Before you go

Your trip to Valparaíso.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Valparaíso – Valparaíso Destination Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Santiago · 115 km
Terminal Rodoviario de Valparaíso 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Buses from Santiago arrive at Terminal Rodoviario de Valparaíso on Avenida Pedro Montt, next to the Congreso Nacional. From Santiago airport it's about 115 km. Those in Viña del Mar arrive via the Metro Valparaíso, which ends at Puerto station, a few steps from Plaza Sotomayor.

How many days

A full day is enough for the cerros Alegre and Concepción, a funicular ride and Plaza Sotomayor. With two days you can add La Sebastiana, Museo a Cielo Abierto, Palacio Baburizza and Paseo 21 de Mayo without rushing up the hills.

When to go

Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking the cerros, with sunshine and mild temperatures. In summer the city receives cruise ships and becomes busy. In winter it rains more and the stairways become slippery. New Year's Eve, with fireworks launched from boats in the bay, usually fills Valparaíso with visitors.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The streets on the hills are narrow and steep, and there is almost nowhere to park. The way to get around is on foot, by funicular/ascensor, by taxi or by micro (what Chileans call the city bus). The old trolleybuses still run in the lower town and make for a pleasant ride.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Valparaíso

Morning
Plaza Sotomayor and an ascensor ride
Start at Plaza Sotomayor, in front of the monument to the heroes of Iquique and the Armada building. Cross to Plaza de Justicia and take the Ascensor El Peral up to Paseo Yugoslavo, where Palacio Baburizza is located.
Afternoon
Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción on foot
Have lunch on Cerro Alegre and walk along the mural-lined streets to Paseo Dimalow. Cross to Cerro Concepción via Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Atkinson, with views over the bay. Descend by Ascensor Concepción if it is operating, or by the stairways.
Late afternoon
Muelle Prat and a boat trip
Return to the lower town and walk to Muelle Prat. A speedboat tour of the bay shows the port, the cranes and the city climbing the hills, in the low light of late afternoon.
Evening
Dinner with a view on the hills
Go up again to one of the hills to dine with views of the bay. Try the chorrillana, a dish of fries topped with meat, onion and egg that originated in porteño bars and is meant to be shared.

2 days in Valparaíso

Day 1

Morning
Barrio Puerto and Plaza Sotomayor
Use the first day for the historic center: Plaza Sotomayor, Muelle Prat and the climb up to Paseo 21 de Mayo on Cerro Artillería, with the Museo Marítimo Nacional next to the viewpoint.
Afternoon
Palacio Baburizza and neighboring hills
Take the Ascensor El Peral up, visit the fine arts museum at Palacio Baburizza and spend the afternoon between Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción.

Day 2

Morning
Museo a Cielo Abierto
Start near Plaza Victoria and walk up to Cerro Bellavista to follow the murals of Museo a Cielo Abierto along the stairways and winding streets of the hillside.
Afternoon
La Sebastiana
Continue up the hill to La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's house, and tour its rooms with the audio guide. End the afternoon in a neighborhood café before descending to the lower town.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What not to miss in Valparaíso?

Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, with their paseos and murals; an ascensor ride; La Sebastiana; Museo a Cielo Abierto; Plaza Sotomayor; and Muelle Prat. Art lovers should allow an hour for Palacio Baburizza.

Which ascensors are operating?

The city once had about 30 funiculars, and only some remain in operation. El Peral and Reina Victoria, which climb to Cerro Alegre, have been the most reliable. Concepción, the oldest, and Espíritu Santo undergo frequent maintenance. Check before you go; when one is out of service there are always stairs nearby.

Is it tiring to walk around the hills?

The slopes are steep and there are many stairways. Wear sneakers, go up by ascensor and walk down — it's easier. Taxis and micros also go up to the main hills.

Where to eat in Valparaíso?

Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción concentrate restaurants and cafés with views. In the lower town, near Plaza Sotomayor and Mercado Cardonal, you'll find simple food and seafood. Remember that Chilean lunch starts later, and in the late afternoon many people have the once, a snack of bread, tea and cold cuts.

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