View over Valparaiso in Chile

Pacific Coast

Valparaiso

Valparaiso is one of South America's most colorful cities, with steep hills, historic funiculars, street art, creative cafes and sweeping Pacific views.

Street art, harbor flair and hill city

Why you should visit this region.

Valparaiso is a place to wander: stairways, murals, harbor sounds and viewpoints that explain why artists and travelers have loved this city for generations.

This page brings together the key travel ideas so guests immediately understand how the place fits into a Chile round trip, private extension or tailor-made experience.

Best travel time

Spring and autumn are especially pleasant. Summer is lively on the coast.

Recommended duration

Possible as a day trip, better with 1 to 2 nights for evening atmosphere.

Ideal for

CultureStreet artPhotographyCity travelCoast

Highlights

What makes this place special.

  • Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion with alleys, viewpoints and street art.
  • Historic lifts connecting the lower city with the hills.
  • La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's former house, overlooking the bay.
  • Easy combination with Viña del Mar, the Pacific coast and Casablanca Valley wineries.

Experiences

Street-art walk
Viewpoints over harbor and Pacific
Seafood and coastal cuisine
Day trip from Santiago

Planning note

Valparaiso is best explored on foot with local guides who know safe and interesting hill routes.

View over Valparaiso in Chile

Image credit

License-friendly image material.

Andrej, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Open image source