Grand architecture, bright street art and excellent restaurants
An important port with a rich heritage ordained a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valparaiso is one of the most interesting and attractive cities to visit in Chile.
The city is built up dozens of hilltops, or cerros, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a maze of cobbled streets, alleyways, stairways and funicular lifts winding their way up steep sides through perched neighbourhoods to the top.
Much of the grand architecture dates back to the Valparaiso’s 19th century heyday when the port became a vital stopover en-route to the American West Coast, especially so during California Gold Rush, when it also attracted immigrants from across Europe. Though its fortunes faded with the opening of Panama Canal, today’s city still remains an active port with a charmingly worn in feel.
Valparaiso’s brightly coloured wooden-clad buildings are matched by the works of the street artists which adorn seemingly every flat surface in within reach, the latest in a long line of creative types and poets drawn to this edgy coastal city. It was best described by resident poet Pablo Neruda, who wrote, “Valparaíso, how absurd you are. You haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.”
Just two hours from Santiago, a stay here is all about experiencing the offbeat side of Chile, and there are now many excellent Valparaiso restaurants, sunset-facing pisco bars and boutique hotels to choose from. We can arrange privately guided tours with local history and art experts and you’re also well located here to explore the fruitful vineyards of the Aconcagua and Casablanca Valleys.
Highlights
Discover some of the region’s best wines with a visit to a Valparaiso winery and vineyard or two
Spend time wandering through some of the smaller side streets, discovering some of Valparaiso’s best-kept secrets and surprises
Take a ride in one of the funicular railways, enjoying the views of the city below along the way
Visit La Sebastiana, the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s house, which is now a museum
David Corvacho Puente
Senior Travel Designer
Valparaíso’s colorful streets and artistic flair make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking Chilean culture and stunning coastal scenery. Its historic hills, adorned with murals and beautiful ocean views, offer an inspiring experience at almost every turn.
David Corvacho Puente
Senior Travel Designer
Valparaiso accommodation
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
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When to visit
Valparaiso is great all year round, especially in the warmer months November through March. Over this period, the Valparaiso weather is great for exploring the city, discovering vibrant street art, strolling along pretty hillsides and drinking in the stunning coastal views. You’ll also find a number of festivals and cultural events being help from December onwards, making it the perfect time to really immerse yourself in life here.
Warm weather
November–March
Winter months
June–September
Spring blossoms
September–December
Plan your trip to Chile
Whatever you want from your adventure in Chile, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Delfina created an itinerary for us that matched our requirements perfectly. The information prior to our trip enabled us to prepare for it and the help and advice from Carlos was excellent. The attention to detail throughout our visit was exemplary. Everything was taken care of and we really did not have to think or worry about a single thing.…
The Jacada Travel Designer (Delfina Russo) and the assigned Jacada Personal Travel Concierge (Carlos Machado) were exceptional communicators. They were reliable and cared a great deal that I felt listened to and my needs were met before, during and after the trip. I never felt alone while I traveled solo. I never felt rushed or invalidated when I discussed matters…
Our trip was fabulous from start to finish. Our travel designers were detail oriented; our travel progress was seamless. We enjoyed highlights of Argentina and Chile that we would otherwise not have known about, thanks to thoughtful planning. This was not our first Jacada trip nor will it be our last, if we have it our way!
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We booked our honeymoon in Chile and Argentina with the Jacada team and we wouldn't recommend anyone else! Jacada took our interests, desires and preferences to heart and developed the most amazing week itinerary/ From the quality of local guides to the hotel bookings and food suggestions, all of our needs were met and exceeded. We did not encounter a…
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