La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour worth booking?
La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Santiago, Chile, from $39 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Step into Santiago’s past on this 3-hour walking tour through the city’s historic center. Start at La Moneda Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, then explore Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other iconic landmarks. Stroll through charming streets like Calle Nueva York and discover hidden corners like Casa Colorada, while your guide shares vivid stories from colonial times to the present day. You’ll see how history and modern life blend as you walk past grand architecture, lively plazas, and bustling streets. The tour ends with sweeping city views from Santa Lucía Hill — the very spot where Santiago was founded. Ideal for anyone curious about Chile’s past and present, this small-group experience brings Santiago’s contrasts to life.
What you get
About this experience
Step into Santiago’s past on this 3-hour walking tour through the city’s historic center. Start at La Moneda Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard, then explore Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other iconic landmarks. Stroll through charming streets like Calle Nueva York and discover hidden corners like Casa Colorada, while your guide shares vivid stories from colonial times to the present day. You’ll see how history and modern life blend as you walk past grand architecture, lively plazas, and bustling streets. The tour ends with sweeping city views from Santa Lucía Hill — the very spot where Santiago was founded. Ideal for anyone curious about Chile’s past and present, this small-group experience brings Santiago’s contrasts to life.
What's included
Included
- Panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill
- Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible
- Certified Local Expert Guide (Portuguese/English/Spanish)
- Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions
- First Row view of Changing of the Guard Ceremony at La Moneda Palace
- Fully narrated walking tour through Santiago’s historic downtown
- Guided visit to Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral and historic sights
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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
5 minutes here
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.
45 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Santiago Stock Exchange
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Barrio Paris Londres
Barrio París-Londres is a small, picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Santiago, Chile, known for its distinct European flair that sets it apart from the city's typical grid layout. This unique character has made it a popular spot for tourists and a designated "Zona Típica" (Typical Zone) by the Chilean government since 1982.
5 minutes here
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
5 minutes here
Museo de Santiago - Casa Colorada
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
10 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Ex Congreso Nacional
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.
Pass by without stopping
National Museum of Fine Arts
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santiago
Meet at Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins (man on horse, 2 legs up) in Plaza de la Ciudadanía, opposite La Moneda Palace Subway: Exit La Moneda Line 1 red line, take exit D (Nataniel Cox). Walk east on Alameda, find the big plaza with two statues Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UFsGLJGeNVpzsAnS6
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour ends at Santa Lucía's Hill in front of Neptune's Terrace with access to multiple transportation methods
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Unplanned Detours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding tour
Nacha was an outstanding guide! Interesting and educational tour. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Wonderful to hear! Nacha will be delighted that her guidance made the tour both interesting and educational. Thank you for the recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Worth the visit
This was a very good tour of Chile
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us! We’re so glad you enjoyed discovering more about Chile.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour around historic Santiago
Really great tour. The guide Emmanuel brought me around to all the historic buildings in the core of Santiago. We spoke about the history, the culture, Chile's past and future. He was extremely knowledgeable and kind, can not thank him enough for a wonder couple hours touring Santiago.
Response from the operator: It sounds like you had a truly enriching experience with Emmanuel! We are so happy to hear that your conversation went beyond just the buildings, touching on the culture and the future of Chile—that’s exactly the kind of deep connection we hope to provide. We will certainly pass your thanks along to Emmanuel; he will be delighted to know he made your time in Santiago so wonderful.
via Viator
Excellent walking tour with Emmanuel
Signed up the night before, very easy to do online. The tour was great, Emmanuel was extremely knowledgeable, highlighted all the main historical buildings, we discussed the architecture, the significance, etc. Very personable and a great person. I had an excellent tour!
Response from the operator: We are so glad to hear that our online booking process was smooth for you, even with a last-minute signup! It is wonderful that Emmanuel’s knowledge and personality made such a positive impact on your experience. We are thrilled you enjoyed diving into the architecture and significance of Santiago's historical buildings with him. Thank you for the high praise!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Amazing tour and terrific guide! Highly recommend this tour to everyone, Ignacia obviously loves what she does and it shows. 10/10 would do again.
Response from the operator: That’s awesome! We're thrilled to hear you had an amazing tour and that Ignacia's passion shone through. Thanks for the high recommendation—we'd love to have you join us again!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Unplanned Detours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.3.
See everything Unplanned Detours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santiago.
How much does La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santiago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santiago is not rushed.
Is La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santiago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santiago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santiago and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santiago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santiago?
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On Outty we rank every Santiago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Maipo Valley Wine Region: 4 Wineries, Tastings & Foodie Tour, Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting, Tour to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Pablo Neruda Museum and Vineyard. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santiago?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santiago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Included: Panoramic views of Santiago from Santa Lucia Hill; Entry into select churches and historic landmarks when accessible; Certified Local Expert Guide (Portuguese/English/Spanish); Insights into Santiago's history, culture, architecture, and traditions; and First Row view of Changing of the Guard Ceremony at La Moneda Palace. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Meet at Monument to General Bernardo O'Higgins (man on horse, 2 legs up) in Plaza de la Ciudadanía, opposite La Moneda Palace Subway: Exit La Moneda Line 1 red line, take exit D (Nataniel Cox). Walk east on Alameda. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Santiago. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about La Moneda Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago Walking Tour?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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