Shore Excursions Group
Santiago City Tour (Post Cruise)
Santiago City Tour (Post Cruise)
After your cruise, but before you leave Santiago, don’t miss seeing the capital of Chile on this enticing post-cruise Santiago City tour.
Departing from your cruise ship in Valparaiso, you will make the approximate one-hour drive to Santiago. Once there, you will visit the old areas of Santiago like Estacion Central (one of the three Eiffel buildings in Chile) and Club Hipico, the main horse track that was inspired in the French Long Champs.
From there it’s on to the Government Palace, La Moneda, where the walking portion of this tour will commence. A walk around La Moneda or the opportunity to see the changing of the guard ceremony in front of it (depending on the weekday), will be the beginning of the highlights of the civic and historical center of this capital city. Other interesting sites you will see during this walk are the Governor’s Hall, the stock exchange, the main walking streets, Plaza de Armas, the City Hall building, the Post Office, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the former site of Congress and some “coffee with legs.”
Next, the excursion heads to the second highest peak of Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill, where you will enjoy the most amazing view of Santiago Valley. Besides offering a panoramic view of Santiago, Santa Lucia Hill is also a historic site. It was ascended in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and this is where he decided to found the capitol of Chile.
The tour will proceed uptown to the wealthy areas of Santiago, where you may stop at one of the best handicraft shops in town to see lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone which is found only in Afghanistan and Chile. If you wish you may have lunch (at your own expense) at Patio Bellavista, a charming street lined with several delightful restaurant options, provides an excellent spot to enjoy lunch.
The tour will then bring you to the Santiago airport or your centrally located hotel in Santiago.
Please Note: This tour is for passengers ending their cruise in Valparaiso. The tour will begin at the cruise ship and will end at either the airport in Santiago or a hotel in the central Santiago area. If you are on a flight from Santiago on the same day of the tour, your flight must be scheduled to depart Santiago airport after 5:00 PM.
The Changing of the guard in front of La Moneda, the ceremony does not take place on a regular basis and the guests will see it if time allows. Also, be advised that the Club Hípico (horse track) may close for private events without prior notice. In such cases, an outside viewing will be arranged.
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| Day 1 |
Valparaíso, Chile, is a city that beckons travelers with its vibrant street art, steep hillsides, and bohemian spirit. Known as the "Jewel of the Pacific," Valparaíso's historical importance as a major port during the 19th century has left an indelible mark on its architecture and culture. The city's UNESCO-listed historic quarter is a labyrinth of colorful houses and cobblestone streets that seem to defy gravity as they cascade down to the Pacific Ocean (UNESCO). The iconic Ascensores (funiculars) that dot the city offer a unique way to explore these hills while providing stunning panoramic views. One of the most compelling reasons to visit Valparaíso is its thriving arts scene. The city is essentially an open-air museum, with vibrant murals and street art adorning nearly every surface. A walk through Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción neighborhoods will reveal an ever-changing gallery of bold colors and creative expressions, with each piece telling a story of the city's past and present (Chile Travel). The art extends into the city's lively culture, with numerous galleries, cafes, and cultural centers where you can immerse yourself in the local creative energy. Valparaíso is also deeply connected to the life and work of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda. His house, La Sebastiana, perched high on a hill overlooking the bay, is now a museum dedicated to his legacy. Visitors can explore Neruda's eclectic collections and enjoy the same breathtaking views that inspired many of his writings (Fundación Pablo Neruda). This connection to Neruda adds a literary charm to the city's already rich cultural tapestry. Fun Fact: Valparaíso hosts one of the most famous New Year's Eve celebrations in South America. The city's annual fireworks display, "Año Nuevo en el Mar," lights up the sky over the bay, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness this spectacular event (Valparaíso Tourism). |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $179 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces. There are steps at San Cristobal to reach the highest viewing point.
