Valparaiso, Chile
Getting to Valparaiso
Valparaiso is one of Chile’s coastal resort cities and is accessible from Santiago via a 2-hour bus ride. There is no train and no sizeable commercial airport, so the easiest way to get there is to rent a car or take the bus.
I chose the company Tur Bus as they had the most daily trips between the two cities. The cost of the round trip was around 10,000 Chilean Pesos or $15.
The bus ride to Valparaiso was enjoyable as we drove through highlands and valleys which were full of vineyards. Chile’s Mediterranean Climate is excellent for growing grapes, and the country has an expanding wine industry. The bus itself was very comfortable. The seats reclined and there was a clean bathroom and plenty of air conditioning controls at every seat. My bus was only about half full, so I was able to have a row to myself. The Tur Bus company offers larger buses with sleeper seats on the lower levels for longer drives.
The busses are only allowed to drive 100 k.p.h. The speed limit was 120 k.p.h. so renting a car would have been a faster option. The road to Valparaiso did have multiple toll booths which looked confusing. Because of this, I am glad I chose to bus option.
Below, are other options to get from Santiago to Valparaiso. As an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you book using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Private Transfer from Santiago Airport To Valparaiso or Viña Del Mar Hotel Or Valparaiso Port - $88.90 You can pre-book Private travel from SCL International Airport of Santiago to your Valparaiso hotel, Viña Del Mar Hotel or Valparaiso port for a safe and smart travel. This is a very good option to connect your cruise travel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a private transfer service in an authorized transport ministry tourism transportation. |
 Valparaiso or Viña Del Mar Transfer to Santiago - $120.00 Transfer from Valparaiso city, port or from Viña Del Mar to Santiago de Chile International Airport or hotel |
 Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel or address To Santiago Airport - $88.90 You can pre-book travel from your hotel on Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso city to Santiago Airport ScL, for a safe and smart travel. This is a very good option to connect your cruise travel. |
Valparaiso, Chile - Table of Contents
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Valparaiso Accommodations - Hotel Ibis
After arriving at the Valparaiso bus terminal, I took a quick 10-minute taxi ride to my hotel, Hotel Ibis. I chose this hotel due to its location near the Puerto Train Station and very reasonably priced at $70 per night. I would take the train later on from this station to Vina Del Mar. Vina Del Mar is another resort city located about 10 k.m. up the coast.
My hotel room was basic but comfortable. Hotel Ibis is a chain I’ve stayed in many times in Europe. The rooms do not offer many amenities but do have comfortable beds and rainfall style showers. These showers do not have a shower head — instead, the waterfalls from an opening above the shower.
What To See - Valparaiso
My visit to Valparaiso was in mid-August which is their winter. Temperatures were in the mid-50s. If I had visited during their summer, Valparaiso would have been full of beach-going tourists. Visiting in the down season gave me an excellent opportunity to be amongst the locals.
Valparaiso is located on the coast of Chile and borders the Pacific Ocean. The coastal area has many bluffs and hills, and most of the people live at higher elevation. There are lifts called funiculars that will take tourists up the hills for a cost. I preferred to walk up the hill taking in the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views. By the time I arrived at the top of the hill, I could see a great view of the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso Harbor, and the city of Vina Del Mar. I didn’t follow any particular route. I just started walking with the goal of reaching the top. There weren’t many tourist sites on my route, but it was interesting to take in the colorful designs of this coastal city.
At the base of the hill is Valparaiso’s most recognizable building, the Chilean Navy Building located in the Plaza Sotomayor. The Plaza itself is home to a memorial to fallen Naval Service Members who died in the War of the Pacific. Behind the memorial is the headquarters for the Chilean Navy. The fleet itself is located across the street, just outside the Valparaiso Harbor. There was no option to get close to the ships, but they were easy to see from the edge of the harbor.
Valparaiso Area Tours and Packages
I did not take a tour of Valparaiso as I only had a short period of time to walk around the city. It is easy to experience Valparaiso on foot. That being said, there are some tours and packages that would definitely enhance a visit to Valparaiso. I have linked eight tours below that caught my eye. Please note, that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you book using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of July 2023.
 Valparaiso Walking Tour Including Funiculars and Trolley Bus Rides - $62.99 Discover Valparaiso with this 3-hour tour and visit the main highlights of the colorful Chilean port city. Discover the "Jewel of the Pacific Coast" and the old 'aduana' (customs) building with your small-group of no more than 10. Ride the funiculars up to the Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre neighborhoods, and board a trolley bus for further exploration. |
 Valparaiso Like a Local: Customized Private Tour - $31.54 Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see. |
 Valparaiso Tour (World Heritage Site) & Viña Del Mar Tour (From Valparaiso) - $189.00 The tour is only for you (small group) and nobody else |
 Walking through Valparaiso - $40.00 In this walking tour, we will have the opportunity to visit places of great heritage and architectural appeal, the Alegre and Concepción hills with their viewpoints and alleys full of stories Plaza Sotomayor and the history of its heroes, in addition to the Prat dock, to continue towards the town historical port declared a UNESCO Heritage site where Plaza Echaurren, La Matriz and surroundings are located. |
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