La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour

5.0 (7 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into Santiago’s past on this 3-hour walking tour through the city’s historic center. Start at La Moneda Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, then explore Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other iconic landmarks. Stroll through charming streets like Calle Nueva York and discover hidden corners like Casa Colorada, while your guide shares vivid stories from colonial times to the present day.

You’ll see how history and modern life blend as you walk past grand architecture, lively plazas, and bustling streets. The tour ends with sweeping city views from Santa Lucía Hill — the very spot where Santiago was founded.

Ideal for anyone curious about Chile’s past and present, this small-group experience brings Santiago’s contrasts to life.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Small Group New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Portuguese, English, Spanish
Operated by: Unplanned Detours

Ages: Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
Included: Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible
Included: Certified Local Expert Guide (Portuguese/English/Spanish)
Included: Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions
Included: First Row view of Changing of the Guard Ceremony at La Moneda Palace
Included: Fully narrated walking tour through Santiago’s historic downtown
Included: Guided visit to Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral and historic sights

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min

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
Stop 2

45 min

At the heart of Santiago’s civic center, you will witness the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony at La Moneda Palace, Chile’s presidential headquarters. This colorful and time-honored tradition features an elaborate parade of soldiers dressed in immaculate uniforms, accompanied by a live military band playing traditional Chilean marches.
Stop 3

5 min

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.
Santiago Stock Exchange

Passing by

Founded in 1893, the Santiago Stock Exchange is housed in a stunning French-style building, symbolizing 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.
Paseo Nueva York

5 min

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 modernize and mirror European and American cities at the time. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot that contrasts sharply with the city's busy downtown.
San Francisco Church

5 min

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.
Barrio Paris Londres

5 min

Barrio París-Londres is a small, picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Santiago, Chile, known for its distinct European flair that sets it apart from the city's typical grid layout. This unique character has made it a popular spot for tourists and a designated "Zona Típica" (Typical Zone) by the Chilean government since 1982.
Stop 8

Passing 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.
Stop 9

5 min

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 story — it remains a vital symbol of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.
Museo de Santiago - Casa Colorada

Passing 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.
Plaza de Armas

10 min

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.
Stop 12

5 min

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

Passing by

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

Passing 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

20 min

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 center.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins (man on horse, 2 legs up) in Plaza de la Ciudadanía, opposite La Moneda Palace

Subway: Exit La Moneda Line 1 red line, take exit D (Nataniel Cox). Walk east on Alameda, find the big plaza with two statues

Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UFsGLJGeNVpzsAnS6

End point

Tour ends at Santa Lucía's Hill in front of Neptune's Terrace with access to multiple transportation methods

Using your ticket

Your Unplanned Detours Guide will be holding a blue flag at the meeting point
We ask guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure
Please note, we can’t refund missed tours or tickets due to late arrivals
Gratuities for our guides/drivers who provide excellent service are always appreciated.
For a smoother experience, we suggest keeping your belongings light-just a small backpack and minimal jewelry.
Some of the sites we visit might have limited shade or be exposed to the elements, so we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather
For questions about your tour, you can call us at +56232107697 or message us via whatsapp to +56983946115 or paste the link on your browser - https://wa.me/message/NX3BHWC3QCO3L1

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.