23 Fun Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile on Your Next Travel

Planning your Chilean vacation? Surprise yourself by discovering this jewel of a port city and enjoy the endless list of delightful things to do in Valparaiso Chile.

The wonderful city of Valparaiso, Chile, with its remarkable Historic Quarter, is a must-visit for travelers seeking memorable experiences. Called Valpo by locals and tourists alike, this “Cultural Capital of Chile” is often likened to the U.S. city of San Francisco for its hilly streets, historical funiculars, gaily-colored clifftop houses, street art, and bohemian vibe. 

One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso, can be reached in under 2 hours from the Santiago capital, 72 miles (116 kilometers) away. The sprawling city set on over 44 cerros (hills) should not be missed by travelers who want to spend time on the Chilean coast.

Keep reading to learn more about the best sights, activities, food, and other wonderful experiences this captivating city offers. 

Best Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile – Activities

1. Free Walking Tour

Valparaiso is a city of secrets, so a walking tour is a must to uncover them all in one go. 

Tours 4 Tips is one of the best tour operators available in Valparaiso. Choose the Valparaiso highlights option at 3 p.m., covering the most popular spots. 

You can also join this premium tour with a native guide to have a full experience of Valparaiso.

2. Walking Around and Enjoying the Street Art 

The streets of Valparaiso are filled with magnificent artwork. The colorful alleys will keep you excited about your trip. Some of the city’s most popular streets with art are Elias, Carrillo Armstrong, and Atahualpa. 

Don’t forget to visit Templeman Street, the epitome of Valparaiso’s artistic beauty. A street art tour would cost less than 60,000 Chilean pesos/CLP (75 US dollars), but you will walk up and down the hilly roads for 1.5 hours.

3. Take the Funiculars

Funiculars are a great alternative to walking. For people who want to admire the city’s beauty without much effort, funiculars are a great service. 

Built around the late 19th century, only 7 of these counterbalancing cable cars or “ascensores” (elevators) are still in use at different locations all over the city. These popular funiculars have been declared National Monuments of Chile and are an important part of Valparaiso as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

A 1-way ride on this amazing transportation will cost only 400 CLP ($0.50).

4. Wine Tour

Wine lovers, this is where things get interesting in Valparaiso! 

Since Chile is renowned worldwide for its vinos, which are believed to be Latin America’s best, a wine tour is an excellent way to taste some. 

A wine tour takes around 5 hours to complete, including travel time. Two wineries that should be on your must-visit list are located in Casablanca Valley–Emiliana and Casas Del Bosque. 

5. The Colorful Staircases

The street filled with graffiti is one of Valparaiso’s most popular artworks. 2 staircases have become quite popular over the years. One is located on the west side of Sotomayor Plaza. 

The second one is on the other side of the city. It is called “The Piano Stairs.” 

6. Shopping at Paseo Atkinson

We have talked a lot about the artistic beauty of Valparaiso, but what if you could take one back home? Yes, Valparaiso also has a market where you can buy all this art directly from local artists. The marketplace is located on Paseo Atkinson. 

The shopping experience is unique: to reach the market, you will wander through the beautiful passageways between Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion. 

7. Watch the Bike Race

If you visit Valparaiso in February, make sure you experience the downhill biking race at Cerro Abajo. The race starts from the top, with riders moving downhill through staircases and rooftops. 

The event has such significance that the whole track is specially designed for the race. Huge crowds come from their homes to surround the track and support their favorite riders. 

8. Day Trip to Cerro La Campana

Hiking is an activity that very few enthusiasts intend to miss during their travels, and Cerro La Campana is the best place for it. 

The famous scientist Charles Darwin recommends the hike, adding to the many reasons why it’s so special. Darwin came to Valparaiso in 1834, exploring the Cerro La Campana area. 

His tales of the whole experience have made this hike a must-do activity. 

9. Cooking Class

The food in Valparaiso is perfectly delicious, and with cooking lessons, you can replicate the recipes back home. 

The cooking class takes under 6 hours to teach some of the most delectable traditional Chilean dishes. The classes cover everything from selecting the right ingredients from the market to cooking. 

At the end of the class, you will prepare a starter, a main, and a dessert for lunch. 

10. Surfing and Sandboarding

Surfing and Sandboarding are 2 activities that seem quite similar yet different. However, your Valparaiso visit will allow you to taste both worlds. 

For sandboarding, head towards the Concon Dunes, located around 10.5 mi (17 km) from Valparaiso. The road to the top is a bit challenging and would take around 20 minutes to reach, but the view and the overall experience are worth it. 

