Private Santiago City Half Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 424 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Santiago City Half Day Tour worth booking?
Private Santiago City Half Day Tour is a 4-hour experience in Santiago, Chile, from $77 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 424 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (424)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $77 per person
Enjoy this 4-hour tour of Chile's capital. Santiago is a dynamic, modern city where colonial mansions sit among soaring skyscrapers, where folk art becomes fashion and Latin and European cultures intertwine. The city is reinventing itself with arts, nightlife, and restaurant scenes that have never been better, making this thriving and sophisticated metropolis into the civic, cultural, and historical nucleus of the country.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy this 4-hour tour of Chile's capital. Santiago is a dynamic, modern city where colonial mansions sit among soaring skyscrapers, where folk art becomes fashion and Latin and European cultures intertwine. The city is reinventing itself with arts, nightlife, and restaurant scenes that have never been better, making this thriving and sophisticated metropolis into the civic, cultural, and historical nucleus of the country.
What's included
Included
- Private Tour
- Hotel or address pickup and drop-off
- Professional bilingual guide
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Central Market (Mercado Central)
The Central Market in Santiago, Chile, has been named as one of National Geographic’s top ten food markets worldwide. Taken from National Geographic’s book Journeys of a Lifetime, the list runs through the best markets in the world for offering fresh local produce alongside a slice of local life.
Pass by without stopping
Plaza de Armas
Paseo Ahumada is four-block-long street in downtown Santiago. It extends in a north–south direction from Plaza de Armas to the Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins and is lined by buildings housing retail establishments at their lower levels. At its northern terminus is Plaza de Armas metro station, whereas that at its southern end is Universidad de Chile metro station.
10 minutes here
Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Is the seat of the Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, currently Celestino Aós Braco, and the center of the archdiocese of Santiago de Chile. Construction of the neoclassical cathedral began in 1753 and ended in 1799. The architect was the Italian Gioacchino Toesca. Further alterations ordered at the end of the 19th century give it its present appearance.
10 minutes here
La Moneda
La Moneda, is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile. It also houses the offices of three cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat of the Presidency and General Secretariat of the Government. It occupies an entire block in downtown Santiago
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Central Post Office
The Central Post Office Building is a historic post office building on the northern edge of the Plaza de Armas, in Santiago, Chile. It is adjacent to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago and is located on what was the land lot originally owned by Pedro de Valdivia and where he built his house.
5 minutes here
Ex Congreso Nacional
Is the former home of the Chilean Congress. Congress met in this building in central Santiago until Salvador Allende's socialist government was overthrown by Augusto Pinochet's military coup d'état on September 11, 1973. During the Pinochet dictatorship, Congress was moved to new premises in Valparaíso; the old building was declared a national monument in 1976 and between 1990 and 2006 housed the ministry of foreign affairs. The Senate moved its offices in Santiago to this building in December 2000
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Castillo Hidalgo
On top of the Santa Lucia hill, in the historic center of the city of Santiago, is El Castillo Hidalgo, a building built in 1816 during the Reconquest by order of the last Spanish Governor of Santiago, Casimiro Marco del Pont. It is one of the most important buildings in the history of the city.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Cerro San Cristobal
+++ If Option Selected +++ Although it’s probably on all of the Top 5 tourist sites of Santiago, Cerro San Cristóbal is not overrated in the least. This big hill in the middle of the city affords one of the most incredible Santiago panoramas available. Every time I head up, my knowledge of the city has increased, and thus I am able to point out more landmarks, distinguish different sectors, etc. For those unfamiliar to Santiago, the view from up here will let you orient the city in its surroundings: the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera de la Costa.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Cerro Santa Lucia
+++ If Option Selected +++ This hill is actually quite the historical locale. First off, It is the remnant of a 15 million year old volcano. Secondly, the conquistadors used it as a lookout point when they were conquering Chile. It was atop this hill that Pedro de Valdivia declared the founding of Santiago in 1541. In 1872, governer Benjamin Vickuna Mackenna decided to turn the hill into a park to commemorate its significance in the city’s history. Since then, it has undergone many renovations. Today, it comprises 65,300 square meters, replete with bronze gates, metal stairways, and various fountains and statue
20 minutes here · Admission included
This is the financial sector in the upper area of our city
Pass by without stopping
Plaza de La Constitucion
Is a plaza occupying a full square block in the heart of the civic district of Santiago, Chile. It is located in front of the northern facade of the Palacio de la Moneda and is surrounded by other government buildings such as those housing the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Banco Central de Chile and the Intendencia de Santiago
10 minutes here
San Francisco Church
The church, along with the adjacent convent, is one of the oldest colonial-era buildings in the country. The church was consecrated in 1622.
