This tour will show you Santiago’s historic downtown and beyond. You will be picked up by one of our expert guides in a private vehicle and explore the downtown area as well as Santiago’s diverse and interesting neighborhoods.
We start by driving through the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista before arriving in the historic city center where you will see Florestal Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Plaza de Armas (Santiago’s main square), the Cathedral, City Hall, Historic Post Office, Old Congress Building, Palacio La Moneda (The Government House), National Theater, and Santa Lucía Hill. Originally named Cerro Huelén by the Mapuche Indians, Santa Lucía Hill is where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in 1541. We will also pass through the vibrant bohemian neighborhood of Lastarria before leaving the downtown area.
We will then drive to the eastern side of the city, to the financial heart of Santiago, known for its modern buildings and impressive glass skyscrapers, passing by Costanera Center, South America’s tallest building. You will see why this area is known as “Sanhattan” among the locals.
Then we will visit the upscale neighborhood of Las Condes and stop at El Pueblito de Los Dominicos, a beautiful handicraft market in the shadow of the Andes designed to resemble a colonial village, where you will see local artisans actually working in their trade. Located next to the beautiful San Vincente Ferrer Church, a national monument, the village is a “must see” in Santiago. The shops built with clay and straw, are home to more than 180 artisans, representing the best and most complete showing of Chilean handicraft.
After sightseeing, time to relax at Cousiño Macul Vineyard for a tour and wine tasting. Founded in 1856, Cousiño Macul is the only winery in Chile among those established in the 19th century that continues in the hands of the original founding family. The mission of Cousiño Macul is to produce world-class wines that are unmistakably Chilean, carrying the distinctive character of the Maipo Valley.
Please note:
(1) The order of sites visited may vary depending on your pick up location.
(2) As with any major city, Santiago has heavy traffic in some sectors, especially on weekdays. Your driver will do his or her best to avoid highly-congested areas, but in order to see the city’s major landmarks in the downtown area inevitably you will run into traffic, which can be heavy at times and may cause delays in the tour return time. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as traffic is completely beyond our control.
(3) Although this is a private tour with your own vehicle and guide, there may be other visitors at the vineyard joining you on the winery tour and tasting, which is beyond our control.