Skip to contentSANTIAGO, CHILE
To get the best experience in Santiago, book one of our friendly local tour guides or arrange a private shore excursion from the Port of Valparaíso or San Antonio Passenger Terminal. Your guide can meet you from the cruise port and take you on a personalised journey to Santiago, while also helping you experience the city like a local. Whether you want to visit Santiago’s main tourist sights, discover places off the beaten track or enjoy unique local experiences, your Guides4me guide can tailor the day around your interests and your ship’s schedule.
Juan
Juan is LGBT friendly, speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Meet Juan, an experienced local tour guide in Santiago who has spent many years showing visitors the very best of Chile. He enjoys introducing guests to Santiago’s famous landmarks, local neighbourhoods, fascinating history and modern city life, while also helping them discover the places and stories that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Juan’s experience extends beyond the capital, and he loves helping guests experience the incredible variety that Chile has to offer. From dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful coastal landscapes to vineyards, fresh seafood, traditional cuisine and local culture, he knows how to create memorable experiences around each guest’s interests. For Juan, Chile is a unique destination where landscapes, history, food, wine and warm hospitality come together, and he takes great pride in helping visitors fall in love with his country.
Total cost for the guide services of Juan for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 80 in cash to Juan after his services. This makes a total of USD 119.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Juan was friendly, professional and very considerate. As it was my first time in Chile, he made me feel safe and comfortable from the start. He listened carefully to what I wanted to see, suggested some great places I had not considered, and made the experience easy and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Juan ” – John, USA.
Mario
Mario is LGBT friendly, speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and Greek.
He was born and raised in Valparaíso and has five years of experience guiding visitors through the city he proudly calls home. As a historian, he loves showing guests much more than the sights. He brings Valparaíso and Santiago’s past to life through its stories, neighbourhoods, architecture and people, helping visitors understand how this extraordinary city became what it is today.
He is especially passionate about meeting people from around the world and sharing the culture and character of Chile with them. For him, guiding is about creating a genuine connection, exchanging stories and making every guest feel welcome. His aim is simple, to help visitors fall in love with Santiago and Valparaíso, discover its unique personality and leave with memories that go far beyond a typical sightseeing tour.
Total cost for the guide services of Mario for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 75 in cash to Mario after his services. This makes a total of USD 114.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Mario was polite, very friendly, considerate and professional. Being my first time in Chile, I felt safe with him. We started communications within minutes of me confirming my booking and he really listened to what I wanted to do etc. He made great suggestions that I didn’t even know about. I would definitely recommend him for anyone coming to Chile. ” – John, USA.
Currently Mario can only offer tour services at weekends.
Badia
Badia is LGBT friendly, speaks Spanish, Arabic and English, also has basic French and Portuguese.
Meet Badia, a friendly and passionate local tour guide based in Santiago, Chile. With over 10 years of professional experience in tourism, hospitality and food and beverage operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and genuine warmth to every tour. Having worked with international travellers in both Chile and Egypt. Badia understands how to make visitors feel welcome, comfortable and confident while exploring a new destination.
Having lived in Chile for many years, Badia has developed a deep appreciation for Santiago’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, diverse neighbourhoods and incredible food scene. He loves taking guests beyond the usual tourist attractions to discover hidden gems, authentic local experiences and the everyday life of Chileans. His friendly personality, attention to detail and passion for sharing local knowledge ensure that every guest enjoys a memorable, personalised experience and discovers the real Santiago.
Total cost for the guide services of Badia for one day (8 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 90 in cash to Badia after his services. This makes a total of USD 129.
For October 2026 Badia is offering a 10% discount for his services, therefore reduced to $81
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Badia was friendly, professional and considerate, making me feel safe and welcome throughout my first visit to Chile. He listened to my interests, suggested some wonderful hidden gems and made the whole experience unforgettable!” – Khalid, Saudi Arabia.
Cristian
Cristian is LGBT friendly, speaks Spanish and English.
Meet Cristián, a passionate local guide who proudly describes himself as 120% Chilean and completely in love with his country! Guiding visitors since 2012, he knows Santiago inside out. From famous landmarks to hidden gems and authentic local favourites known as picadas, he loves sharing the city’s culture, traditions and best-kept secrets.
With Cristián, every tour feels like exploring Santiago with a good friend. His friendly personality, local knowledge and enthusiasm help guests experience the city like a true Chilean. He also includes high-quality photographs to capture special moments, ensuring visitors leave with wonderful memories and a genuine connection to Chile.
