Santiago: Changing of the Guard & Historic Downtown District｜Chile

Begin your journey at Plaza de la Ciudadanía, where you will meet your guide and dive straight into the history of Santiago. Witness the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony at La Moneda Palace, a tradition that dates back to 1851. Watch as the Carabineros de Chile perform a perfectly synchronized ritual accompanied by a live military band.

After the ceremony, walk to Morandé 80, one of the most symbolic entrances to the palace, and continue to New York Street, where early 20th-century skyscrapers tell the story of Santiago’s financial boom. Stop by the Stock Exchange building for photos before heading to the cobblestone streets of Londres and the historic San Francisco Church, the oldest surviving colonial building in Chile.

Continue to the pedestrian Paseo Estado and discover the Church of San Agustín, home to the legendary Cristo de Mayo. Take a break for a coffee or snack at Mall Vivo Imperio, where you’ll also find clean restroom facilities. Then, explore Casa Colorada, once home to key figures of Chile’s independence, and admire the Portal Fernández Concha and the grand Former National Congress building.

Reach Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of Santiago, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Post Office, and the National History Museum. Stroll through the colorful Mercado Central and along the leafy Parque Forestal before arriving at the Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Latin America's oldest art museums. Finally, conclude your adventure at Santa Lucía Hill, a lush urban park offering panoramic views of the city and a perfect ending to your deep dive into Santiago’s rich history and culture.