Valparaíso walking tour & city guide

The hills

Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción are the most charming hills, with winding lanes, murals and viewpoints. Historic funiculars, some more than a hundred years old, carry people up the slopes.

The port

La Sebastiana, one of Pablo Neruda's houses, overlooks the bay. The port area has old buildings, and boats tour the harbor. Viña del Mar is next door.

A day in Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a city of steep hills, colorful houses and street art, and the best way to explore it is on foot. Ride one of the historic funiculars, called ascensores, up Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre, then wander their lanes, stopping at viewpoints over the bay. Every wall seems to be painted with murals.

Visit La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's quirky house with views over the port, then go down to the harbor for a boat trip to see sea lions and the navy ships. At night, the lights of the hills sparkle over the bay.

Good to know

Valparaíso's historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is about 90 minutes from Santiago by bus. Some areas can be unsafe at night, so stick to busy streets and use taxis after dark.

On New Year's Eve, the bay hosts one of the biggest fireworks displays in South America.