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Historic neighborhood · Valparaíso, Valparaíso
Cerro Alegre
Hill of steep streets, murals and colorful houses, with Paseo Yugoslavo, Paseo Dimalow and two historic ascensors, El Peral and Reina Victoria.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cerro Alegre
Cerro Alegre shares with Cerro Concepción the title of Valparaíso's postcard hill. The streets climb in curves between corrugated metal houses painted yellow, red and aqua-green, and the walls serve as canvases for street artists.
Two historic funiculars reach the hill. El Peral, from 1901, departs from Plaza de Justicia, next to Plaza Sotomayor, and ends at Paseo Yugoslavo, in front of Palacio Baburizza. Reina Victoria, opened in 1903, starts on Avenida Elías and stops at a small square where Paseo Dimalow begins, a narrow viewpoint over the downtown.
Templeman, Almirante Montt and Urriola streets concentrate studios, bookstores, design shops and restaurants. Between blocks appear painted stairways, like the one that mimics piano keys, and windows overlooking the port cranes.
The hill is residential, with schools and neighborhood shops, and keeps a community life despite visitor traffic. Wandering without a set route, going up and down the passages, is the most common way to experience the place.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two hours for the main streets and viewpoints; half a day if you include Palacio Baburizza and a lunch.
Best time
Weekends bring more activity and open studios. On weekdays the walk is quieter. Late afternoon at Paseo Dimalow shows the downtown turning on its lights.
How to get there
Go up via Ascensor El Peral from Plaza de Justicia, or via Reina Victoria on Avenida Elías near Plaza Aníbal Pinto. Taxis and minibuses reach Calle Almirante Montt.
Tip
Bring small change/cash for the funiculars, which charge at the turnstile. Many hill restaurants only open for lunch after noon and close between lunch and dinner.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cerro Alegre
Which ascensors take you up to Cerro Alegre?
El Peral, which departs from Plaza de Justicia and reaches Paseo Yugoslavo, and Reina Victoria, which goes up from Avenida Elías to Paseo Dimalow. Check beforehand whether they are operating.
Where can you see murals in Cerro Alegre?
On Templeman and Almirante Montt streets and on the stairways that descend to the lower part of the city. The works change frequently because artists paint over older ones.
Does Cerro Alegre have restaurants?
Yes, many — from small cafés to places with terraces facing the bay. On summer weekends, arrive early or make a reservation.