Two days in Valparaiso, Chile

by Rolling Coconut · Updated on June 17, 2023

Valparaiso – the port, the coast, the artsy town

In this post we provide information on how to get from Santiago to Valparaiso, how to spend two days in Valparaiso, and where to stay in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage City since 2003 so we could not miss the opportunity to visit this hilly and colorful town while visiting Santiago.

The city of Valparaiso is also a major Pacific Ocean port and the second largest city in Chile. Locally referred to as Valpo, this seaport is a great weekend getaway for Santiago residents.

We spent two days in Valparaiso, arriving early afternoon on the first day from Santiago.

Valparaiso Coast from Ascensores - OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *View of Valparaiso Coast from one of the city’s ascensores – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

How to get from Santiago to Valparaiso

The best way to get to Valparaiso from Santiago is by car or bus. It takes about 1h30-2hr to get to Valparaiso from Santiago by bus. There are frequent buses daily from the various bus stations in Santiago. Cost per person should be roughly USD $8. Read our previous post about Santiago.

It is completely possible to do a day trip from Santiago to Valparaiso. Just take the 3 hour, round-trip, bus ride into consideration when planning your day. There are buses leaving Santiago for Valparaiso every 15 minutes from 6am to 10:30pm. Read more about how to get from Santiago to Valparaiso. Note: always confirm hours and costs at your hostel and at the bus station.

Hills in Valparaiso, Chile - OOAworld, Rolling Coconut — *Going up the hills in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld, Rolling Coconut*

How to Get Around Valparaiso

Street Signs in Valparaiso Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *Street Signs in Valparaiso, Chile to indicate the different ‘Cerros’ in the city – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

The easiest way to get around Valparaiso by walking. You can also ride the funicular system or ascensores which have been around since late 1880s. The ascensores are all different and provide the different viewpoint of the city. You have to pay a small fee to ride the ascensores (between CHP 100-300 one-way – USD $0.10-0.30) so carry small change with your . They are open from 6am-11pm and note that not all ascensores in the city are active.

Ascensor Concepcion Station Valparaiso Chile - Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *Ascensor Concepcion, the oldest ascensor in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Ascensores Booth Valparaiso Chile - Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *Inside the Ascensores Station, Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Ascensores Valparaiso Chile - Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *Ascensores from the waiting area, Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld, Rolling Coconut*

Where to Stay in Valparaiso

Homes Hills Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *Homes on the hills of Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

There are lots of hostels in this town. You can easily ask around if you haven’t made plans in advance. Camping in Valparaiso is also possible.

We stayed at Hostal Chaptex, the hostel is comfortable and rustic. It feels more like a homestay than a hostel but acceptable for our purposes (we only stayed one night and only spent time in the room to sleep). Breakfast was also included in the price. A private room with shared bath and WiFi costs around USD $25. We were a bit far from the renowned hilly streets of Valparaiso but close to the bus station.

Hostal Chaptex Card Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld

Hostal Chaptex Room Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld

Hostal Chaptex Hallway Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld

Hostal Chaptex Dining Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld

We’d also recommend Casa Tokerau, a clean and tidy hotel, about USD $30 per night for a double room and shared bath. Very well located up in the hilly streets, close to restaurants and cafes.

Colorful homes Valparaiso, Chile - OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *Colorful homes in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

What To Do in Valparaiso

Armada de Chile building in Valparaiso -OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *Armada de Chile building in Valparaiso – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Valparaiso is a sleepy and overall, peaceful town. You’ll see most people stroll in the streets, sipping on coffee, reading, writing and painting.

So, take your time while in Valparaiso, relax and browse the city!

Statue Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *Statue of Arturo Prat, a Chilean lawyer and navy officer, in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Ride the ascensores

Due to the hilly streets of Valparaiso, there are over 30 ascensores in the city, also known as funiculars. Not all of them are active. Find out more about Valparaiso’s ascensores here.

View of Ascensores and the city of Valparaiso, Chile - OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *View from the top of one of the Ascensores and view of the city of Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Ascensores Going Up Valparaiso Chile - Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *View from the bottom, Valparaiso, Chile – Photo OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Browse street art

Valparaiso is considered by many as the cultural city of Chile, and one of the graffiti capitals of South America. You can observe vibrant street art scene just by walking in the colorful streets of Valpo. Find out more about the street art scene in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso Street Art - OOAworld Rolling Coconut Photo — *Valparaiso Street Art – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Whale Mural in Valparaiso, Chile - Photo OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *Whale Mural in Valparaiso, Chile – Photo OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Visit to Pablo Neruda’s breathtaking home

La Sebastiana, one of the the homes of renowned Nobel prize winner, Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. The house has been since transformed to a museum and you can visit Neruda’s home preserved with some of his belongings. Entrance costs CHP 7,000 (USD $8-9) & note that the museum is closed on Mondays. A worthy visit.

Pablo Neruda Home Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *The outside of La Sebastiana in Valparaiso, Chila*

Valparaiso from Pablo Neruda's home, Chile - OOAworld Rolling Coconut — *View of Valparaiso from Pablo Neruda’s home, La Sebastiana, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Walking and wandering

Stroll through the different hills and streets and admire different lookouts of the colorful city. The city is meant to be enjoyed by foot, so unwind and take your time.

Hilly streets in Valparaiso, Chile - OOAworld Rolling Coconut Photo — *Bottom of the hilly streets in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

House Flowers Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *Flowery streets in Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Bars and Shops Valparaiso Chile Photo Ooaworld Rolling Coconut — *Bars and shops in the streets of Valparaiso, Chile – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

Ships and Hills of Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *City of Valparaiso, Chile, facing the sea – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

From Valparaiso to Santiago and beyond

Street Art Valparaiso Chile Photo Rolling Coconut Ooaworld — *Valparaiso Street Art: Le Petit Prince – OOAworld Rolling Coconut*

To get back to Santiago, you can go to Valparaiso – Terminal Rodoviário and there are multiple companies heading back to Santiago, multiples per day and per hour. The last bus is around 10:30pm.

You can also go beyond to visit the different beach points nearby like Vina Del Mar, a resort for local families to come and enjoy a weekend by the water.

What else did you do in Valparaiso? Share your experiences with us! We love to hear from you!

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