The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group

Valparaíso , Chile

The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group

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About this experience

This is more than just a sightseeing tour of Valparaiso. With us you will discover the history of this mythical port but you will also enter the world of street-art and urban art, we will talk about culture, gastronomy, the Pinochet dictatorship and the history of the Mapuche people . We have been Chilean and French-speaking guides in this city since 2016 and have tons of good tips and anecdotes to give you, and always in a good mood!

Available options

The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group

What's included

Funicular (elevator) taken during the visit

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will begin the visit by discovering this large square dedicated to the "Armada de Chile", the Chilean National Navy. You will have a short introduction on the course of the visit and on the history of the country.

We will see part of the port of Valparaiso where you will discover the history of this mythical city.

Stop 3

We will take this funicular dating from the year 1902. It was steam powered until the 1970s and is one of the thirty or so funiculars built during the golden age of Valparaiso.

We will begin the discovery of the "Cerros Alegre y Concepción" hills whose architecture has been classified by UNESCO, with this beautiful walk overlooking the bay. Among other things, you will discover the history of the Palacio Baburizza, which has become the city's fine arts museum.

We will walk through the colorful alleys of Cerro Alegre in which you will enter the world of street-art and graffiti. Several urban artists from Valparaiso that you will discover are now known internationally.

Stop 6

On the Concepción hill we will continue to discover the world of street-art but we will also enter the atmosphere of this mythical port of the end of the 19th century, where adventurers, traders, whalers, and gold diggers met. ! You will also discover the more recent history of the country, that of the dictatorship which violently marked Chile and its inhabitants.

Stop 7

From this magnificent walk we will be able to admire the whole bay of Valparaiso and will give lots of information and good plans on places that you will be able to discover by yourself the following days, in particular the artisanal fishing port (Caleta Portales ), the nearby town of Viña-del-Mar and the village of Concón.

On this walk we will continue to discover the history of this city and will be able to observe two of the largest murals in Chile.

The small square in front of the church is an excellent vantage point over the other hills of Valparaiso as well as the house of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. In addition to talking about the history of the church and the German presence in the city you will have plenty of information on other hills that you can possibly discover for yourself in the following days.

We will end the visit with some recommendations for restaurants and dishes to discover during your stay in Valparaiso and Chile in general. Some dishes rather gourmet and others more popular!

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

37 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet at the foot of the central monument of Place Sotomayor.

Important notes

Please present your confirmation to the guide at the start of the tour.

About Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a vibrant coastal city known for its colorful hillside houses, bohemian culture, and historic port. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique urban landscape and rich artistic heritage. The city's steep hills, funiculars, and panoramic views make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Historic Quarter of Valparaíso

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart of Valparaíso, featuring colorful houses, historic funiculars, and a rich maritime history.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for specific attractions

Muelle Prat

A historic pier and waterfront area in Valparaíso, offering beautiful views of the harbor and the city's colorful hills.

Historical/Scenic 1-2 hours Free to explore

Paseo 21 de Mayo

A scenic walkway along the waterfront, offering panoramic views of the harbor and the city's hills.

Scenic/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Cerro Santa Lucía

One of the many hills in Valparaíso, offering panoramic views of the city and the harbor. It's home to historic buildings and lush gardens.

Scenic/Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Museo Marítimo Nacional

A maritime museum showcasing the history of Chile's navy and Valparaíso's role as a major port city.

Museum/Historical 1-2 hours CLP 2,000 to CLP 3,000 (USD 3 to USD 4)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pescado Frito

Fried fish, typically served with rice, salad, and a squeeze of lime. A popular seafood dish in Valparaíso.

Dinner Contains gluten (if served with breadcrumbs)

Chorrillana

A hearty dish consisting of fried onions, French fries, and various types of meat, often topped with a fried egg.

Dinner Contains meat and dairy (if topped with cheese)

Empanadas de Pino

Baked or fried pastries filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, olives, and spices.

Snack Contains gluten and meat

Pastel de Choclo

A savory pie made with ground corn, chicken, beef, and spices. A traditional Chilean dish.

Dinner Contains gluten (if made with a crust) and meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding hills Parasailing and jet skiing at the beach Surfing at Reñaca Beach Beach activities in Viña del Mar Wine tasting in nearby vineyards Spa treatments and wellness retreats Visiting museums and art galleries Exploring historic neighborhoods

Best Time to Visit

November to March (summer)

This is the warmest and driest time of year, perfect for exploring the city and enjoying the beaches. The city is lively with festivals and events.

18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Time Zone

CLT (Chile Standard Time, UTC-4) or CLST (Chile Summer Time, UTC-3) depending on the season

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and at night

Valparaíso is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on fares beforehand
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport • 110 km (68 miles) from Valparaíso
Viña del Mar International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from Valparaíso

By train

Valparaíso Station

By bus

Valparaíso Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Merval bus system is the primary mode of public transportation in Valparaíso. It's affordable and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cerro Alegre Cerro Concepción El Plan Viña del Mar

Day trips

Viña del Mar

15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

Viña del Mar is a popular coastal town adjacent to Valparaíso, known for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

Isla Negra

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Isla Negra is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouse, and the former home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda.

Santiago

120 km (75 miles) • Full day to overnight

Santiago is the capital of Chile and offers a variety of cultural, historical, and culinary attractions. It's a great destination for those interested in exploring Chile's vibrant capital city.

Festivals

Valparaíso International Film Festival (FICValparaíso) • November to December Festival de Viña del Mar • February

Pro tips

Explore the city's historic quarter on foot or by funicular to experience its unique urban landscape and vibrant culture
Visit Pablo Neruda's houses to gain insight into the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet and his connection to Valparaíso
Try local seafood dishes, such as Pescado Frito and Curanto, at the city's many seafood restaurants and markets
Take a boat tour or fishing excursion to experience Valparaíso's rich maritime history and stunning coastal scenery
Attend local festivals and events, such as the Valparaíso International Film Festival and the Festival de Viña del Mar, to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant cultural scene