Here Is Your Ultimate Guide For Things To Do In Valparaiso Chile
There is no shortage of things to do in Valparaiso Chile. This vibrant port city, whose name means “Valley of Paradise” has an artistic, alternative vibe that combined with its grittiness and historical significance entices the visitor from the get-go.
Is Valparaiso Chile Safe for a Solo Female Traveller?
I had heard mixed reviews of ValparaÃso Chile. Backpackers I had recently met all spoke highly of this city however others had warned me to be careful of its dangers, filth and pickpockets.
I travelled solo to Valparaiso Chile and found that I had to be aware, as in all solo travel, but never felt unsafe. I did have my camera around my neck at one point and a vendor from the market told me to put it away. A good reminder.
I stayed in the more touristy areas exploring all the things to do in Valparaiso Chile and didn’t venture out after dark.
How To Get To ValparaÃso Chile
Getting to ValparaÃso Chile from Santiago is a 90-minute trip by public transit. Here is how:
Metro:
Take the red line on Santiago’s Metro to Parajitos station. I went the day before to purchase a bus ticket to Valparaiso but it is perfectly doable to buy a ticket the day you are planning to travel as there are plenty of buses.
Bus From Parajitos Station:
Pullman, Turbus and Condor bus companies all have plenty of buses each day between Santiago and ValparaÃso Chile. It’s a 90-minute trip.
Cost Of Bus From Santiago to ValparaÃso Chile:
CLP$6000 to get there and CLP$4000 to return. Not sure why there was a price difference – the day of the week? time of the day? Regardless this return trip will set you back about $14 Cdn.
Where To Eat In ValparaÃso Chile
One of the tasty things to do in Valparaiso Chile was to follow restaurant suggestions from locals and other travellers.
El Pimenton was recommended to me by Mauricio at The Travelling Chile. It was the perfect little place to eat some authentic, homemade Chilean cuisine. My favourite is Pastel de Choclo a kind of meat pie with a few olives, a wedge of hard-boiled egg, a handful of raisins and a crust that is made of mashed (and grilled) corn.
I am getting up my courage to try Chorrillana -french fries covered in various meats, caramelised onions and fried eggs. Can I do it?
Café Turri: Café Turri with its irresistible views overlooking the water came recommended to me. It is overpriced but sitting on that patio sipping a cold white Chilean wine made up for it.
SaborColor: This restaurant is located beside Puerta Escondida so was perfect to sip a glass of wine on the streetside tables. Had a Pastel de Quinoa (a warm quinoa and seafood dish) that was 2 thumbs up!
Delicias Express: Being gluten-free in Chile is a big disappointment. It’s the land of empanadas. This empanada shop was highly recommended with its 80 varieties.
Emporio La Rosa: Grab an ice cream at the Plaza AnÃbel Pinto location before going on a walking tour. I tried lúcuma, made from a South American fruit. I was told it was similar in flavour to maple syrup. Being a true Canadian who is a tad obsessed with maple syrup, I would have to disagree even though it was tasty!
Din_399: If you visit the cemeteries, walk along the perimeter road, Dinamarca. Stop for a refreshment at this café with its outstanding views.
Things To Do In Valparaiso Chile
1. Admire The Street Art In ValparaÃso Chile
If you are wondering what to do in Valparaiso Chile, start with the street art. Valparaiso has not always been covered in artwork. During the military regime from 1973 – 1990, it did not exist. Artistic expression flourished here after 1990 but the street art culture you see today is fairly new, a mere 14 years old.
ValparaÃso is now known for its street art. In fact, it is in every nook and cranny. It is a completely different genre from the street art you find in Prague, for example. Valparaiso’s style is not just random spray paint and tagging although that is also to be found. Detailed, meaningful murals that have been created to provoke, tell a story and entertain cover walls, doorways and stairways.
The artist, INTI born in Valparaiso, created this three-piece mural (one of my favourites!) and has works all over the world.
2. Take A Free Walking Tour In Valpo
One of the best things to do in Valparaiso Chile is to take a walking tour through the maze of twisting cobbled streets, long staircases and ascensores (funiculars).
The gringo trail includes the Cerros (hills) Concepción, Alegre and Bellavista. These hills are full of fabulous viewpoints, art, empanada shops and boutiques selling local artisanal goods. I loved the copper and silver jewellery with lapis lazuli, the stone Chile is known for.
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There is a lot of choice for free walking tours in Valparaiso. The first one I took was with Free Walking Tour Valparaiso. Meet the guides wearing the solid red T-shirts in Plaza AnÃbel Pinto at either 10 am or 3 pm daily. This tour was fabulous and full of interesting facts about Valparaiso’s history and culture.
Here are a few facts about ValparaÃso Chile:
- Valparaiso was a major Pacific port way back in the day, but two significant events changed that. There was a devastating earthquake in 1906 and the Panama Canal opened in 1914. ValparaÃso Chile was no longer “The Jewel of the Pacific” and fell on hard times.
- Sir Francis Drake raided for gold here and built a fort overlooking the Pacific. Its location now, set quite far back from the coastline, makes you wonder how effective a lookout it was. In actual fact, the ocean has receded a LOT and in Plaza Sotomayer, there is a plaque on the ground marking where the water’s edge used to be.
- The greatest fear in Valparaiso, past and present, is fire. When a fire starts and the cool breezes blow in from the Pacific, a whole hillside can be lost. There are buildings which burned down that have still not been replaced or bought. These add to the dilapidated character of the city.
- Valparaiso gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2003 for its architectural value and importance as a port before the Panama Canal.
- Both Salvator Allende, who was running the socialist government before the military coup, and Augusto Pinochet who ran the military regime from 1973 – 1990 were born in ValparaÃso.
- The murals and graffiti have transformed the city and brought lots of tourism.
3. Take A Street Art Walking Tour
The second tour of ValparaÃso Chile that I took was with Valpo Street Art Tours which focused on the graffiti and mural art found all over the city. In the end, this was one of my favourite things to do in Valparaiso Chile.
The tour guide shared the meaning and stories behind the murals we visited and also the skills and techniques used to create such masterpieces. What you can do with a can of spray paint is simply remarkable.
Something that just baffles me is that street art is illegal in Valparaiso. Excuse me? What? Unless it has been commissioned or you have permission to work on the wall, it remains illegal.
Meet the Valpo Street Art Tour guide in Plaza AnÃbel Pinto at either 10:30 am or 3:30 pm daily (except Sundays: only the afternoon tour)
Free? After you have been wowed for 2- 3 hours, it just seems appropriate to tip the guide. Between CLP$5000 and 10000 ($10 – $20) is a common amount.
4. Get Lost In The Cerros Of Valparaiso Chile
When leaving Valparaiso, my cab driver told me, “It’s obligatory as a tourist to leave with sore legs from all the hill walking!” Absolutely true! Wandering the tiny streets and up and down the hills is one of the best things to do in Valparaiso Chile.
Two of the most popular hills for tourists are Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción which are right beside each other.
Get a little lost – it’s not hard!
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5. Things To Do In Valparaiso Chile | Take A Harbour Boat Tour
When you are planning what to do in Valparaiso Chile, it just seems logical to get on the water. Valparaiso is a busy port and taking a small boat out amongst the freighters gives you a different perspective of the city.
With Plaza Stodomayer at your back, walk towards the Pacific Ocean. You will arrive at the docks and can’t miss the offers for a boat tour. Men are calling out and rounding people up to fill a boat tour. They are skilled at this! Just watch them for a few minutes.
During a 30-minute ride in the harbour, you will putter past sea lions, fishing boats and massive freighters being filled with shipping containers full of Chilean wine and fruit.
Tip: Time your visit for dusk and catch a gorgeous view of Valparaiso’s hillsides twinkling at night.
Cost: CLP$4000 ($7.85 Cdn).
6. Things To Do In Valparaiso Chile | Ride The Ascensores
Of all the things to do in Valparaiso Chile, riding the ascensores is a must. All of the ascensores have been declared Historical National Monuments. There are 15 of them, built well over a century ago. The oldest is Ascensor Concepción built in 1883 – yup that’s 136 years old. There are 7 working ascensores in ValparaÃso Chile and the city is restoring the others. Legs tired from all the uphill climbing? Hop an ascensor.
Take Acsensor Reina Victoria (the name alone screams historical story). It was built in 1902 and has the steepest climb. It delivers you right between Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepión.
Cost to Ride the Ascensores: Between 100 – 300 CLP (20¢-60¢ Cdn)
7. Things To Do In Valparaiso Chile| Visit Pablo Neruda’s House
If you are a bit of a hopeless romantic then visiting La Sebastiana, home of the famous Chilean Pablo Neruda, is another essential thing to do in Valparaiso Chile. Take the ascensor Espiritu Santo to Cerro Bellavista. Walk up. Straight up Calle Hector Calvo. The prize for the hill work? Pablo Neruda’s Valparaiso house La Sebastiana. This narrow 5-storey house has views overlooking the Pacific Ocean at every turn.
Despite the fact that the house was ransacked after the military coup in 1973, many of Neruda’s artefacts and belongings such as murals, maps and whiskey bottles are there. A wooden horse from a merry-go-round in France sits in the circular-shaped living room evoking whimsy just by its presence.
On the top floor is Neruda’s writing study. Of course, there are books and maps but also hanging is a large photograph of Walt Whitman whom Neruda claimed was his father in poetry.
Entrance: CLP$7000 ($14 Cdn)
8. Visit The Sea Lions In ValparaÃso Chile
Sea lions, pelicans and the sparkling ocean make this a worthwhile addition to your list of things to do in Valparaiso Chile. At Caleta Portales the sea lions fight each other to sunbathe on a large concrete structure just offshore. Watching them argue and try to jump up onto the platform is a lovely way to spend some time on a summer’s day.
Walk: If you have time, walk the 2 km to get to Caleta Portales
Metro: Take the Metro from the stations Puerto or Bellavista and get off at Baron. From there cross the tracks.
You have to buy a Metro card for 1500 CLP and the trip there and back is CLP$500 each way. That will set you back about $5 Cdn. The Metro runs about every 15 minutes.
Bus: You can hop a bus from the centre of town as they are frequent and cheaper. But unless your Spanish is really good, you might end up in Viña del Mar!
9. Wander Through The Cemeteries
If you are looking for a little peace, the cementarios are where you will find it (or possibly a patio overlooking the ocean!) There are many graves from centuries ago and just glancing at the names tells the story of many German, French and British immigrants that lived here.
From Cementario #1 there are great views of Valparaiso’s tallest mural.
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10. Visit Parque Cultural de Valparaiso
If you climb all the way up to see the cemeteries, then it is mandatory to see the old prison that has been turned into a cultural centre. It’s one of the quirky things to do in Valparaiso Chile.
11. Take a Day Trip: Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar’s manicured gardens, McDonalds and boardwalks by the ocean provide a completely different experience to Valparaiso. Come to sit on the beach and watch the massive waves crash to shore.
Metro: There are 2 stops for Viña del Mar – Miramar and Viña del Mar so figure out your destination before heading there. I intended to take the Metro to get to Viña del Mar but in asking a total stranger for directions, I received a lift straight to my Air BnB!
Bus: There are many buses between Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Ride one merely for the experience. Lots of honking and rounding corners on two wheels! Have change ready – you pay the driver upon entering the bus.
Valparaiso…
It couldn’t
knock you down,
because within your southern chest
are tattooed:
struggle,
hope,
solidarity
and happiness
like anchors
that withstand
the waves of the earth.
(excerpt Ode to Valparaiso, Pablo Neruda)
More Travel Info
Need help planning an itinerary in South America? Here is my 3-month itinerary through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Colombia.
Need more information on Chile? Here is my go-to guide. I am finally using the iBooks version rather than lugging guides with me.
Where to Stay in Valparaiso? Book your room now.
Here’s Where I Recommend to Stay in Valparaiso: This one hangs over the sea and this bed and breakfast is in the heart of Cerro ConcepÃon.
Looking for an Organized Tour in the Valparaiso area? Check out these options:
- Drive up the Pacific coast, on a 4-hour tour, to Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón
- A full day of hiking to the summit of Cerro la Campana
- A visit to a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley and also a brewery in Valparaiso
Jerry Weber says
Very Very Colorful. Sounds and looks like a fun touristsa place to visit, especially in the sun and summer.
Entertaining read and your pics again were bright, crisp, vibrant and a feast for the eyes. So fun. Well done Ms. Browne. JW
Alison Browne says
Thank you! Valparaiso is amazing and so colourful. Glad you enjoyed the photos!
Pam Gilbert says
What a great piece!! I didn’t know anything about Valparaiso before and now I feel primed to go!! Super evocative. You really capture it and the photos are fabulous. LOVE the street art and also the excerpts from Pablo Neruda…. Beautiful..
Alison Browne says
Thanks so much! Yes, add it to your list! It’s a really unique place to visit. Neruda’s words just make Valparaiso feel all that more poetic!
Paula Gilbert says
I have serious FOMO! Didn’t know I wanted to go to Valparaiso- do now! And here’s a question… why don’t all towns paint the houses in a rainbow of colours? Just looks stunning.
Alison Browne says
You would LOVE Valparaiso. It’s definitely not prim and proper and its “dishevelled” qualities add to its uniqueness. I agree let’s get painting!
Linda says
Great info as always Alison. Passing this on to my son and fiancee who are going there next December!
Alison Browne says
Thanks, Linda! If they can, tell them to stay for New Year’s Eve! Apparently, the fireworks over the water are amazing… I left a day too early…
Emily says
Amazing article! I think i might need to go here now 🙂
Alison Browne says
OH yes… you would love it! There are so many colourful birds!!
Brooke of Passport Couture says
It looks like there is something new and colorful at every corner of Valparaiso! Pablo Neruda’s definitely set the tone for this town and from your blog, I get the sense there is something to discover everywhere you walk. Thanks for sharing your great photos and uncovering this eclectic location. Looks like I’ll need to add Chile to my South America list!
Alison Browne says
I am so glad you enjoyed the post, Brooke. Yes, do add Chile – it is amazing!
sue says
Great street art. Didn’t see that whenI was in Valpariaso many years ago. Guess I have to go back.
Alison Browne says
Yes, it is so colourful in every nook and cranny! Worth a return trip!
Where Food Takes Us says
It never turns me off when someone tells me a place smells bad or there are a bunch of pick pockets. You’re going to find those problems all over the worlds. Valparaiso seems like an absolutely beautiful place to visit and I hope to make it to that corner of the world someday.The pictures and your blog make a very compelling argument.
Alison Browne says
Thank you so much! I hope you add Valparaiso to your travel plans and find it as beautiful as I did!
mapcameratravel1 says
Chile has always been into our bucketlist. hoping to tick it off soon. Love street art pictures as they are so unique and wonderful thing to admire. All your pictures look amazing. thanks for sharing.
Alison Browne says
Chile was amazing and I didn’t get to the south! Glad you enjoyed the photos and I hope you get to visit Chile soon!
Carol Colborn says
What an extremely colorful city…the houses, the buildings, the murals. I just cringed at the filth and pickpocket dangers. Such a shame.
Alison Browne says
Yes, it is a bit of a contradiction Valparaiso. For me, that is part of its charm!
Curious And Geeks says
Your pictures are amazing!
We visited Valparaiso almost ten years ago and still keep great memories of this little town. We loved how colorful and surprising it was. We were also chocked by the contrast between Valparaiso and Vina Del Mar. The two towns were so close but yet extremely different.
Alison Browne says
The difference between Valparaiso and Viña del Mar is very surprising. I prefer Valparaiso and its gritty charm! I agree Valparaiso is surprising!
Nic Hilditch-Short says
Valparaiso looks like such a vibrant and alive place to visit. I just love the street art and how real and gritty it seems, bursting full of culture and spirit. I would really love to visit here when we get down to South America is a couple of years!
Alison Browne says
Add it to your list, Nic. It is beautiful and gritty all at the same time which is part of its appeal!
pappasw says
Your Pictures are beautiful, I love walking tours, it is great you included 2 in this post, the street art you walked by is inspiring.
Alison Browne says
Thank you! I know. Walking tours are just the best. I love all the stories from locals that give you a different perspective on the city.
stacey says
Very thorough guide to Valparaiso and you really enhance it with your photos. The street art is pretty amazing, that would be incredible to see in person! Hope you enjoyed your travels!
Alison Browne says
Thank you! Yes, the street art is incredible in person. It is hard to imagine how they are so creative with a can of spray paint.
Candy says
So much to see and do! I would love to go on a walking tour. The cobbled streets and staircases sound like such a fun (maybe a little tiring) way to explore the area. It sort of reminded me of my time in Hong Kong. So many stairs there too!
Alison Browne says
I didn’t know about all the stairs in Hong Kong! There are definitely lots in Valparaiso! Good thing for the ascensores!
sunsetsandrollercoasters says
Those colours are so amazing… the houses, the stairs, the artworks… just amazing! We’d absolutely have to ride the ascensores. The kids would love them.
Alison Browne says
The colours are so vibrant it just brightens your day! Yes, the kids would love the ascensores and the sealions!
mirandapost says
What a beautiful city. I love all the grafitti and colourful buildings. I would’ve definitely caught a rid in the funicular (ascensor). It would’ve been almost as thrilling as the street cards of San Francisco I bet!
Alison Browne says
I have never ridden the streetcars of San Francisco but the ascensores are definitely a fun way to get around the city, rest the legs a bit and see how the locals use them. And yes, Valparaiso is so vibrant and beautiful!
Robin Browne says
I LOVE the colourful buildings. Looks like quite the unique city, you captured it beautifully!
Alison Browne says
Thank you, Robin! Aren’t they just so charming?! Yes, I think you can tell – I loved it there!
Charlie says
Thanks so much for sharing this. Such useful tips which I will definitely use!
Charlie
https://wherecharliewanders.com
Alison Browne says
You are welcome! I hope you love it as much as I did!
dansontheroad says
It seems that every corner you turn in Valparaiso you will encounter street art and the art is of high quality! I’m living on the other side of the Pacific Ocean but I would love to make my way to Chile and Valparaiso in the future.
Alison Browne says
You are so right! The street art is absolutely amazing in Valparaiso.