Total cost for the guide services of Cristián for one day (5 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 100 in cash to Cristián after his services. This makes a total of USD 139. Maximum 2 guests at this price.
Alternatively, the cost for the guide services of Cristián for half day walking tour (3 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 60 in cash to Cristián after his services. This makes a total of USD 99. Maximum 2 guests at this price.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
“Cristián is a fantastic local guide who brings Santiago to life with his passion, knowledge and friendly personality. His experience and enthusiasm make every tour enjoyable, personal and full of hidden gems. Highly recommended! ” – Bradley, USA.
Jennifer
Jennifer is LGBT friendly, speaks Spanish and English.
Meet Jennifer, a friendly and passionate local guide who loves sharing the beauty, culture and hidden treasures of Santiago and its surroundings. Having lived in different countries and travelled extensively. She brings a wealth of international experience and a genuine love for meeting people from all walks of life. Jennifer takes great pride in introducing visitors to the real Chile. From Santiago’s fascinating history, colourful neighbourhoods and vibrant food scene to its breathtaking Andes Mountains, beautiful coastal towns and world-famous vineyards. Her enthusiasm for guiding shines through as she shares local stories, cultural insights and unique experiences that bring every destination to life.
For Jennifer, being a guide is much more than showing visitors famous landmarks. It is about creating personal connections. Sharing her passion for Chilean culture and making every guest feel like a friend rather than a tourist. She loves tailoring each experience to her guests’ interests, discovering hidden gems together and creating wonderful memories that last long after the journey ends.
Jennifer is proudly LGBT+ friendly and warmly welcomes travellers from all backgrounds. Therefore, ensuring everyone feels comfortable, included and excited to discover the very best of Santiago and Chile.
Total cost for the guide services of Jennifer for one day (5 hours) = a booking fee of USD 39 via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus USD 90 in cash to Jennifer after her services. This makes a total of USD 129.
This excludes any transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city.
It is located in a valley surrounded by the snow capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Santiago is a vibrant city with plenty to see, to do, and places to eat. A busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact streets bursting with exciting places to dine and shop. Santiago has many places of interest focused on culture, street art, and history.
You cannot visit Santiago without at least stopping by the main square. Plaza de Armas. Known for beautiful cathedrals, statues, palm trees, and the contrast of its traditional architecture to modern buildings. In addition to this, the governor’s palace is located on the edge of the plaza. Santiago’s old colonial core, is home to two neoclassical landmarks. The 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia, which houses the National History Museum. And the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral.
Santiago is home to the following famous Chilean cuisine. Ajiaco (Meat soup), Arrollado huaso (Pork roll peasant style), Caldillo de congrio (Conger eel soup) and Carbonada (Vegetables and meat minestrone-like soup). These are a must to try.
Private Shore Excursions to Santiago
Santiago is located inland, so cruise ships do not dock directly in the city. Instead, passengers usually arrive through either San Antonio or Valparaíso. Both ports provide access to the Chilean capital, making a private shore excursion a great way to explore Santiago during a cruise visit. Guests can discover highlights such as Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, Bellavista, Cerro San Cristóbal and some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods.
San Antonio Cruise Terminal
The Port of San Antonio is one of the main cruise gateways for Santiago. San Antonio lies roughly 110 kilometres from Santiago, and the road journey usually takes around 1½ to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Cruise passengers can arrange a private shore excursion directly from the port and travel into Santiago with a local guide.
Valparaíso Cruise Terminal
The Port of Valparaíso is another important cruise gateway for Santiago. It is also less than two hours from the capital by road. Cruise passengers can begin their private shore excursion from the passenger terminal and travel directly to Santiago with their guide.
Which Cruise Lines Visit These Ports?
A wide range of international cruise companies operate itineraries through Valparaíso and San Antonio. These include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking, Silversea, MSC Cruises, Carnival, Ponant, Scenic, Oceania Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, among others.
Why Book a Private Shore Excursion?
A private shore excursion gives cruise passengers much more freedom than a large coach tour. Your guide can meet you from the cruise port and create an itinerary around the places that interest you most. You can spend longer at favourite locations, explore quieter neighbourhoods and discover places that larger groups often miss.
Most importantly, a private Guides4me tour can be planned around your ship’s arrival and departure times. Your local guide can help you make the most of the journey between the coast and Santiago while keeping the day organised and relaxed. It is a comfortable, flexible and personal way to discover Chile’s capital with someone who knows the city well.
Whatever you choose to do in Santiago, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a Guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend.
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