For surfing, you will have to go further west from the dunes. You can take surfing boards on rent from the beach or hire a tour operator to take care of all the equipment.

Best Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile – Sights

11. Plaza Sotomayor

Plaza Sotomayor, Valparaiso’s main plaza, is a great spot to spend time with the city’s locals. You can watch ships arriving and departing with goods and other items near the plaza, Muelle Prat. 

You can also take a boat trip costing around 3,980 CLP ($5) for 30 minutes. 

12. Vina del Mar 

The coastal city of Vina del Mar is a must-visit. It is also known as Garden City since it offers lush greenery and sandy beaches. A day trip to Vina del Mar is enough to admire the beauty. You can head to nearby restaurants or lie on the sand. 

To reach Vina del Mar, you can take a bus from Valparaiso to cover a distance of 5 mi (8 km) in about half an hour. 

13. Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about Valparaiso’s past. The museum is under the country’s navy. It was started in early 1915 on Huascar, a battleship that collected all the important objects. 

There are around 17 showrooms with a collection of 3,000 historical objects for viewing. These include medals, uniforms, flags, and much more. 

You can visit the place between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. any day of the week, and admission is free.

14. Sea Lions at Playa Caleta Portales

There is no better place to watch sea lions resting at the shore than Playa Caleta Portales between Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. The sea lions usually come out on sunny days and surround the beach. 

Seeing a huge number of sea lions on the beach all at once is an incredible spectacle. 

15. Historia Natural de Valparaiso

To learn more about Valparaiso’s natural wonders, visit the Natural History Museum of Valparaiso. 

There is so much to see in this museum that you would forget any other museum. Taxidermy animals, flora, and artifacts will keep you busy for quite a while. 

The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and entrance is free. 

16. Museo de Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet who left his footprints on the sands of world literature. He had a house in Valparaiso named La Sebastiana, which is now turned into a museum. The museum offers incredible views of the bay and city and fascinating insights into the poet’s passionate life. 

La Sebastiana is closed every Monday. The operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission will cost you 8,000 CLP ($10).

17. Alegre and Concepcion Hills

Alegre and Concepcion’s hills are perfect places to relax for those who want to spend some time away from the crowded areas of the city. 

Tourists will find plenty of interesting things to see on the hills. Cable rails, colorful staircases, and museums will catch visitors’ attention. 

Some highly recommended places in this area include La Santa Cruz Church, Baburizza Palace, and Montalegre Street. 

18. Parque Cultural de Valparaiso 

The park was a Spanish fort and prison in the past, but it is the main tourist attraction with plenty of activities to do. History also represents itself through some amazing artistry on the walls. 

You can visit the Valparaiso Cultural Park daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Mondays. 

19. The Old Prison

Once a place of misery and torture, the place has become a perfect gallery of modern art. The Old Prison is now converted into an urban cultural center. It is located on Carcel Hill. 

Many events take place in this community center, such as workshops, art exhibitions, discussions, and theater performances. 

Best Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile – Food

20. Craft Beer

The best place to test craft beer in Valparaiso is Cerveceria del Puerto. It is a microbrewery near Plaza Sotomayor, a perfect place to drink and relax after some activities and sightseeing. 

The brewery is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays. 

21. Beer Trekking Tour

If you want to combine a light nature hike through Valparaiso’s Quilpué City with outdoor craft beer tasting, The Beer Trekking offers the chance to “enjoy a bit of silence, nature, quietness, and beer all together.”

 The cost for this half-day beer trek, where you will taste local beers with accompanying tasty snacks, includes transportation, beer-tasting equipment, hats, bottled water, snacks, and guide service.

22. Artesanales Alfajores

Artesanales Alfajores is a small bakery that sells the best dessert in Valparaiso. The bakery’s owner is Don Sergio, who will greet you as soon as you enter the place. Their trademark dessert is alfajores, a crunchy light cookie made with flour, egg yolks, and delicious dulce de leche filling. 

If you want to try something else, empanadas are the second on the list of highly recommended things to try. 

23. Chilean Ceviche

Being a port city, Valparaiso is popular because of its seafood. The best seafood dish here is the famous ceviche, made with raw fish marinated in citrus juice. 

Chileans mostly use sea bass as fish, cut into small pieces before marination. 

Valparaiso – How To Get There 

Valparaiso is a coastal city around 72 mi (116 km) from Chile’s capital, Santiago. With a population of 300,000, the city is second on the list of most crowded Chilean cities. 

To get there, you can use one of the following transportation options:

By Plane

If you are an international traveler, the closest airport you can land at is the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez airport in Santiago.

Once there, you can get a direct bus or taxi to Valparaiso. 

