Santiago walking route: Plaza de Armas to Concha y Toro
Explore Santiago's cultural and natural highlights across 15 key landmarks, from the historic Plaza de Armas and Metropolitan Cathedral to modern attractions like Parque Bicentenario and Concha y Toro winery. This route connects the city's colonial center with vibrant neighborhoods including Bellavista, Providencia, and Vitacura, plus iconic viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal and Santa Lucía Hill.
- Distance
- 932.6 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Plaza de Armas
- End
- Parque Bicentenario
- Stops
- 15
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Plaza de Armas
- Metropolitan Cathedral — Grand neoclassical cathedral on Plaza de Armas, one of Santiago's oldest buildings and a place of devotion and spiritual contemplation.
- National History Museum — Museum housed in a historic bell tower on Plaza de Armas, documenting how 16th-century Spanish conquistadores planned the capital around Santa Lucía Hill.
- La Moneda Palace — Iconic government palace along Ahumada Boulevard, originally a colonial mint and now the seat of Chile's government, rebuilt after 1973.
- Museum of Memory and Human Rights — Important memorial museum documenting victims of Pinochet's repressive regime, reflecting Chile's journey toward democracy and freedom.
- Parque Forestal — Green corridor running through central Santiago providing access to major art museums and sculptures in the city.
- Parque de las Esculturas — Sculpture park in Providencia displaying a diverse collection of contemporary artworks in an open-air setting.
- Concha y Toro winery — Famous winery in Pirque offering tours and tastings of regional chardonnay and other Chilean wines in a historic vineyard setting.
- Bellavista neighborhood
- Cerro San Cristobal — Urban hill offering panoramic views of Santiago's skyline, parks, and surrounding Andes mountains from its scenic summit.
- Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho — Monumental former train station converted into a contemporary exhibition space with café and restaurant, showcasing art and culture.
- Santa Lucía Hill — Historic hilltop where Santiago was founded in the 16th century, marking the original settlement point of the Spanish colonial capital.
- Providencia — Upscale neighborhood northeast of central Santiago known for its Parque de las Esculturas featuring contemporary artworks and sculptures.
- Vitacura — Affluent neighborhood northeast of Santiago known for parks, recreational facilities, and the scenic Parque Bicentenario with swan-feeding opportunities.
- Parque Bicentenario — Modern urban park in Vitacura featuring wetlands, native vegetation, and recreational facilities where visitors can relax and observe wildlife.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Start at Plaza de Armas as the perfect entry point for first-time visitors to explore the city's historic center.
- Food
- Browse arts stalls and have a drink in one of the square's lively cafés at Plaza de Armas to mingle with locals.
- Tip
- Visit Santa Lucía Hill to see where the city was founded by Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century.
- Tip
- Walk Parque Forestal, a green corridor providing access to the city's most remarkable art museums and sculptures.
- Transport
- Rent a bike to explore Providencia and Vitacura neighborhoods, visiting Parque de las Esculturas and Parque Bicentenario.
- Food
- Visit Concha y Toro winery south of the city for wine tasting sessions and to become a connoisseur of the region's chardonnay.
- Food
- Visit sidewalk cafés in Bellavista neighborhood to drink cold beer while enjoying colorful street art and browsing craft shops.
- Tip
- Scale Cerro San Cristóbal from Bellavista for a last look at Santiago before exploring Chile's natural areas.
- Tip
- Visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights to learn about Chile's history during the 1973 military coup and its aftermath.
- Tip
- Explore Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho, a monumental former train station now used as an exhibition space with café and restaurant.
- Timing
- Note that Santiago is often shrouded in hazy cloud due to mountain framing, so plan indoor activities or visit early in the day for clearer views.
Video on this route
Santiago Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia