5 ideas for guided tours in Valparaiso

• Walking and Funicular Tour of the Historic Heart

  Since 2003, three neighborhoods in Valparaiso have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, forming the city’s historic and touristic heart.

  The first is the port district, also known as El Plan, which served as Valparaiso’s economic hub. For centuries, this port was Chile’s gateway, contributing to the nation’s wealth until the 19th century. Today, it reveals remnants of its glorious past, such as grand mansions, trolleybuses, and the famous ascensores (funiculars) that connect the port to the first hills. A true journey back in time.

  The Concepcion and Alegre hills, the first to overlook the bay, were settled in the 19th century by European immigrants. Their architecture blends English and German styles with materials such as wood and corrugated metal. These narrow, cobblestone streets are best explored on foot, while the funiculars provide a convenient way to travel between the hills.

• Cerro Polanco & Graffiti Workshop

  Of all Valparaiso’s hills, Cerro Polanco stands out as the most fascinating for discovering local street art. This working-class neighborhood is often explored with a Valparaiso tour guide, who can guide you to the hilltop via the Polanco Funicular, a vertical elevator recognized as a national monument.

  Descending the hill, you’ll encounter grand murals, impressive not only for their size but also for their powerful messages. These works were created by both local and international artists during a community-organized festival aimed at revitalizing the area.

  To deepen your appreciation of this urban art, meet a local artist who can teach you the art of spray painting, whether on a canvas or directly on one of the city’s walls.

• Ceviche and Pisco Sour Workshops

  Discover Chilean gastronomy through two of its culinary icons: Ceviche and Pisco Sour. With the guidance of a local chef, learn to prepare these specialties from the terrace of a porteño, a resident of the port.

  Start your adventure at the Portales fish market to select fresh local fish such as Merluza, Reineta, or Lenguado. Then, visit El Cardonal, the covered market, to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. Finally, prepare a Pisco Sour, Chile’s national cocktail that combines lemon juice and grape liqueur, and savor it at sunset while overlooking the stunning bay of Valparaiso.

• Exploring Valparaiso’s Surroundings

  Extend your stay in Valparaiso to explore its rich and diverse surroundings. To the north, visit the coastal villages of Concon, Horcon, and Zapallar, ideal for spotting marine wildlife such as sea lions and pelicans.

  To the south, explore Isla Negra, home to the famous residence of poet Pablo Neruda, and make a detour to Quintay, a former whaling port. Valparaiso also serves as a gateway to Chilean wine country, particularly the Casablanca Valley, renowned for its white wines and Pinot Noirs crafted with French grape varieties and Chilean expertise.

• Panoramic Views

  Don’t leave Valparaiso without enjoying its breathtaking panoramas. Take the Micro “O”, a local bus, to Avenida Allemania, an avenue connecting several hills from above. From here, you can marvel at views of the port, the bay, the sand dunes of Concon, and, on clear days, the Andes Mountains.

  For another perspective, hop aboard a small fishing boat that will take you out into Valparaiso’s bay. From this vantage point, you’ll have a unique view of the city’s hills and skyline, while getting up close to the marine wildlife that inhabits these waters.