Back

Historic Santiago walking tour

chi23-walkingtoursantiago-free-istock-000010275235

Trace the history of the Chilean capital on a wander through its most significant sights and neighbourhoods.

The current capital of Chile was born where a Spanish conquistador founded the settlement of Santiago de Nueva Extremadura in 1541 – laying the foundations for its eventual evolution into the present-day metropolis of 5 million people.

Explore the main square and the cathedral, neatly juxtaposed with the glass frontages of skyscrapers and visit the government palace La Moneda. Alongside its earlier history, you’ll become aware of the violent coup that emanated from here in 1973, installing the brutal military regime of General Pinochet.

The National Historic Museum is worth a look as are two of Santiago’s oldest and most stately neighbourhoods, Republica and Concha y Toro.

Holidays Historic Santiago walking tour

From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Group - Classic

Chile / Argentina / Iguazú Falls

Gaucho: Vintage Argentina

12 days from £3,791pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Private Journeys

Brazil / Iguazú Falls / Argentina / Chile

Signature Brazil, Argentina and Chile: Coast to coast

15 days from £5,625pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Group - Discovery

Chile / Patagonia / Argentina

Charito: Pure Patagonia

12 days from £3,685pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Travel Tips

What to pack for a stay in the Amazon?
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Travel Tips

Travelling in Latin America with Type One Diabetes
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Food and Drink

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Learn more

Destination Guides

A brief history of the Galapagos Islands

Learn more

Travel Tips

What to pack for expedition cruising?

Learn more

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts

Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
Ben Line - Travel Expert

Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
Steve Yates - Travel Expert

Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.