Reasons to go to Valparaiso

  • Wander the streets and get lost amid historic architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed port city
  • Take in the vibrant street art of a city whose walls are an ever-evolving open-air canvas
  • Ride a funicular up and down some of the 45 hills that give Valparaíso its unique geography
  • Visit the house of Pablo Neruda, Chile’s greatest writer and one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century
  • Taste a new vintage in a vineyard tour of the wineries of the Casablanca Valley

What to see and do in Valparaíso

History & Architecture

Valparaíso, or Valpo as the locals call it, in its heyday was the richest, most modern and forward thinking city of Chile if not, Latin America. For example, it is home to the oldest Spanish language newspaper in continuous publication in the world, it has Latin America's oldest stock exchange and housed Chile's first public library. The historic quarter gained UNESCO status in 2003 and has since been undergoing restoration and now houses a wonderful range of boutique hotels, great restaurants, art museums and workshops. Although the city sprawls over 44 hills (cerros), the main historic areas are concentrated on just two: the Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

Valparaíso

Historic Valparaíso

Street Art

It is impossible to visit Valparaíso without noticing its graffiti and street art or murals. From small tags to huge building sides, intense faces and political messages, Valparaíso has it all. Many of Chile's most famous street artists are born and raised in here and are now famous world wide. If you fancy a city tour with a difference or would actually have an interest in learning more about Chile's street art history and current trends then there are graffiti and street art tours available - some even give you the option to try your hand at your own mural.

La mamie de Valparaíso street art on Cerro Alegre in Valparaiso

Valparaíso street art

Swoop says

Swoop Says background image

I love to find a rooftop bar at the end of the day and order a pisco sour while watching the Pacific bay glow pink and the twinkling lights of the city. On a warm night, Valparaiso truly feels like a dream.

Nicolas Araya Customer Experience Coordinator

Funiculars

With the oldest funicular dating from 1883, Valparaíso originally had 29 funiculars - 16 are still fully functioning, transporting people up to the cities many hillsides. Try the Artilleria for great views of the city and El Peral, Reina Victoria & La Concepcion (currently closed for restoration) for the best access to and from Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

Funicular in Valparaiso

Funicular in Valparaíso

The food

Valparaíso has undergone a food explosion in the last 5-10 years with new restaurants popping up: incredible seafood, chef taster menus, roof top views and cocktail bars sit side by side with the city's traditional restaurants in the port area.

Seafood dining in Valparaiso

Seafood and pisco sours in Valparaíso

Pablo Neruda's house

For many, the main reason to visit Valparaíso and the surrounding countryside is the possibility of visiting the homes of Chile's own Pablo Neruda, the 1971 Nobel Prize winner for Literature. He was a prominent political character, eccentric in his style of living and the author of some truly beautiful poetry. Many of his poems talk of Chile and Valparaíso - there is something quite special about reading a poem describing the port city, whilst looking over it, from the very desk at which it was written. The city also has many budding poets eager to share their latest pieces.

View from Pablo Neruda's house in Valparaiso

Pablo Neruda's house

Vineyard tours

As you drive from Santiago towards Valparaíso, the last valley you pass through before making your final descent to the port is the Casablanca Valley, famous for its white wines and Pinot Noir. There are plenty of vineyards you could visit on route or even use Valparaíso as a base to spend the day visiting a number of the premium wineries in the area.

Vineyard at Matetic Winery in Chile

Casablanca Valley vineyard

Swoop Says background image

Swoop says

For a great taste of what Valparaíso was like in its heyday, we'd recommend picking up a copy of Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende, Chile's greatest contemporary novelist, which is a brilliant family saga set in the city's boom years of the 19th century. 

Where to stay in Valparaíso

Much of the accommodation of Valparaíso is based on the UNESCO hills in lovingly restored wooden homes. Regardless of your budget, you will find a boutique hotel to suit you.

Casa Higueras hotel in Valparaiso Chile

Terrace view at Cas Higueras Hotel in Valparaíso

How to get to Valparaíso

Valparaíso is 115 km (71 miles) from Santiago, which takes two hours by road or about 90 minutes from Santiago airport. The easiest way to travel between the two is by private transfer, door to door from your hotel.

There is no airport in Valparaíso.

By public transport, there are multiple buses an hour from Santiago’s central bus station to Valparaíso’s Terminal Rodoviario bus station east of the city centre. From here, we recommend taking a taxi to your accommodation: as you'll soon discover, this is a city of hills that is best tackled without luggage. 

Funicular in Valparaiso, Chile

FAQs about Valparaiso

  • Is it safe to walk around Valparaiso?

    Valparaiso does have its edgy side down around the port area and high up on some of the hills; it is best to check at your hotel reception for any 'no go' areas, just be on the safe side.

  • How many nights should I stay?

    We would recommend to have two nights as a minimum to really soak up the city, get a little under its skin and make sure you get a chance to sample the delicious food.

  • How far is Valparaiso from Santiago?

    Valpo is a one and a half hours drive from Santiago - a little less if you're coming from the airport. We highly recommend coming by private transfer but if this is a little too pricey, there are plenty of public buses.

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