Pass by without stopping
Centro Cultural Palacio De La Moneda
The Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda beneath Plaza de la Ciudadanía. A glass-slab roof floods the vaultlike space with natural light, and ramps wind down through the central atrium past the Cineteca Nacional, a state-run art-house movie theater, to two large temporary exhibition spaces that house some of the biggest touring shows to visit Santiago.
10 minutes here
Bellavista
Is an area that lies between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill in Santiago, Chile. It is known as Santiago's bohemian quarter, with numerous restaurants, boutiques, avant-garde galleries, bars and clubs. Many of the city's intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, and Pablo Neruda's house in Santiago, La Chascona
Pass by without stopping
Parque Metropolitano De Santiago
+++ If Option Selected +++ The park was created in April 1966, when incorporating the Chilean National Zoo and the services of San Cristóbal Hill, and is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
25 minutes here · Admission included
Biblioteca Nacional (National Library)
The Biblioteca Nacional is, together with the Instituto Nacional and a small number of institutions, one of the first institutions created by the newly formed Republic of Chile in the Patria Vieja period. In the newspaper El Monitor Araucano, a Proclama de Fundación ("Proclamation of Foundation") of the Biblioteca Nacional was published on August 19, 1813. With this vision, a call was made to all the citizens to submit their books for the formation of one great public library
Pass by without stopping
Palacio de Tribunales de Justicia
The building housing the Supreme Court of Chile, the Court of Appeals of Santiago, and the Court-martial Court of the Chilean Army, Chilean Air Force and Carabineros de Chile. It occupies a full block-front of Compañía Street between Bandera and Morandé Streets
Pass by without stopping
Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral GAM
Chile’s most famous poet, Gabriela Mistral (1889 – 1957), significantly inspired the work of this cultural centre for her love of words, her democratic conviction and her dedication to education. Born as Lucila Godoy Alcayaga in the small town of Vicuña in north-central Chile, she started writing and working as a teacher and at the age of 15. At 25 she published her first mayor work, “Sonetos de la muerte”, which brought her the Chilean literary award in 1912
Pass by without stopping
Cenco Costanera
The Torre Costanera, was designed by architect César Pelli and is 300 metres (980 ft) tall, making it the tallest building in Latin America and the second tallest in the Southern Hemisphere
Pass by without stopping
Parque Forestal
Parque Forestal is a large, narrow park dotted with numerous must-see locations in downtown Santiago. It borders the Mapocho River from Plaza Baquedano, also known as Plaza Italia, all the way to Estación Mapocho, a historical building and cultural center near the Puente Cal y Canto metro station. Mercado Central, La Vega, and the Bellas Artes museum are some of the other major destinations located in or adjacent to Parque Forestal.
Pass by without stopping
Patio Bellavista
This open-air complex of bars, restaurants, and shops, located on the corner of Pio Nono and Constitución, is a relatively recent addition to the culinary, nightlife, and cultural landscape of the city.
Pass by without stopping
National Museum of Fine Arts
The Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the major centers for Chilean art and for broader South American art. Established in 1880 (making it the oldest in South America) The current building, the "Palace of the Fine Arts" dates to 1910 and commemorates the first centennial of the Independence of Chile. It was designed by the Chilean architect Emile Jéquier in a full-blown Beaux-arts style and is situated in the Parque Forestal of Santiago.