By Car or Taxi

Traveling by car or taxi is the most convenient option. From Santiago airport, you will have to take Route 68 to reach the city of Valparaiso. 

By Bus

If you want to travel by bus, go to the Metro Station at Pajarito. We advise you to use Uber or Cabify to reach there.

Once at the station, you can take a bus directly to Valparaiso city. 

Where To Stay in Valparaiso Chile 

Valparaiso is a city that offers amazing accommodation options to its visitors. 

Here is the list of top hostels and hotels to stay in the city:

Budget Acommodations

• Hotel Boutique 17

Hotel Boutique 17, just a 15-minute walk from the prestigious Concepción Hill, offers guests a delightful stay. It offers cozy rooms with elegant decor, flat-screen cable TV, and private bathrooms.

• Hotel Brighton

Hotel Brighton offers rooms featuring private bathrooms and cable TV. A selection of rooms is tastefully decorated with parquet floors, floral wallpaper motifs, and matching bedspreads.

The hotel is conveniently situated just 1.2 mi (2 km) from the bus terminal. The tour desk is available to provide helpful recommendations for exploring the numerous attractions in the area.

Mid-Range Accommodations

• AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique

AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique offers various amenities, including a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and complimentary WiFi access throughout the property. The hotel is approximately 6.5 mi (10 km) from Vina del Mar Bus Terminal. 

Select rooms at the hotel provide a balcony with a scenic sea view.

• La Galeria B&B

La Galería B&B offers complimentary WiFi throughout the property and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy shared spaces such as the lounge and terrace.

Santiago International Airport is approximately 54 mi (87 km) away.

Luxury Accommodation

• Augusta Hotel

Situated in the scenic Cerro Alegre neighborhood of Valparaíso, Augusta Hotel provides accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, balconies, and picturesque ocean views. Guests can enjoy the convenience of complimentary WiFi during their stay. 

Santiago International Airport is approximately 62 mi (100 km) away for those traveling from afar.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Enjoy Your Valparaiso Chile Vacation

Before visiting any tourist destination, security and safety are first and foremost. Valparaiso is as safe and secure as other famous Latin American cities such as Barranquilla, Quito, and Jardin. 

Here are some expert tips for enjoying your Valparaiso visit:

• The best time to visit Valparaiso is in the summer season, which starts in December and lasts till February. 
• Make sure to pre-book everything as the summer months receive the most tourists. 
• Make sure to keep your valuables hidden in busy areas. 

Tips To Stay Safe In Valparaiso Chile

Visiting Valparaiso, Chile, can be a vibrant and enriching experience. To ensure your safety during your stay, consider these practical tips:

• Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Especially at night, stick to well-lit and busy streets to reduce the risk of petty theft.
• Use Reliable Transportation: Opt for reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services instead of walking in less familiar areas, especially late at night.
• Guard Your Valuables: Keep your belongings secure and out of sight. Consider using a money belt or a theft-proof backpack.
• Explore with Caution in Tourist Areas: Areas like Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre are beautiful but can attract pickpockets. Stay alert.
• Stay Updated on Local Conditions: Be aware of any local protests or disturbances, as Valparaiso can experience sporadic political activity.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile 

Is Valparaiso Chile Worth Visiting?

Valparaiso, Chile, is not called the “Jewel of the Pacific” for nothing! Valparaiso is a vibrant city with fun activities and spectacular sights to enjoy. It is considered one of the coolest coastal cities in Chile with its historical structures, street art, and bohemian vibe. 

How Many Days Should I Stay in Valparaiso?

For Valparaiso, a 3-day trip would be enough to enjoy the whole city, including day tours to enjoy the beach and other wonderful sights in some neighboring cities such as Vina del Mar, Concon, and Isla Negra.

How Far Is Valparaiso From Santiago Airport?

The distance from Santiago Airport to Valparaiso is about 62 mi (100 km), taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also ride a bus or taxi.

Take note that going by bus from Santiago Airport to Valparaiso means you’ll have to go to Santiago downtown first and take a bus to Valparaiso. 

Can You Swim in Valparaiso?

While the city of Valparaiso is a working port with ships and boats docked on its coast, there are wonderful beaches within the Valparaiso region just outside the city.

A half-hour trip will lead you to Viña del Mar (Playa Reñaca and Playa las Salinas) or Concon (Playa La Boca Concon) for a great beach experience. 

Conclusion – Things To Do in Valparaiso Chile

If you are ready to immerse yourself in these wonderful Valparaiso experiences, start making your itinerary for your Chilean trip and make this charming coastal city one of your memorable stops.

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