Santiago’s best historical tours pack centuries of Chilean culture into engaging walks and excursions. The essential Plaza de Armas walking tour brings the city’s colonial heart to life, while day trips to colorful Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar reveal stunning architecture and bustling markets. I especially love the UNESCO city center tours for their local guides who share hidden stories behind every façade. The wine region tours stand out by combining history lessons with excellent tastings – a perfect mix of culture and pleasure. These entertaining outings work well for both history buffs and casual travelers, with options for every budget and mobility level. Read on for our carefully selected top historical tours in Santiago.
Good To Know
- The Praia Walking Tour and Viña Del Mar and Valparaiso Tour offer highly-rated historical experiences in Santiago and surrounding areas, with 5.0 and 4.5-star ratings respectively.
- Santiago tours highlight significant landmarks like Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucia, providing historical context and engaging travelers with the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Private full-day tours and wine tours are available, allowing for a more personalized and immersive exploration of Santiago’s history and local culture.
- Tours are generally accessible, with options suited for varying fitness levels and some wheelchair/stroller accessibility, making them suitable for a wide range of travelers.
- Knowledgeable guides, flexible booking policies, and opportunities for cultural engagement contribute to positive traveler experiences on these historical tours.
Praia Walking Tour Local Markets and Historic Buildings
The Praia Walking Tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through the local markets and historic buildings of Santiago, Cape Verde. Operated by Bu Country Tours, this tour offers a maximum of 8 participants the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant Praça Alexandre Albuquerque, surrounded by landmarks like the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, Town Hall, and Palace of Justice.
The tour culminates at the renowned Sucupira Market, the largest local market in the country. Along the way, a professional guide provides insights and assistance, while the tour includes liability insurance.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the moderate amount of walking makes it accessible to most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Praia Walking Tour Local Markets and Historic Buildings Review
Book now: Check availability
Shore Excursion: 3-Hour Guided Historic Tour of Praia & Cidade Velha
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Santiago’s rich history can embark on the Shore Excursion: 3-Hour Guided Historic Tour of Praia & Cidade Velha. Rated 5.0 out of 8 reviews, this tour takes visitors on a journey through the island’s past, including stops at the old slave market, St. Franciscan monastery, and the Praia Municipal Market.
The tour is led by knowledgeable, English-proficient guides who bring the destinations to life with their enthusiasm. With pickup and drop-off at the Praia harbor, transportation, and entrance fees included, this excursion offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore Santiago’s historic highlights.
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a willingness to walk a small amount are recommended for this memorable experience.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion: 3-Hour Guided Historic Tour of Praia & Cidade Velha Review
Book now: Check availability
Viña Del Mar and Valparaiso World Heritage Site.
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Viña Del Mar and Valparaiso offers an unparalleled glimpse into Chile’s vibrant culture and rich history.
Boasting an impressive 88 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this private tour is a must-do for travelers. The tour includes private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable tour guide, and even lunch and breakfast.
With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as infant seats available, the tour is inclusive for all. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation and rescheduling policy up to 24 hours before the experience, ensuring maximum flexibility.
At $55 per person, this tour provides excellent value for money and is the perfect way to discover these captivating World Heritage Sites.
Read our full review: Viña Del Mar and Valparaiso World Heritage Site. Review
Book now: Check availability
Valparaiso Historical and Viña Del Mar – Private Tours – (Vip) Full Day
What better way to take in the captivating history and vibrant culture of Chile than on a private full-day tour of Valparaiso’s UNESCO-listed historic center and the charming seaside city of Viña del Mar?
This tour offers a comprehensive experience, with private transportation, all fees and taxes included, and infant seats available. Travelers will be picked up from their Santiago hotel at 8:30 am and enjoy a highly-rated experience, according to 34 reviews with a 5.0 overall rating.
The tour is led by the knowledgeable and English-proficient guide, Eugenio, who’s known for his informative guidance. Lunch is included, and the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, with no serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Valparaiso Historical and Viña Del Mar – Private Tours – (Vip) Full Day Review
Book now: Check availability
Santiago Sightseeing and History Tour With Driver-Guide (Feb )
On this comprehensive Santiago sightseeing and history tour, visitors can enjoy the captivating past and vibrant present of Chile’s capital city.
Over the course of a half-day, travelers will explore the historic core, from the iconic Plaza de Armas to the beautiful Cerro Santa Lucia.
Along the way, they’ll discover 19th-century neighborhoods and French-inspired architecture, as well as landmarks like La Moneda and Parque Bicentenario.
The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup and drop-off available from select hotels.
While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the experience offers excellent value, with a maximum group size of 15 and overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and an informative itinerary.
Read our full review: Santiago Sightseeing and History Tour With Driver-Guide (Feb ) Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Maipo Valley Historic Wine Tour: Santa Rita and Concha Y Toro Vineyards
Guests are offered a chance to explore the rich history and renowned viticulture of the Maipo Valley on this private, comprehensive wine tour. Rated 100% by travelers, the tour visits two top vineyards – Santa Rita and Concha y Toro – providing wine tastings and admission to the Andean Museum.
