Calle Huérfanos (Huérfanos Street), Santiago

Calle Huerfanos, or Huerfanos Street, has a history that dates at least to the early 18th century. Originally, the street was named Alley of the Stables because it was home to the stables of Don Mateo de Toro y Zambrano. Later, it was called La Moneda Real due to the fact that the first minted coins in Chile were created in a house on this street.

The moniker Calle Huerfanos, which means "orphans street," came after the Hospicio de Los Pobres was founded. The building was used to care for women who suffered from cholera, and then later their children who were left behind.

Visitors to Santiago can easily walk Calle Huerfanos as the most notable blocks are entirely pedestrian. Tourists will see a number of shops and eateries. There are outdoor vendors selling their wares and architecture that shows the changes in Santiago over the years.

Away from the pedestrian area of Calle Huerfanos are a number of notable places. Santa Lucia Hill, Quinta Normal Park and Brazil Square are all easily reached from Huerfanos Street.