Tour operator
Turistik
Santiago's hop-on hop-off bus operator, also running day tours to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, urban and Maipo wineries, Cajón del Maipo and the Andes.
Free Tour Santiago
A tips-only walking tour of central Santiago that leaves from the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas every day at 10:00 and 15:00, in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
At a glance
- Type
- Tip-based walking tour
- Area
- Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile
- Official site
- freetoursantiago.cl
Good to know
- Daily walking tours
- Tips-based
- English
- Spanish and Portuguese
- Private tours
Why we recommend it
Free Tour Santiago runs a daily walking tour of the city centre on a tips-only basis, which makes it one of the easiest ways to get your bearings on a first day in Santiago. The company describes its tour as an informative and entertaining walk through the heart of the city, covering the highlights of Santiago by combining history with entertainment.
Tours start every day, Monday to Sunday, at 10:00 and 15:00, from the Cathedral, next to Plaza de Armas metro station on Line 5. No booking is needed: you simply turn up and look for the guides in red T-shirts with the words FREE TOUR. The walk lasts about four hours, so wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and in summer bring a hat and sun cream, as much of the time is spent outdoors.
Tours are offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese, so check which language group to join when you arrive. There is no fixed price; at the end, you pay the guide what you think the tour was worth. Tipping according to your budget and your experience is the norm on this kind of tour, so have some cash in pesos ready.
The meeting point puts you at the centre of the historic city. Before or after the tour, it is easy to look inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum one block away on Bandera, or have lunch at the Mercado Central. A four-hour introduction early in your stay helps you decide which places deserve a longer return visit.
The company also offers private tours for those who prefer their own guide, and a sister operation runs a daily tour in Valparaíso through its own website, freetourvalparaiso.cl, which is useful if you are heading to the coast. Contact the company by phone on +56 9 9236 8789 or by email at [email protected], for example to arrange a private tour.
Free Tour Santiago suits budget travellers, solo travellers and anyone who wants a relaxed, sociable introduction to the city with the chance to ask questions. As with any walking tour in a busy centre, keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds, and let your guide know if you need to leave early.
Arrive a few minutes before the start time so you can find the right language group before the walk begins.
Free Tour Santiago FAQs
Where does Free Tour Santiago start?
At the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, next to Plaza de Armas metro station on Line 5.
What time do tours start?
Every day at 10:00 and 15:00.
How long is the tour?
About four hours.
Do I need to book?
No, booking is not needed; just turn up.
How much does it cost?
The tour works on a tips-only basis, so you pay what you think it was worth.
Which languages are available?
English, Spanish and Portuguese.
How do I find the guide?
Look for guides in red FREE TOUR T-shirts.
Are private tours available?
Yes, contact the company by phone or email to arrange one.