Private tour in Santiago Alvaro Andres G
4.9
(19) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Alvaro Andres G.
4.9
Guide rating
91
Reviews
Tours delivered
23 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, I'm Álvaro — though most guests just call me Alvy. I've guided more than 30,000 travelers across Chile and South America over the past decade, and I've never lost one (yet — I'm keeping my fingers crossed). Before guiding, I spent years in hospitality, including Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury retreats, so I know what a well-run day feels like from the other side of the table too. What sets my tours apart is depth. I hold a degree in Communications and Journalism and a postgraduate diploma in Tourism Management and Sustainability — a combination that shapes how I tell Chile's story. I go beyond the postcard version: politics, architecture, social dynamics, economics, local gossip. I tailor each tour to what actually interests you, so no two days look the same. My own path shaped this approach. In my 20s I spent seven years living and working abroad — the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand — and coming home gave me a sharper eye for what makes Chile worth explaining well to an outsider. Off the clock, I'm usually reading, at a play or concert, out with a camera, or hiking somewhere I can't get phone signal. That curiosity is what I bring to every tour — cultural insight, personal stories, and a sense of humor that's occasionally dark but always sincere. I look forward to showing you Chile. Warm regards, Álvaro (Alvy)
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Alvaro Andres G.
Immerse yourself in Valparaíso, whose colorful hillside quarter earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2003 for its historic funiculars, winding stairways, and eclectic street art. On the scenic 90-mile drive to the coast (about 1.5 hours), we pass through Casablanca Valley, renowned for its cool-climate wines, before arriving in Valparaíso. We'll take in harbor views from Paseo 21 de Mayo, explore the historic heart of Plaza Sotomayor, and ride two of the city's ascensores — Valparaíso's iconic funicular elevators, all built between 1883 and 1916 (the newest one is already over a century old) — up into the bohemian hills of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, wandering past street art and art galleries. In the afternoon we head to Viña del Mar for a stroll along the waterfront and Acapulco Beach, then a close-up look at an authentic Easter Island Moai statue at the Fonck Museum, before returning to Santiago.
It was a good trip by Alvaro. He explained well the history of Valparaiso and vina de mar. We even had a side trip to the wine yard for wine tasting. Alvaro is personal and took care of our requests. We would recommend highly contacting Alvaro if you need a guide in Santiago.
I booked a private tour through ToursByLocals with Alvaro Andres G. to visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Due to an understandable family emergency, Alvaro couldn’t make it, but he arranged for Juan Pablo to be my guide instead. JP turned out to be an excellent guide as well. Most guides are great at explaining the sites you visit, but JP went further — blending humor, current events, and plenty of random (yet fascinating) facts. He had in-depth answers to all my questions, and I even learned a surprising amount about restrooms in Valparaíso! Overall, it was a fun and engaging tour that I’d definitely recommend.
Alvaro gave us a wonderful tour of the street art of Valparaiso. He sometimes pointed out small details that we would have missed on our own. He was very responsive to our desires. Having once been a journalist, he was very knowledgeable about the history and politics of Chile and was easy to engage on a wide number of subjects.
Alvaro was a wonderful guide. I've used Travels By Locals in other countries, but he was the best. When we visited the graffiti in Valparaiso, we talked about what we liked about the pictures. He listened and could guide us to more that we would particularly like. He knew the history, the artists and the windy streets, and was a pleasure to spend time with.
This was our second Santiago trip organised with Alvaro. Unfortunately he got injured but was able to arrange Catalina for us. We had the best day visiting the Valparaiso and a winery on the way back,
Alvaro was great. Prompt, extremely well prepared and very knowledgeable and flexible. I really enjoyed my day and his company.
● Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Santiago, Las Condes, Vitacura, or Providencia. ● Scenic drive of about 90 miles (1.5 hrs), passing through Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's top cool-climate wine regions, arriving in Valparaíso. ● Valparaíso: – Paseo 21 de Mayo: panoramic views over the harbor and city. – Plaza Sotomayor: Valparaíso's historic civic and naval heart. – Cerro Alegre & Cerro Concepción: ride two historic ascensores up into these UNESCO-listed hills of street art, bohemian cafés, and art galleries. ● Free time to pause, take in the views, and enjoy lunch or a light snack (not included) in Valparaíso or Viña del Mar. ● Viña del Mar: – Stroll the waterfront (Avenida Perú) and Acapulco Beach. – Fonck Museum: an authentic Easter Island Moai statue, up close. ● Return to your hotel in Santiago.
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.
Part of the tour is done aboard a modern, air-conditioned van for 4 to 6 passengers, driven by an experienced, professional driver. The exact vehicle depends on availability — expect one of the following: – Hyundai H-1 Van – Peugeot Traveller Van – Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer The rest is on foot — walking is still the best way to get to know a city.
Santiago, Chile
Pick-up is included from addresses within Santiago's urban area — Santiago Centro, Providencia, Vitacura, or Las Condes. Need pick-up from somewhere outside these areas — a hotel near the airport, the airport itself, or a cruise port like San Antonio or Valparaíso? Just let me know in advance and I'll be happy to customize the tour. These pick-up points do carry an additional cost, given the extra travel distance and logistics involved.
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8 hours
1
8 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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