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Chile’s cosmopolitan capital is a great place to explore, from its rich heritage and views of the Andes to its easy access to fantastic wineries.
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Famous for its eclectic mix of UNESCO protected architecture, multi-coloured houses, turn of the century funiculars that still transport people up to the surrounding hills, world-class street art and delicious fresh seafood. Just two hours from Santiago, the lively and bustling historic port city of Valparaíso is totally unique.
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.
Historic Valparaíso
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.
Valparaíso street art
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 Valparaíso
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 and pisco sours in Valparaíso
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.
Pablo Neruda's house
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.
Casablanca Valley vineyard
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.
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.
Terrace view at Cas Higueras Hotel in 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.
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.
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.
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.
Chile’s cosmopolitan capital is a great place to explore, from its rich heritage and views of the Andes to its easy access to fantastic wineries.
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Tap into 400,000 hours of lived experience. As guides, guardians and travellers, we know these incredible places intimately and care about them deeply. From a world of options, we'll help you discover your perfect adventure.
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