Why Go to Valparaíso
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Valparaiso is Chile's most colorful and creative city. Spread across more than 40 hills overlooking the Pacific, this historic port city is a maze of brightly painted houses, winding staircases and street art, and its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Jewel of the Pacific, it has a bohemian, artistic energy unlike anywhere else in South America.
Wander the mural-lined lanes of Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion, filled with galleries, cafes and boutique hotels, and ride the historic funiculars, called ascensores, up the steep hillsides for views of the harbor. Visit La Sebastiana, the colorful hillside home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, and take a boat tour of the busy port. Next door, the beach resort of Vina del Mar offers gardens, beaches and a more polished feel.
Valparaiso is about 90 minutes from Santiago, through the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, known for crisp white wines, and it's a starting or ending port for many South America cruises. I'll plan your stay, wine tour and Santiago connection.
BEST FOR
Artists, photographers, foodies, wine lovers and culture seekers
BEST MONTHS
December to March
EXPLORE
- Cerro Alegre: Colorful houses, cafés and boutique hotels.
- Cerro Concepción: Viewpoints and historic promenades.
- El Plan: The flat port area with plazas and markets.
- Viña del Mar: Beaches and gardens next door.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Valparaíso
South America › Pacific Coast › Chile › Valparaiso Region
Colorful hills, historic funiculars and street art on Chile's Pacific coast.
Urban & Culture
Art
History
Port
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Ride the funiculars up the hills and walk down; it's easier on your legs and reveals the best street art along the way.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Explore in the morning, before the crowds.
Cerro Alegre
A charming hill filled with colorful houses, cafés, galleries and street art.
Stop at Paseo Gervasoni for views over the bay.
Cerro Concepción
A historic hill with viewpoints, boutique hotels and beautiful promenades.
Use the audio guide to learn about Neruda's life.
La Sebastiana
Pablo Neruda's quirky hilltop home, filled with his collections and stunning views.
Bring small change for the fares.
Historic Funiculars
Ride the city's historic ascensores, like Artillería and Reina Victoria, up the steep hills.
Join a tour led by local artists.
Street Art Tour
Valparaíso is famous for its street art, and walking tours explain the murals.
A luxurious boutique hotel in a restored mansion with a spa and acclaimed restaurant.
Palacio Astoreca
Cerro Alegre
Hotel Tags
A charming hotel with a famous terrace overlooking the bay.
Hotel Brighton
Cerro Concepción
Hotel Tags
An elegant boutique hotel with a pool and spectacular views.
Casa Higueras
Cerro Alegre
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel with a popular terrace bar and restaurant.
Hotel Fauna
Cerro Alegre
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A unique hotel built from recycled shipping containers, with a wine focus and rooftop views.
WineBox Valparaíso
Cerro Mariposa
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Valparaíso
High 68°F · Low 52°F · Rain 0.1 in
Pleasant weather makes November a great time for walking the hills.
The best time to visit Valparaíso is December through March, during the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring and autumn are pleasant and less crowded, while winter is cool and rainy.
Best Times to Visit Valparaíso
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Valparaíso's dining scene celebrates seafood, Chilean wines and creative cuisine.
- Seafood: Try fresh fish, machas (razor clams) and paila marina, a seafood soup.
- Chorrillana: A local favorite, a huge plate of fries topped with meat, onions and eggs.
- Must-try: Chorrillana, empanadas de mariscos, pisco sour and wines from the Casablanca Valley.
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Walking
Walking is the best way to explore the hills, but wear comfortable shoes.
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Taxis & Colectivos
Taxis and shared colectivos are easy to find, especially for trips up the hills.
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Metro Valparaíso
The Merval train connects Valparaíso with Viña del Mar and nearby towns.
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Funiculars
Historic ascensores carry passengers up the city's steep hills.
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Buses
Frequent buses connect Santiago with Valparaíso in about 90 minutes.
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Flying In
Most travelers fly into Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), about 90 minutes away by road.
Most travelers fly into Santiago and take a bus or private transfer to Valparaíso. Once you're here, walking, funiculars and taxis are the best ways to get around, while the train connects to Viña del Mar.
Getting Around Valparaíso