With a multilingual guide and private transportation, the tour ensures a comfortable and personalized experience. Guests praise the guide’s expertise and local knowledge, as well as the tour’s accessibility features.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore Chile’s winemaking heritage and appreciate the country’s pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
Read our full review: Private Maipo Valley Historic Wine Tour: Santa Rita and Concha Y Toro Vineyards Review
Book now: Check availability
KNOW IT Tour KNOW History VITacura Autobalance Equipment
For the KNOW IT Tour in Vitacura, Santiago, travelers embark on a captivating historical journey through the city using self-balancing all-terrain Autobalance equipment.
With a perfect 5.0 rating, the tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore Vitacura’s landmarks. The experience includes the provision of bottled water, helmet, knee and elbow pads, and a final surprise.
Participants must be between 14 and 65 years old, with a moderate fitness level required. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Priced from $88.00 per person, the KNOW IT Tour provides a flexible and accessible option for discovering Santiago’s rich history.
Read our full review: KNOW IT Tour KNOW History VITacura Autobalance Equipment Review
Book now: Check availability
Coastal Viña Del Mar and Historic Valparaiso From Santiago
This full-day tour from Santiago whisks travelers along the coast to two of Chile’s most captivating cities – Viña del Mar and Valparaiso.
Explore UNESCO-listed Valparaiso’s vibrant architecture and bohemian vibe, then visit Viña del Mar’s lush, “Garden City” landscapes.
You’ll enjoy scenic ocean views, significant landmarks like Pablo Neruda’s House, and a included local lunch.
While some travelers desired more time in Valparaiso, the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery generally earn praise.
However, mixed feedback on lunch choices and traffic issues during the return to Santiago suggest room for improvement in certain areas of this $48 per person tour.
Read our full review: Coastal Viña Del Mar and Historic Valparaiso From Santiago Review
Book now: Check availability
Exclusive Santiago Wine Tour: Unforgettable Heritage Experience
Immersion in Chile’s winemaking legacy awaits travelers on this exclusive Santiago wine tour. Priced at €532.28 per person, this full-day private experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s finest vineyards.
Guests will enjoy a 4-course lunch, wine tastings, and transportation with a local guide. The tour is wheelchair accessible and caters to vegetarians, with infant seats and service animals allowed.
With 3 reviews and a 5.0 average rating, this tour promises an unforgettable heritage experience. Pickup is available from hotels, the airport, or the central train/bus station, with a 9:00 AM start time.
Flexible booking policies include free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Exclusive Santiago Wine Tour: Unforgettable Heritage Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Santiago
On this private walking tour, travelers can discover the rich history and architectural wonders of Santiago’s historic center.
Led by a bilingual guide, the 3-hour experience takes visitors through the iconic landmarks, including the Church of San Francisco.
While wheelchair access is limited, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
Travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as the walking is extensive.
Photos are provided via WhatsApp, and lunch is included.
Though most reviews are positive, one traveler noted feeling disconnected when the guide attended to the van.
Read our full review: Private Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Santiago Review
Book now: Check availability
History Walking Tour in Chile
A comprehensive History Walking Tour in Chile allows visitors to explore the rich past of Santiago.
The tour covers various historical sites, all of which are free to enter. Snacks are provided, and there are opportunities to purchase water and additional snacks along the way.
The meeting point is conveniently located near the Universidad de Chile subway station, and the tour ends in the trendy Bellavista neighborhood, near the main entrance to San Cristobal Hill.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Confirmation is received upon booking, and there’s a flexible cancellation policy, as well as a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option.
Read our full review: History Walking Tour in Chile Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Accessibility Options for Travelers With Disabilities?
Many historical tours offer accessibility options for travelers with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible transportation, guided tours with audio descriptions, and accommodations for those with hearing or vision impairments. Travelers should inquire about specific accessibility features when booking their tours.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tours?
Travelers are generally allowed to take photographs during historical tours, though some sites may have restrictions or require permission. It’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time to understand the photography policies for the specific tour.
Do the Tours Include Any Language Interpretation Services?
Most historical tours offer language interpretation services, usually in multiple languages. Visitors can often choose from guided tours with English, Spanish, or other language options to ensure they fully understand the historical details and context presented during the excursion.
What Are the Policies Regarding Gratuities and Tips for Tour Guides?
Most tour companies recommend tipping guides 10-20% of the tour cost as appreciation for their knowledge and service. However, gratuity policies vary, so it’s best to check with the specific tour provider before your trip.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommendations for the Tours?
Most tours don’t have age restrictions, but they may not be suitable for very young children. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their recommendations for different age groups to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Sum Up
Santiago offers a wealth of historical tours, catering to various interests. From walking tours showcasing local markets and historic buildings to guided excursions exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, the city provides ample opportunities to take in its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also embark on wine tastings and private walking tours of the historic center, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable exploration of Santiago’s past.