Santiago Changing of Guard and Historic Downtown Private Tour

Santiago Changing of Guard and Historic Downtown Private Tour

By Unplanned Detours

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

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. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at La Moneda, a centuries-old tradition. Discover charming streets like New York Street and Casa Colorada, and hear fascinating stories about Chile’s colonial past. Your expert guide will bring the city’s rich history and culture to life, sharing anecdotes about Santiago’s evolution from colonial roots to modern-day capital. As you wander, enjoy the beautiful architecture, plazas, and lively atmosphere of Santiago. End with stunning panoramic views from Santa Lucia Hill, a historic site where the city was founded. This 3-hour guided experience gives you an unforgettable look at Santiago’s unique contrasts — where history, culture, and contemporary life collide. Perfect for history buffs and curious explorers alike!

Activity location

Citizenship Park
- 1255 Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
- Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Meeting/Redemption Point

Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme
- Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
- 8330109, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Check availability

La Moneda Changing of the Guard & Downtown Santiago Private Tour

3h
English

Duration: 3 hours

Travelers

Languages available

Starting time: 9:30

Price details

P 4,218.11 x 1 AdultP 4,218.11

Total

Until Fri, May 22

What's included, what's not

Certified Local Guide (Portuguese/English/Spanish)
Panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
Photo stops at key locations like Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucía
Fully narrated walking tour through Santiago’s historic downtown & Santa Lucia Hill
Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible
Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions
Changing of the Guard Parade at La Moneda Palace
Gratuities

Know before you book

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
As the Changing of the Guard is a government ceremony, it is subject to change or cancellation without prior notice due to official government events or special protocols.
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.

Activity itinerary

Citizenship Park

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 Palace

45m
Admission ticket not included

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. You will see the new guard march into position with precision drills, flag presentations, and synchronized movements — a living piece of Chilean history that dates back to the 19th century. As the guards switch duties, the atmosphere is filled with pageantry and national pride, offering a perfect glimpse into the country's military customs and political heritage. You'll not only experience the ceremony up close, but also learn about the significance of La Moneda Palace itself — from its origins as a colonial mint to its central role during the 1973 coup d'état and its restoration as a symbol of democracy.

Constitution Place

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 (Pass 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

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

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.

Paseo Estado (Pass 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.

Church of St. Augustine, Augustinians

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.

Casa Colorada (Pass 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

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.

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

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 (Pass 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.

Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Pass 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

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.

Location

Activity location

Citizenship Park
- 1255 Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
- Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Meeting/Redemption Point

Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme
- Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins
- 8330109, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Santiago your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top Experiences in Santiago

With so many things to do in Santiago, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours, and activities in Santiago. Families, couples, and business travelers can all find the perfect activity in Santiago to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.