Itineraries for Your Trip to Valparaíso
2 Days in Valparaíso for First Timers
Valparaíso may be my favorite city in Chile, and it’s certainly where I’ve spent the most time. I once got sort of stuck there, after a workers’ strike resulted in my flight home getting canceled, but I certainly didn’t complain. This extra time gave me the chance to really soak in the atmosphere at a laid-back pace, without the rush that many visitors who come here on a day trip from Santiago have to endure. While it’s certainly possible to see Valparaiso’s highlights in just a day, I’d suggest spending two days in Valparaiso to get a feel for all that it offers. Here’s one way to do it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Valparaíso Historic Quarter.
Always have a jacket handy in case of rain.
Spend your first morning in town exploring the city on foot. Don't miss key highlights, such as Plaza Sotomayor (the city's main square), before hopping aboard the Ascensor El Peral and heading up to the hilly part of town to check out Valparaiso's famous street art and take in views of the city. Consider a walking tour to make the most of your time.
Next, make your way to the Casablanca Valley, among the most famous wine regions in Chile, to try Chilean wine. If you plan to imbibe, it’s best to join a wine-tasting tour that includes all transportation. Many tours also include tasting fees, so you won’t have to worry about extra expenses along the way.
Return to Valparaíso in the evening and grab dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to check out the local nightlife. One good way to do this is by joining a beer-tasting tour that takes you from bar to bar in the company of a guide, who can fill you in on the Chilean brewing scene as you bar hop.
On your second morning, head over to the neighboring town of Viña del Mar for a bit of seaside fun. Don’t miss the Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores), which blooms differently throughout the year. While you can visit the town by public transportation, it’s easier to join a tour that will make getting there and around a breeze.
By the time you return to Valparaíso in the afternoon, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Rather than stopping for lunch at one of the city’s great cafés, consider a food tour that showcases the best treats that the city has to offer. Some tours can even cater to vegans, vegetarians, and people who don’t eat gluten.
Wrap up your 2-day trip to Valparaíso with a private photo session, an ideal way to commemorate your time in the city. Most photo shoot packages give you the option to choose where you want to go, and include support from a professional photographer, who can guide you on poses and help make you feel more comfortable with the process.
