Valparaíso and Viña del Mar in one day: what to see and how to plan it

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar sit side by side, about an hour and a half from Santiago, and they complement each other well: the port has the hills, murals and history; Viña has the gardens, the seaside promenade and the beach. With a bit of planning you can see both in one day.

How to plan the day

Ideally, leave early and start with Valparaíso, when the hills are quieter, and save Viña del Mar for the afternoon, when the promenade is best enjoyed at sunset. Allow at least four hours for Valparaíso and about three for Viña.

What to see in Valparaíso

• Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción: part of the historic quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Colorful houses, alleys, murals and viewpoints such as Paseo Gervasoni and Paseo Yugoslavo.
• The funiculars: the "ascensores" are a symbol of the city. Ascensor Concepción, from 1883, is the oldest; Reina Victoria and El Peral are also well known. Some may be under maintenance, so it helps to have a plan B.
• Palacio Baburizza: home of the Fine Arts Museum, next to Paseo Yugoslavo, with one of the best views of the bay.
• La Sebastiana: Pablo Neruda's house on Cerro Bellavista, now a museum. Check opening hours and tickets before you go.
• Muelle Prat: boats leave from this pier for tours of the bay, so you can see the port from the sea.

What to see in Viña del Mar

• The Flower Clock: the city's classic postcard, at the foot of Cerro Castillo.
• Wulff Castle: a building on the rocks facing the sea, along Avenida Marina.
• Avenida Perú and the promenade: for a walk by the sea, watching the waves and ending the day at sunset.
• Quinta Vergara: a large park with gardens and the Vergara Palace, a few blocks from downtown.

Practical tips

• Wear comfortable shoes: Valparaíso has lots of stairs, slopes and cobblestones.
• Bring an extra layer: mornings on the coast can be cloudy and it gets windy in the afternoon.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots, as in any tourist city.
• Parking in Valparaíso's hills is scarce, which is why many visitors prefer to go with a driver.

Go with Paseito

With a private transfer you set the pace, get off wherever you like and don't waste time looking for parking. We pick you up in Santiago and the price is per trip, not per person. See the Valparaíso and Viña del Mar tours.