Pass by without stopping
Parque Bicentenario
Bicentenario Park (Parque Bicentenario) is a nature park set on one side of the capital’s financial district, better known as “Sanhattan”. Discover this modern and well-tended park and enjoy walking across its extensive lawns. Watch the swans and other birds in its two artificial lagoons and have fun in its themed spaces for leisure activities and on walks with family or friends.
25 minutes here
Parque De Las Esculturas
Nestled between the Mapocho River and Avenida Santa María, you’ll find Santiago’s Sculpture Park (Parque de las Esculturas). Opened in 1982, this park is a type of open-air art museum that was initially created to beautify an area of the city damaged by a flood of the Mapocho River. The park features impressive sculptures by different Chilean and international artists. In the summer months it’s not.
Pass by without stopping
Santiago
Departure from Santiago city
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
With Santa Lucia Hill PM
This city tour Option include the visit of Santa Lucia Hill place that you can have a nice view of the city Duration: 4 hours Van or Minivan Pickup included
With Both Hills PM
Morning tour includes a visit to both hills, Santa lucia and San Cristobal Duration: 4 hours Van or Minivan Pickup included
With Both Hills AM
Morning tour includes a visit to both hills, Santa lucia and San Cristobal Duration: 4 hours Van or Minivan Pickup included
With Santa Lucia Hill AM
This city tour Option include the visit of Santa Lucia Hill place that you can have a nice view of the city Duration: 4 hours Van or Minivan Pickup included
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MTO Tour Chile
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- pickup from your Santiago accommodations in the districts of Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura, or Santiago Centro if your hotel is outside the pick up area recharge will be applied
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 424 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
424 verified traveler reviews for Private Santiago City Half Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Driver should do more Research
Driver was good and had good English , but felt rushed as he would drop us off and make us go on our own since he couldn’t find parking spaces. Additionally, gave us very poor walking directions at end.
via Viator
Santiago half day tour
Excellent guide, excellent choice of locations visited. Very informative guide with a very wide knowledge of Santiago’s history demonstrated at every location.
via Viator
Avoid at all costs
Avoid this company at all costs. We booked 2 months ahead. They took our money and less than 24 hours before said they could not pick us up where they had said they would for 2 months prior.
via Viator
We had an excellent...
We had an excellent experience with our tour guide, Rodrigo, who made the entire trip both enjoyable and memorable. From the very beginning, they were friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area. He shared fascinating insights, local history, and hidden details that we would have completely missed on our own. I would highly recommend Rodrigo to anyone looking for a meaningful, well-run, and enjoyable tour experience. They truly went above and beyond to make our trip special.
via Viator
Terrific Tour
Juan gave us a terrific tour of Santiago filled with many facts about Chile's geography and history. A very comprehensive tour that was never hurried or rushed. Of the 100's of tours we have taken this was one of the very best.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $77 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 148
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by MTO Tour Chile, who run 29 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.7.
See everything MTO Tour Chile runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Santiago City Half Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santiago.
How much does Private Santiago City Half Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $77 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 Private Santiago City Half Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Private Santiago City Half Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 424 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 Private Santiago City Half Day 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 Private Santiago City Half Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Santiago City Half Day Tour?
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Around 148 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Santiago City Half Day 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 Private Santiago City Half Day Tour?
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Included: Private Tour; Hotel or address pickup and drop-off; Professional bilingual guide; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Santiago City Half Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 156 listed pickup locations in and around Santiago. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Santiago City Half Day 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 Private Santiago City Half Day 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.
Is Private Santiago City Half Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Santiago City Half Day 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 Private Santiago City Half Day Tour?
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Across 424 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Private Santiago City Half Day Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including With Santa Lucia Hill PM, With Both Hills PM, With Both Hills AM, With Santa Lucia Hill AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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