Itineraries for Your Trip to Valparaíso
1 Day in Valparaíso for First Timers
Valparaíso is one of my favorite cities in Chile, and it’s one of those places I think every visitor to the country should check out. While you could easily spend a week in the Valparaíso Historic Quarter alone, it’s still worth visiting if you’re short on time, even on a day trip from Santiago. My favorite way to spend one day in Valparaíso involves wandering through its historic streets and checking out its famous street art and painted staircases that trade in the drab shades of grey stone and concrete for a rainbow of colors, with plenty of stops for snacks and meals along the way. Here’s one way to do it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Valparaíso Historic Quarter.
Pack a jacket for this coastal city, as rain is always a possibility.
Spend your morning getting acquainted with the city (joining a walking tour is your best bet if you want to avoid getting lost). Start in the downtown area next to the port to check out spots such as Plaza Sotomayor (the main square). Then climb aboard Ascensor El Peral and head up to the historic quarter to check out its famously colorful murals and to take in great views of the city and port below.
By the time lunchtime rolls around, you’ll have likely worked up an appetite from walking through the hilly streets of the historic quarter. Head to a local restaurant for a seafood lunch, or grab some empanadas for lunch on the go. Completos (Chilean hot dogs) are another must-try. They’re smothered in avocado (a local favorite) along with chopped onions, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and salsa. If you want to try a bit of everything, join a food tour that will take you to some of the best places to eat around town.
Devote your evening to checking out the city's nightlife scene. While you’re not going to find nightclubs on every corner, what you will find is plenty of cafés and pubs where you can grab a glass of Chilean wine or a pisco sour. If you’re more of a beer drinker, you’ll be pleased to learn that Chile also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Consider taking a beer tour to learn more about it.
