Morning airport reception and transfer to the Hotel Rugendas where you'll have a few hours to rest before your 2pm tour of Santiago. Begin at the famous Mercado Central, one of Chile’s largest fresh seafood markets and stroll by the many bustling stalls to see the tremendous variety available from Chile’s bountiful sea. Next to the market is Plaza de Armas, Santiago’s main square and kilometer zero, the point from which all distances in the country are measured. Famous architecture in the square includes the Metropolitan cathedral and the central post office, originally built as a house for Spanish conqueror Pedro de Valdivia. Close by stands the Justice Tribunal, in a neo-classical building housing the Supreme Court, ex-Congress and beautiful gardens.
From here walk towards the Alameda, the main street of the city centre, via busy pedestrian walkway Paseo Ahumada. A few more blocks takes you to the Presidential palace, La Moneda. A model of 18th century colonial architecture, the palace is one of Santiago’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of Chile’s political past and its famously turbulent history.
At Cerro Santa Lucía, you’ll climb to the top where Santiago was founded in 1541 by Pedro Valdivia and take in the great 360 panoramic view of Santiago. Finish in the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood, lined with cafés, restaurants, small theaters, bookstores and boutique shops then return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Rugendas.