“SANTIAGO CITY TOUR & PUEBLITO LOS DOMINICOS + TIME FOR LUNCH” Tour

“SANTIAGO CITY TOUR & PUEBLITO LOS DOMINICOS + TIME FOR LUNCH” Tour

SANTIAGO DE CHILE is a dynamic and cosmopolitan capital that stands as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Located in a wide valley and surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, the city offers an impressive balance between vibrant urban life and extraordinary natural scenery. From many points in Santiago, the mountains form a dramatic backdrop, creating a distinctive atmosphere where modern city living unfolds in close connection with nature. Established in 1541, Santiago preserves an important historical legacy that is especially evident in its historic downtown. The area around Plaza de Armas reflects the city’s colonial origins, featuring emblematic sites such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, historic public buildings, and traditional streets that narrate key moments in Chile’s past. Exploring this part of the city provides a clear understanding of Santiago’s transformation from its early beginnings into a contemporary capital.

In contrast to its historic core, Santiago has evolved into one of the most advanced and stylish cities in South America. Districts like Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are recognized for their modern skyline, broad boulevards, refined residential neighborhoods, and lively commercial districts. These areas offer an excellent selection of shopping, gastronomy, entertainment, and green spaces, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and high standard of living. Santiago is also a hub of culture and creativity. The city hosts a wide range of museums, theaters, cultural centers, and art galleries that celebrate Chile’s history, traditions, and contemporary artistic expression. At the same time, Santiago features numerous urban parks and viewpoints, including Cerro San Cristóbal and Cerro Santa Lucía, where visitors can relax, enjoy nature, and take in sweeping views of the city.

PUEBLITO LOS DOMINICOS is one of Santiago de Chile’s most charming and authentic cultural attractions, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s traditional craftsmanship and local lifestyle. Located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, next to the historic Iglesia San Vicente Ferrer in the Los Dominicos district, this picturesque artisan village is a peaceful retreat from the city’s urban rhythm. Designed to resemble a traditional Chilean rural village, Pueblito Los Dominicos features adobe-style houses, cobblestone paths, interior courtyards, and colorful gardens that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Within its small workshops and stalls, local artisans display and sell handmade products that reflect Chile’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can find high-quality crafts such as lapis lazuli jewelry, silverwork, ceramics, leather goods, wood carvings, textiles, and traditional Chilean art, all crafted using techniques passed down through generations.

Beyond shopping, Pueblito Los Dominicos offers an immersive cultural experience. Many artisans work on-site, allowing visitors to observe the creative process and interact directly with the creators, gaining insight into the stories and traditions behind each piece. The village also features small cafés and traditional food stalls where guests can enjoy local flavors in a relaxed and authentic setting.

Itinerary

• We depart from our hotel to begin a comprehensive exploration of Santiago and its Metropolitan Region, where contemporary urban design blends harmoniously with historic architecture that has defined the city’s development over the centuries.
• Our route takes us to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the historic civic center of Santiago and a key setting for many of the city’s most important social and cultural events.
• From this central square, we will admire outstanding landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the City Hall, the Central Post Office, and the National Historical Museum, all symbols of Chile’s heritage.
• Continuing the tour, we pass by the impressive Government Palace, while strolling through charming streets and traditional neighborhoods that reveal the authentic character and cultural richness of the capital.
• If weather conditions and physical ability allow, there will be an opportunity to visit the historic Santa Lucía Hill, a site that has transformed from a 19th-century military stronghold into a beautifully landscaped viewpoint featuring walkways, gardens, and European-style sculptures.
• The journey then leads us to Pueblito de los Dominicos, a unique cultural space created in the 1980s as a haven for artisans and artists, where they showcase and sell their handcrafted works.
• Here, we will have time to explore the village, appreciate its diverse artisan products, and observe some of the traditional constructions made of adobe and straw that have been preserved over time.
• Depending on the overall itinerary and logistics, the visit to Pueblito de los Dominicos may take place either at the beginning or at the end of the tour to ensure the best flow of the experience.
• After approximately 8 hours of discovery, we return to our hotel, having enjoyed a complete and enriching journey that highlights Santiago’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Roundtrip private transportation.

Does not include

• Lunch is not included on this tour.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• OPERATION: Departure every day.
• Departure from the hotel at approximately 8:00 a.m. with expected return at 4:00 p.m.to hotel.
• The lunchtime will depend on the excursion´s starting time. If it´s in the morning, lunch will be at the end of the tour. If it´s in the afternoon, lunch will be at the beginning. We conclude our tour by returning to the original hotel.