup from your central Santiago hotel or the option to head directly to the meeting point. Your tour includes a cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Tour Itinerary

Here’s what you can expect during your private full day Santiago highlights walking tour:

1. Start at Santa Lucia Hill

The first stop of the tour is Santa Lucia Hill, a historic and picturesque park in the center of the city. You’ll climb up the stairs to the top of the hill, where you can take in panoramic views of Santiago.

2. Visit the Presidential Palace

Next up is La Moneda Palace, the presidential palace of Chile. You’ll learn about the history of the building, which dates back to the 18th century, and observe the changing of the guard ceremony.

3. Explore the Old Town

The tour then heads to the historic center of Santiago, where you’ll walk through the picturesque streets and plazas of the old town, known as Centro Histórico.

4. Take a Cable Car Ride

You’ll then take a cable car to the top of San Cristobal Hill, one of the highest points in Santiago. Here you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and see the iconic statue of the Virgin Mary.

5. Have Lunch at Mercado Central

After descending from San Cristobal Hill, you’ll head to Mercado Central, one of Santiago’s most famous seafood markets. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch (not included in the tour price).

6. Visit Bellavista Neighborhood

The tour then heads to Bellavista, one of Santiago’s trendiest neighborhoods. Here you can see amazing street art, graffiti, and the famous colorful houses.

7. End at the Central Market

The final stop is Central Market, a bustling market where you can buy souvenirs and local foods.

What’s Included in the Tour

This private walking tour includes a multilingual guide, funicular and cable car ride at San Cristóbal Hill, bottled water, and optional gratuity for the guide. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is the Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center at Av. Sta. María 1742, Santiago, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile. If your hotel is outside the downtown Providencia or El Golf neighborhoods, you can request pickup.

Booking the Private Full Day Santiago Highlights Walking Tour

Are you ready to book your private full day Santiago highlights walking tour? You can book here: book the tour here. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Santiago and learn about its culture and history.

FAQs About Santiago, Chile

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile, located in the central part of the country. Renowned for its dynamic economic sector, thriving cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty, Santiago is one of the most popular and sought-after travel destinations in South America. If you’re planning a trip to Santiago, here are some frequently asked questions that can help you make the most of your visit.

1. Where is Santiago located?

Santiago is located in the central part of Chile. It is surrounded by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Coastal Range to the west. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,706 feet (520 meters) above sea level and covers an area of approximately 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers).

2. What language is spoken in Santiago?

The official language of Santiago is Spanish. While most people in the city speak and understand English, it is still a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases before your trip, particularly if you plan on venturing outside of the main tourist areas.

3. When is the best time to visit Santiago?

The best time to visit Santiago is during the summer months of December to February when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, the fall (March to May) or spring (September to November) can be a great time to visit Santiago, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

4. What are the must-see tourist attractions in Santiago?

There are many must-see tourist attractions in Santiago, including:- La Moneda Palace: The Presidential Palace of Chile, located in the heart of Santiago.

– Plaza de Armas: Santiago’s main square and home to many important historical and cultural buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the Central Post Office.

– Cerro San Cristobal: A large hill that offers panoramic views of Santiago and the surrounding mountains.

– Barrio Bellavista: A bohemian neighborhood known for its street art and colorful houses, as well as its numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

– Mercado Central: Santiago’s central market, where you can find a vast selection of fresh seafood and other local products.

5. What are some of the best outdoor activities to do in Santiago?

Santiago is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in and around the city, including:- Hiking and mountain biking in the Andes Mountains

– Skiing and snowboarding at the popular ski resorts of Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado

– Wine tasting in the nearby vineyards of the Casablanca and Maipo valleys

– Surfing and windsurfing at the beaches of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso

6. What is the currency in Santiago?

The currency in Santiago is the Chilean peso (CLP). It is recommended to exchange your currency at authorized money exchange offices or withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates.

7. What are some local dishes to try in Santiago?

Santiago is known for its delicious cuisine, featuring a wide variety of meats, seafood, and fresh produce from the surrounding farms and valleys. Some popular local dishes to try include:- Asado: A traditional Chilean barbecue featuring grilled meats and sausages.

