Walking Tour at Valparaiso and Viña with Lunch Starts in Santiago

We’ll pick you up right from your accommodation in Santiago to kick off a memorable day trip to Valparaíso. In a private car with a friendly, knowledgeable guide, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we head to the coast. Along the way, your guide will share stories and highlights of Chile’s history, giving you a great introduction to the country and what’s in store for the day. This comfortable drive is just the beginning of an exciting journey to discover the colorful port city of Valparaíso!

Discover the beauty of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, a world-renowned wine region celebrated for its cool-climate vineyards. As we pass by, you’ll stroll through lush vineyards and learn about the unique terroir that makes this region perfect for producing exquisite wines, especially crisp whites and elegant reds. If you want, we can stop in a local cooperative and enjoy tastings some wines. Enjoy and marvel at the valley’s scenic landscapes, with rolling hills and picturesque views, perfect for capturing stunning photos.

At Muelle Prat, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Valparaíso’s port life. Explore it with a local discovering the hidden information and landmarks of it. See the small boats offering charming harbor tours, while enormous cargo ships and naval vessels are docked nearby. The view from the pier is nothing short of iconic, with the city’s hills rising in the distance. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of the bay and surrounding hills, including a glimpse of the famous Artillería Funicular (1892) in the distance. As you stand at the waterfront, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s historic role as a gateway to the Pacific.

Walk through the heart of Valparaíso, the historic Plaza Sotomayor. Here, you’ll see the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, honoring Chile’s naval heroes and get complete details of the history of the pacific war. The plaza is surrounded by iconic buildings and impressive architecture such as the Ministry of Culture, the Fire Station, and the Navy Headquarters, among others. As you stroll, you’ll feel the pulse of the city’s civic life. This plaza is the perfect spot to connect with Valparaíso’s legacy, its vibrant history and architectural charm.

Dive deeper into the roots of Valparaíso in Barrio Puerto, where the city’s story truly began: The historical core of Valparaíso. This district is where the city began, and you’ll see the Iglesia La Matriz, Valparaíso’s oldest church, as well as Plaza Echaurren, surrounded by local shops and traditional streets, offering a glimpse into Valparaíso’s vibrant daily life (of an area where most of tourist don't go). This area is a living testament to the port city’s rich heritage.

While returning towards Plaza Sotomayor, depending on the guide’s choice, after passing through the Plaza de la Justicia, you may take the funicular El Peral Funicular (1901) to ascend to Cerro Alegre - One of Valparaíso’s most vibrant and colorful hills. If there's a long wait at the funicular, don't worry. Your guide will adapt the route and opt for taking the Concepción Funicular instead and visit the Cerro Concepción first. If so, you will be walking through the banking district, an area full of historical significance, and see the old stock market and the turri clock.

At Cerro Alegre, you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Concón. As you walk through this colorful hill, your guide will share the city’s history, from its golden era to today. You'll get a deeper understanding of Valparaíso’s history. The highlight here is the Paseo Yugoslavo, passing by the magnificent Baburizza Museum, a striking Art Nouveau building that now houses a renowned art gallery. In this area you will visit an Art & design Gallery. After that you'll see a very famous boat house, among others murals close by.

Your journey continues through the cultural heart of Cerro Concepción, another of Valparaíso’s iconic hills. As you walk along the narrow streets, you’ll discover hidden gems like the Paseo Gervasoni, where 19th-century mansions line a walkway that offers breathtaking views of the bay.  On Montealegre Street, you’ll pass the Lutheran Church of the Holy Cross before arriving at Paseo Dimalow, a picturesque spot filled with boutique hotels and stunning murals. The Piano Staircase is a favorite for photo lovers, and you'll also see the Paseo Atkinson, with its charming English-style houses and small front gardens, offers one of the best viewpoints of the bay. Don’t forget to see the famous Hotel Brighton, a landmark with a fascinating history.

Take a step off the beaten path by visiting Cerro Cordillera, an authentic neighborhood full of hidden gems that many tourists miss. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the Escalera Cienfuegos, with its 160 steps, or just take the Cordillera Funicular (1886) to get to the top. Once there, you’ll explore streets that once housed grand mansions of wealthy families, contrasting with the modest homes of port workers. Visit the Museo Lord Cochrane, set in a historic mansion, and see remnants of the San José Fort, which once defended the port from Pirates. You'll see some murals and if you are an animal lover, don’t miss the charming mural of Osita, the famous local dog whose image captures the heart of the neighborhood, will bring a smile to your face—she’s a local legend!

To conclude the tour, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll savor traditional Chilean cuisine of the port. Expect a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the port city’s vibrant markets.

After lunch. We will go to Viña del Mar by car from Valparaíso, you’ll experience the charm of Chile’s 'Garden City.' We’ll drive along the scenic Pacific coast, stopping for photos at the iconic Flower Clock, then pass landmarks like the medieval-inspired Wulff Castle, the elegant Cap Ducal restaurant, and the historic Viña del Mar Casino. Enjoy views of the ocean, stay in the beach if you want for a while and explore Viña del Mar’s unique architecture, and experience its vibrant coastal atmosphere before returning to your hotel in Santiago

After an amazing day exploring Valparaíso, we’ll bring you back comfortably to your accommodation in Santiago. Relax and enjoy the ride as we reflect on the day's highlights - a perfect end to a memorable experience!