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Second largest city in Chile
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Fali assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Valparaíso is a city of almost 300,000 people (2017) on the Pacific coast of Central Chile. Frequently referred to as simply Valpo, it is about 120 km west of the capital, Santiago. The city is widely known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, and beautiful seaside views.
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Naval and Maritime Museum
This museum is dedicated to military naval exploits and battles, and puts a large focus on the Chilean victory against Peru and Bolivia in the War of the Pacific.
The central square near the port and the heart of the old seaport city.
one of three homes of poet Pablo Neruda
Similar to La Chascona in Santiago, this house offers included audioguide tour of Pablo Nerudas house in Valparaíso.
Fine arts museum with mostly Chilean artists but it also has a section of artists of European origin. The palace is a mansion, formerly owned by a Croatian businessman, Pascual Baburizza, and is a sight of itself. It was turned into museum in 1971.
Chilean Parliament
The National Congress of Chile (parliament) is surprisingly not in Santiago but in Valparaiso, and heavily guarded. It is not possible to visit, but it's next to the bus station and in the middle of the commercial district.
Two floors of exhibits, focusing on the natural history and geography of Chile, particularly the cross-section Juan Fernandes, Valparaiso and the Andes following the latitude of the former two. Biogeography and geology dominate and the museum does a good job showcasing Chile's incredibly diversity both on dry land and the Pacific Ocean.
Bustling and colorful vegetable market. A lot of cheap and fresh vegetable, for much less than you would pay in a supermarket. Locals come here to buy their fresh produce. There are also a few food stalls selling empanadas, fried fish or meat skewers. One block diagonally from the main bus station.
Going to Valparaiso and not going on the ascensores (inclines) is like going to Venice and not taking a ride on a Gondola, only that the ascensores cost as little as 100 pesos. They are also of practical use as they help many local people get to the higher parts of town, saving them from having to walk otherwise long and steep pedestrian routes. Many however are undergoing repair or do not run at all, however even then they allow for some interesting pictures.
With a beautiful staircase and lately been reconstructed.
This one does not run anymore, but the hike up and beyond reveals a beautiful neighbourhood with La Sebastiana and the Winebox Hostel.
Another useful staircase.
Great views
A particularily steep staircase lift, hidden away in an alley behind the Natural History Museum.
This funicular takes you up to a viewing platform right in front of Palacio Baburizza.
For a scenic walk, head for Avenida Alemana, a long curvy road along the cerros. It passes a number of viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the city, the port area and coastline as far as to the dunes of Concon. A star attraction nearby is one of Pablo Neruda's three residences, La Sebastiana, only some 50 m downhill from the road. The stretch from there heading west is the most beautiful part, and once you have had enough, there are microbuses all along that can take you down to town.
During the last week in the year, Valparaiso holds an annual carnival that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Each year the festival centers around a different country, from which performers and artists are invited to come and represent their culture and their work in theater, music, and the performance arts. Most activities are free and are held outdoors. The celebration culminates with a New Year firework display that within five of the most beautiful in the planet. But get ready in time because the city's population triples on those dates.
Amazing tour by a German man who has lived in Valparaiso for years. He seems to know everything and everyone about the place. He speaks Spanish, English and German. Discounts for groups. You're unlikely to find a more immersive tour of Valparaiso.
Vegetarian.
Delicious chicken, good sandwiches and good value meals
Great restaurant in Cerro Concepciòn.
Great views and good food.
One of the few places in Chile to have real espresso, not instant coffee. The cafe has beautiful and comfortable furniture, making probably one of the best places in Valparaiso for coffee.
Nice living room where you can meet people, very helpful staff.
Dorm room 7000 pesos per person. Double room 8000 pesos per person, matrimonial and single beds. Good breakfast, decent rooms, friendly helpful staff, good place to meet people, free internet and some tickets to nightlife bohemian experience.
All apartments are fully furnished with free and stable Wi-Fi and cable TV. Quality duplex apartments, central heating, double glazing windows, wooden ceiling beams and wooden floors, each unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, bright living room and equipped kitchen and ample deck terraces with panoramic views over the ocean, city and coastline. Remodelled building with 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom apartments on a safe and central location on Bellavista hill.
A very comfortable hospedaje in the Playa Ancha sector of the city, with several rooms, small apartments, and a balcony with a great view of the city and port. Internet and Wi-Fi. A nice kitchen to use. Parking. Marisol, the owner, is wonderful and very helpful.
The Yellow House has 7 comfortable guest rooms. Most rooms as well as the homes two galleries, living and dining areas offer wonderful views of the port and harbour and on a clear day extend as far as the Andes. The Yellow House also has a book exchange, WiFi, cable TV and a selection of board games. The house was built in the late 1800s and has been fully restored. The "Ocean View" room, as the name indicates, has the best view and is really worth it.
For absolute quietness, except for the creaking floors, try Residencia en El Cerro. Next door at 43 there is also accommodation. This Hostal is on an alley where no traffic get and the gardens add a little attractive colour. Breakfast is just OK with coffee/tea, bread, butter and jam. The place is in its original 1880s decor - maybe. Wi-fi, TV.
By train
The Metro Valparaíso or Merval runs between Valparaiso and Limache, as well as surrounding communities including Viña del Mar. It runs from 06:00 to 23:30, and is new, clean and fast.
By car
While Valparaiso can be a bit of a difficult city in which to drive, the area's highway system is generally of good quality. There are often tolls on highways.
By bus
Buses from a wide variety of destinations within Chile have scheduled service to Valparaiso, in addition to service to the Argentine city of Mendoza.
By boat
Some cruise ships dock in Valparaiso, mostly as part of a long South American itinerary. Also possible is a Freighter Cruise from Mexico, taking two weeks and making several stops along the way.
By taxi
Colectivos are taxis painted in black with yellow roofs that run fixed routes, and are a very common mode of transport between (and within) Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, and other surrounding areas.
By train
The light-rail system, Metro Valparaíso or Merval, runs along the coast. It starts at Valparaiso's port and heads into Viña del Mar, reaching Limache through Quilpué and Villa Alemana.
By funicular
Ascensores, funiculars, ply between El Plan, or the coastal strip, with the cerros, or hillside communities. They are for the most part old and creaky, but generally reliable.
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Santiago · International · SCL
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