– Empanadas: Savory turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

– Pastel de choclo: A corn pie with a filling of beef or chicken, onions, and raisins, topped with mashed corn and baked until golden brown.

– Cazuela: A hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and potatoes.

– Completo: A hot dog topped with avocado, tomato, mayonnaise, and sauerkraut.

8. Is Santiago a safe city?

Santiago is generally considered to be a safe city for tourists. However, as in any big city, it is important to take normal safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended, avoiding isolated areas at night, and staying in well-lit and busy areas.

9. What is the transportation system like in Santiago?

Santiago has an extensive and efficient public transportation system that includes a metro network, buses, and taxis. The metro system is one of the most modern and reliable in South America, with clean and safe trains that run from early morning until late at night. Buses are also a popular mode of transportation, with a vast network that connects Santiago to all the major cities and towns in Chile. Taxis are widely available but can be slightly more expensive than public transportation.

10. What are some cultural events and festivals in Santiago?

Santiago is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Some of the most popular cultural events in Santiago include:- Fiestas Patrias: A week-long celebration of Chilean Independence Day in mid-September, featuring traditional food, music, and dance.

– Santiago a Mil: An international performing arts festival that takes place in January, featuring theater, dance, music, and visual arts from around the world.

– Festival de Cine de Viña del Mar: A film festival held in August in the nearby coastal city of Viña del Mar, showcasing the best of Chilean and international cinema.

Conclusion

Santiago is a fascinating and exciting city with plenty to offer visitors of all ages and interests. With its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and thriving cultural scene, Santiago is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South America. By following the advice in this post, you can make the most of your visit to Santiago and create lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Santiago

Santiago, the capital city of Chile, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Santiago, there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do and see in Santiago, from landmarks and museums to outdoor adventures and shopping.

Exploring the Historic Downtown

One of the best ways to start your trip to Santiago is by exploring the historic downtown area. This area is home to many of Santiago’s most famous landmarks and cultural sites. Start by visiting the stunning Plaza de Armas, which is the main square of Santiago. Here you can admire the beautiful neoclassical architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de la Moneda, the presidential palace. You can also visit the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda, a modern art museum located beneath the palace. Another must-see attraction in the downtown area is the Cerro Santa Lucía, a hilltop park with breathtaking views of the city. Climb to the top of the hill to enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and explore the historic fort and charming gardens. From the top of the hill, you can also see the iconic San Cristóbal Hill, which is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.

Visiting the Museums

Santiago has a wealth of interesting museums to explore. One of the most famous is the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which features an impressive collection of Chilean and international art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Another must-see is the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which is dedicated to the victims of the Pinochet regime and serves as a reminder of Chile’s turbulent recent history.For science enthusiasts, the Museo Interactivo Mirador is a great place to explore hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the wonders of science and technology. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy the Museo de la Moda, which houses an extensive collection of fashion and costume designs from around the world.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Santiago is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. One of the most popular destinations is the Parque Bicentenario, a large park that features walking trails, playgrounds, and cafes. The park also has a beautiful artificial lake where you can rent paddle boats and enjoy the scenery.For a more challenging outdoor adventure, head to the Cajón del Maipo, a valley located just outside of Santiago that offers hiking, rafting, and horseback riding. The valley is also home to the El Morado Natural Monument, a nature reserve that features stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Shopping and Dining

No trip to Santiago is complete without sampling the city’s delicious cuisine and shopping for souvenirs. For a traditional Chilean meal, head to one of the city’s many seafood restaurants, where you can sample fresh ceviche or grilled salmon. Other must-try dishes include pastel de choclo, a savory pie made with beef and corn, and empanadas, a classic Chilean pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.For shopping, head to the trendy neighborhood of Lastarria, where you’ll find an array of boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. The neighborhood is also home to the Centro Gabriela Mistral, a cultural center that celebrates Chilean art and culture.

Conclusion

As you can see, Santiago has something to offer for every type of traveler. From historic landmarks and museums to outdoor adventures and delicious cuisine, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant city. By following this guide, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable trip to Santiago that you’ll cherish for years to come.