Tour Santiago is not Chile: History, City and Society｜Chile

Since the arrival of the Spanish and the founding of Santiago in 1541, the political, economic, and military power of the republic has always resided here. In this way, both the history of Chile and its people, as well as its social order and idiosyncrasy, are deeply intertwined with this city—the capital of the kingdom

For this reason, if you look closely, you can find urban landmarks—such as buildings, statues, plazas, and streets—that narrate this relationship: the one between the city of Santiago and our history as a nation

However, Chilean identity and the character of its culture cannot be understood without the connection to the land and its natural environment—without embracing the beautiful yet inhospitable landscape at the end of the world

Thus, 'Santiago is not Chile' is an old saying that serves as a mantra to remind us that, despite its centralism, the true treasures of the Chilean nation lie beyond the walls of its main city

If you plan to visit these places of great natural beauty and their small towns, this activity is a perfect introduction to the main features of our culture and idiosyncrasy, as well as a way to discover the origins of our traditions. It will help you better understand the codes and worldview of Chilean society and provide you with essential concepts to grasp the value we place on our natural spaces. That way, once you’ve completed your journey through the last corner of the world, you’ll be better equipped to judge whether Santiago is—or is not—Chile

The main questions posed throughout this tour are:
What makes Chile a unique and distinct place in the world?
What are the main traits and characteristics of the Chilean people?
What values do we share as Chileans, and what are their roots?
What is the origin of our most important traditions?
What is Chile’s position on the global and South American stage?
Why has the trajectory of Chilean society been so different from that of other Latin American nations?
How did the current and peculiar shape of Chile’s territory come to be formed?"

The itinerary of this open-air class is structured to include Santiago’s most important urban landmarks, along with lesser-known ones, arranged to illustrate a chronological evolution of Chile’s political and social history

1. Plaza de Armas
2. La Casa Colorada
3. Estatua de Pedro de Valdivia
4. Basílica de la Merced
5. Palacio de la Real Audiencia
6. Plaza Montt Varas
7. Bario La Bolsa
8. Palacio de la Moneda
9. Plaza de la Constitución
10. Museo de la Memoria
11. Barrio Bellas Artes - Lastarria
12. Centro Gabriela Mistral
13. Plaza Italia