A crowd gathered on the grass watching the guard formation in front of La Moneda palace

La Moneda Changing of the Guard: Times, Tips & Best Tour

2025-01-20

The Changing of the Guard at La Moneda is one of Santiago's most striking ceremonies — and one of the most-Googled things to do in the city. Here's what you need to know.

When does it happen? Every other day at 10:00 AM in front of La Moneda Palace. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes.

Where to stand? Plaza de la Constitución, the square directly in front of the palace.

Tips from a local guide:

  • Arrive at least 20 minutes early to get a good spot.
  • The ceremony doesn't run on Sundays or some holidays — check before you go.
  • Combine it with a walk through the historic center for context.

The easiest way to see it well is on our Changing of Guard & Historic Santiago tour — we get you to the right spot at the right time and explain what you're seeing.