Memories as Murals in Yungay

This four-hour walking experience immerses you in Barrio Yungay, one of Santiago de Chile’s oldest neighborhoods. This enclave was laid out shortly after Chile's Independence, and traces the transition from colonial rule to a modern, 19th century capital city. Its history mirrors Chile’s social, political, and architectural evolution, while Héctor’s experience focuses on art, history, and memory. As one of the most authentic parts of the city, you will experience the "real life" of a santiaguino or santiaguina. Much of the route highlights the street art of Barrio Yungay. As Héctor shows, these murals speak of resistance, culture, nature, and much more. The walk zigzags through the streets, where every block has something unique to reveal. Along the way, you visit a local art gallery and learn about the ten artists whose work is exhibited there. You also stop at one of the world’s oldest continuously operating barbershops, where you can pause for a bite at its café.

Héctor’s storytelling on this walking tour experience is based predominantly on the work of street artists and their testimonies. While he is the host, his experience relies on the voices of those who have created a public record of Santiago's development as a modern city. Every mural reveals something from Chilean politics and memory, using the medium of nature, abstract, and psychedelic art styles. Among the treasures, you will see Santiago’s tallest mural, La Madre Secular II, and learn how it represents indigenous Andean cultural heritage. Héctor will also introduce you to the artists at the gallery, which opens exclusively for this tour. Lunch is served in an utterly unique venue, the historic barbershop, where Héctor will discuss the formation of Santiago and modern Chilean society in a casual setting. He will bid you “nos vemos” with a personalized guide of where to eat and recommendations for Chilean music, movies, and documentaries.

Born in Arica, Northern Chile, Héctor Leiva Fernández spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Santiago. He graduated as a Political Analyst specialising in International Studies from the University of Santiago, Chile. Through his work as a guide and the CEO of his own boutique tour operation, Héctor aims to enlighten travelers on Chile's political history and contemporary current affairs. His mission is to share the background story behind every landmark visited on his experiences and to ensure visitors connect with the authenticity of Santiago. Besides guiding, Héctor also works as a DJ, which means he is an expert on the local music and nightlife scene in Santiago! If Héctor is unavailable to host your experience, one of his trusted and knowledgeable guides will take his place.

Comfortable shoes for a walking tour. Bottled water. Sunhat and suncream.