Jim Schroder's Travel

Home
Trips

Select Page

Chile and Easter Island

Even sidewalk vendors

Protest demonstrations in the Plaza de Armas.

Surrounding the square are some historic buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, Central Post Office Building, Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago, and the building that serves as the seat of local government for Santiago, There is always a group protesting something in this Plaza.

Palacio de La Moneda (Palace of the Coin), or simply La Moneda, is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile. It also houses the offices of three cabinet ministers: Interior, General Secretariat of the Presidency and General Secretariat of the Government. It occupies an entire block in downtown Santiago,

The changing of the guard in front of the Palacio de La Moneda.

The Plaza de Armas is the main square of Santiago, the capital of Chile. It is the centerpiece of the initial layout of Santiago, which has a square grid pattern laid out in 1541. Photo the continuing changing of the guard.

The national flag of Chile

More protestors from a different protest at The Plaza de Armas.

Rear side of the Palacio de la Moneda.

Streets of the city of Santiago.

Another mural

Since the 80’s, Giratorio Restaurante, Santiago’s famous rotating restaurant, has been stunning its guests not only with its spectacular views but also with its inventive cuisine. Over the years, Giratorio Restaurante has remained one of Santiago’s most prestigious restaurants, offering a tempting menu full of international dishes with a Chilean touch. We enjoyed our leisurely lunch which lasted for an hour and a half so there is plenty of time to enjoy the views of all sides of the city.

From the revolving restaurant Giratorio it is only a half dozen blocks walking to the back side of San Cristobel Hill. The Gondola ride to the top of the hill is beautiful looking across the city. The waits on that side of the hill are much shorter than the side coming with the funicular.

Although it’s probably on all of the Top tourist sites of Santiago, Cerro San Cristóbal is not overrated in the least. This big hill in the middle of the city affords one of the most incredible Santiago panoramas available. For those unfamiliar to Santiago, the view from up here will let you orient the city in its surroundings: the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera de la Costa.

Newer Sky Scrapers across the vista of the city.

If you’re looking to get some exercise while you enjoy the vistas of Santiago, you can hike to the top of Cerro San Cristóbal. The hike takes an average of 45 minutes up the mountain and about 30 minutes back down. When you enter the park, from Bellavista, walk up the sidewalk on the left of the road for about 5-10 minutes until you see the trail head across the road on your right. The first part of the trail is pretty steep but it starts to level out after the first turn. Follow the signs to La Virgen, and after the second and third turn it’s quite an easy walk up to the top of the trail.

There are many different spots to view the city, so take some time to wander around and enjoy them all. Make sure to check out the statue of La Virgen, and the memorial for Pope John Paul II.

[Show slideshow]

◄ 1 ... 11 12 13 ... 30 ►

© 2026 Jim Schroder