Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso, Chile is a vibrant coastal city that boasts colorful hillside neighborhoods, impressive street art, and a rich cultural history. The city is known for its stunning views, bohemian vibe, and delicious seafood cuisine.
Trip to Valparaiso, Chile
Day 1: Arrival and exploring the historic quarter of Alegre and Concepción
You’ll arrive in Valparaiso and head to your hotel to freshen up before beginning your exploration of the city. You’ll start with a walking tour of the historic district of Alegre and Concepción where you’ll see the colourful houses lining the streets and get a feel for the city’s bohemian vibe. You can also visit the Museo a Cielo Abierto, an open-air museum that displays street art and murals in the neighbourhood. Later in the evening, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants located on the wharf downtown.
Day 2: Sightseeing and shopping at the El Peral lift and Pasaje Atkinson
Start your day by taking a ride on one of the city’s most iconic lifts, the El Peral Lift. From there you will be able to admire the stunning views of the city, the port, and the surrounding hills. Next, you can make your way to Pasaje Atkinson, located in the Cerro Concepción neighbourhood. This passageway features unique boutiques and shops that offer an array of antiques and handicrafts, as well as trendy cafes and bars. Don’t forget to try “the Chilean cocktail,” pisco sour.
Day 3: Visit to the National Congress and La Sebastiana
On your third day, you can visit the historic National Congress Palace located in the city center. This building houses an excellent art collection and national treasures. After that, you can visit La Sebastiana, the home of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda. This quirky and colourful house features extensive collections of art, furniture, and other items, and offers panoramic views of the city.
Day 4: Explore the Viña del Mar and Renaca beach
Hop on a bus from Valparaiso to Viña del Mar, Chile’s most important beach town. The city boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Take a walk along the waterfront and check out the iconic flower clock. You could also visit the Wulff Castle, a coastal fortress that has been transformed into a museum highlighting the region’s history. Finish your day in the nearby playground town of Renaca, known for the exciting nightlife and a variety of international restaurants.
Day 5: Wine Tour in the Casablanca Valley
Take a day trip to the nearby Casablanca Valley, one of the most important wine producing regions in the world, where you can sample some of Chile’s top wines. There are several vineyards in the valley, including the Casas del Bosque, Kingston Family Vineyards, and Matetic. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and learn about the vinification process and the history of wine production in the region.
Day 6: Explore the Open-air Museum of Valparaiso
Spend the day exploring the open-air museum in Valparaiso. This museum, located in the Bellavista neighbourhood, is home to murals, street art, and other types of outdoor art in a wide variety of styles. You can enjoy a guided tour of the museum or hire a bike to explore on your own. The museum is one of the best ways to experience the city’s rich culture firsthand.
Day 7: Departure
On your last day, head to the airport to catch your flight and end your amazing trip to Valparaiso, Chile. Based on the itinerary I have provided for a 7-day trip to Valparaíso, Chile, excluding airfares, the estimated cost for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and accommodation would range from mid to high-end, depending on your preferences and budget.
For accommodation, you can expect to pay between $120 to $500 USD per night depending on the level of luxury and amenities you are looking for. For sightseeing, costs can vary from free to approximately $60 USD for admission to certain museums or tours. Shopping costs will depend on your preferences, but prices for specialty local products like ceramic crafts and woolen clothing can range from $10 to $100 USD. Finally, dining out can cost between $15 to $60 USD per person, depending on the level of luxury and type of cuisine you prefer.