Michael T.United States
Joaquin was a great guide! Very pleasant to spend the day with. He was knowledgeable, fun, punctual & easy going. Would highly recommend him & hope to come back & do a Patagonia excursion with him!!
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Private tour in Santiago Joaquin C
Experience the very best of Santiago with a local guide
4.9
(8) reviews
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Joaquin C.
4.9
Guide rating
68
Reviews
Tours delivered
32 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello! I’m Joaquin, a passionate ecotourism guide who creates tailored travel experiences for small groups. My goal is to help you discover Chile’s natural and cultural wonders in a way that feels authentic, professional, and truly memorable. Rather than offering the usual tourist-driven experiences, I share the places and activities I enjoy with my friends and family. Every journey is crafted with care, focusing on connection—both with nature and the unique stories of our country. My love for the outdoors began as a child, hiking for hours with my father. What started as a challenge quickly became my lifelong passion. This enthusiasm led me to study Ecotourism Project Management, where I specialized in sustainable tourism and conservation. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to sharing Chile’s beauty while promoting its preservation. Today, I run my own ecotourism agency and tour operator, along with a nature-themed shop that brings people closer to Chile’s wild beauty. I guide and operate tours in Santiago and surrounding areas, the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, and more. From hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and horseback riding to cultural city tours, food, and wine experiences, I love showcasing the diverse landscapes and traditions of my country. When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me outdoors rock climbing, birdwatching, or tending to my garden in the foothills of Santiago, where I live with my wife and our three dogs. Our backyard has become a sanctuary for birds, and I love spending peaceful moments there, reconnecting with nature and recharging my spirit. Horses are another passion of mine, and I thoroughly enjoy guiding horseback riding tours that offer a unique perspective on Chile’s landscapes. Credentials: • Ecotourism Project Management - Universidad Andrés Bello • Wilderness First Responder (80 hrs) - Certified in 2015, 2017, 2024 • American Canoe Association - Touring Sea Kayak Level II • Winter Mountaineering Course (8 days) - July 2015 • Safety and Rescue on Rock and Ice - Huaráz, Peru (International Mountain Guides Association) - April 2014 • Traditional Rock Climbing - 2011
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joaquin C.
Best neighborhoods, viewpoints, museums, markets, restaurants & bars. Private tour of my hometown
Overview of your Santiago tour
Welcome to Santiago! I'm Joaquin, your guide, deeply connected to this city's vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. Let's make the most of your time! We'll start downtown, exploring the presidential palace and the incredible Museo Precolombino. Then, we'll wander through the Lastarria neighborhood, discovering its bohemian charm. What sets my approach apart is the personalized connection I establish with travelers. I aim to create a comfortable and engaging environment where you can freely explore, ask questions, and truly connect with the city. I strive to be more than a guide, offering insights, anecdotes, and local recommendations that enhance your experience. With extensive knowledge, I'll share hidden gems and lesser-known stories, unveiling Santiago's essence. After lunch, we'll ascend Parque Metropolitano by Cable Car, enjoying breathtaking views. The Pablo Neruda Museum reveals the renowned poet's world. We'll conclude in Bellavista, savoring local flavors, a coffee, or a glass of wine.
Recent Reviews
Andrew S.United States
Joaquin is an excellent guide. We were able to cover a lot of sights in one day. The tour was well organized and gave us a sense of Santiago history and culture.
Joshua C.Australia
Guide is well mannered, knowledgeable and flexible with our itinerary for the day. We are pleased with his service. Offered to take us to visit Valparaiso, which we accepted, and am glad we did. It an interesting and colorful city. Thank you Joaquin .
Rick M.United States
Joaquin has an awesome personality, strong English skills and was able to adapt his tour plans based upon the days weather forecast and it turned out amazing. The cable car was not working but he adapted and we took the Funicular up to top of San Cristobal Hill and the views were A+. Very happy with his tour skills and transportation around the Santiago sites!
David G.United States
Absolutely fantastic tour with Joaquin! He provided a tour for my family that was full of history and education giving us a chance to understand the city in a very intimate way. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very prompt. His English is superb! He offers a variety of tours and I strongly recommend him as a guide. I booked two tours with him! Really amazing and special. He has made our stay in Santiago very special and memorable.
Jan N.United States
Joaquin was our guide in Santiago. As expected he did a great job. We had a walking tour and his knowledge of his city was perfect. He was fun to talk to as he showed us the sights. Like all Tours by Locals, having someone that really knows the city makes such a difference for the visitor. The city comes alive because that is where your guide lives and works and plays also. Joaquin allowed us to see the city through his eyes and it made our day with him special.
Your Santiago tour itinerary
9:30 AM Pick-up from your accommodation in Santiago. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Visit to the Presidential Palace and the Pre-Columbian Museum. 12:00 - 1:00 PM Walk through Lastarria neighborhood, Plaza de Armas, and Santa Lucía Hill. 1:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Chilean flavors. 2:30 - 3:30 PM Ascend San Cristóbal Hill by cable car, enjoying views of Santiago. 3:30 - 4:30 PM Visit Pablo Neruda Museum and enjoy some free time for coffee or a glass of wine in Bellavista. 5:30 PM Return to your hotel in Santiago. This is an example of an itinerary, however, we can decide that day to skip some places and add others depending on your interests.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Mitsubishi Montero 4x4 , fits 4 guests comfortably. If its a bigger group contact me to write a custom tour.
What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses (lunch, museum entrance fee), insurance, optional tips.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
I'll pick you up at your hotel.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
City Highlights
Tour reference number
610023
Languages
Spanish
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Santiago best suited for?
This private tour in Santiago is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city with a local guide. Joaquin C. offers a personalized experience, making it ideal for those who wish to connect deeply with the city's culture and history. It's also suitable for families, as the tour is kid-friendly and involves light activity.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Santiago be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.