We signed up for a tour going to Santiago with a guy named Steve, who I chatted with on Cruise Critic. I usually like CC tours because there are fewer people, so it’s more personal, and they are usually half the price.
We woke early to meet our group at the terminal building. 12 people were on time and we waited 45 minutes for the other couple, who never showed.
Sergio was our guide for the day and works for Tac Turismo a local tour company.
We had a 1-1/2 hour ride to Santiago and our first stop was a gas station where I found the cutest dog! She posed for me. How precious!
Our first stop was Santa Lucia and Castillo Hidalgo, which is a castle-like structure built in the early 1800’s. Entrance is free and worth a visit.
The steps were quite a hike up but we kept hearing the view was worth it! In the distance you can see the Andes Mountains.
The terrace is called Caupolican Terraza and there is a statue of Caupolican who was a great warrior of the Mapuche people who fought against the Spanish conquistadors.
Our next stop was the Plaza de Armas where we saw the Mayors House, the central post office and museums.
And of course the Cathedral Metropolitana.
We just caught the end of a local dance pair on the plaza dressed in native costume!
There were many historic buildings and it was a quick trip. I wish I had more time to get a feel for this city!
We also caught a demonstration in front of the Government building.
I did have the opportunity to find some street art!
And of course a visit to any city would not be right without a visit to a bakery!
So all in all a good day – not quite enough time to catch the real flavor of a place but just enough to peak my interest!
We are back on the ship, watching the sunset! Life is Grand!
#chile#santiago#sanantonio#plazadesarmas#governmentbuilding#hidalgocastle#caupolican#mapuche#santalucia
thefouramigosblog 