Valparaiso 3 Day Itinerary

Valparaíso 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Hills & Street Art

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Vaca Negra (Gervasoni 209, Cerro Concepción). Enjoy their famous Chileno Rústico or Mercado Central platters.
  • Head to Plaza Sotomayor, where you can catch a funicular (funiculares) to ascend one of Valparaíso’s iconic hills: Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción.
  • Spend the morning wandering through the colorful, labyrinthine streets, taking in the unique architecture and vibrant street art. Don’t miss the famous “Vega de Valparaíso” murals on Calle Paseo Gervasoni.

Afternoon:

  • Grab a quick lunch at La Casa del Mar (Avenida Argentina 352, Cerro Concepción) offering delicious seafood dishes with a view of the ocean.
  • Continue exploring the hills: visit Cerro Bellavista, home to Pablo Neruda’s La Sebastiana museum (Calle Peral 316), and Cerro Panteón for panoramic views of the city.
  • In the late afternoon, unwind at one of Valparaíso’s many cafés or craft beer bars. Café Turri (Cerro Alegre) is a great choice with its bohemian atmosphere and live music on weekends.

Evening:

  • For dinner, visit Población Vieja (Old Town), where you’ll find various restaurants serving traditional Chilean cuisine, like Marisquería Donde Augusto (Calle Arpillar 192).
  • End your day with a stroll along the waterfront at Playa Ancha, taking in the city lights and enjoying a drink at one of the many beachside bars.

Day 2: Beaches & Island Hopping

Morning:

  • Head to Playa Viña del Mar (10-minute drive from Valparaíso) for a relaxing morning by the ocean. Rent chairs, umbrellas, and even jet skis!
  • After some beach time, enjoy lunch at La Casa del Sol (Avenida Argentina 5683, Viña del Mar), known for its delicious ceviches and seafood dishes.

Afternoon:

  • Book a tour to Island Quiriquina or Island Naustar, both offering beautiful beaches, clear waters, and various water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. Tours can easily be found online or through local agencies in Valparaíso.

Evening:

  • Return to Valparaíso and head to Población Vieja for dinner. La Cigüeña (Calle Santa María 209) is a great option, serving up fresh seafood dishes with a charming courtyard setting.
  • Cap off the night with drinks at Flora y Fauna (Avenida Argentina 681), known for its extensive selection of local craft beers and live music events.

Day 3: Valparaíso’s Culture & History

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Café del Poeta (Plaza Ancha 174), named after one of Valparaíso’s most famous residents, Pablo Neruda.
  • Visit the Valparaíso Museum (Calle Prat 263) to learn more about the city’s history and its significance as a major port.
  • Take a tour of Palacio Baburizza (Cerro Alegre), a stunning art museum housed in a historic mansion. Be sure to check their schedule for any temporary exhibitions.

Afternoon:

  • Grab lunch at La Casa del Abuelo (Cerro Concepción 183) or Casa Rubia (Cerro Alegre 642), both offering traditional Chilean dishes in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring more of Valparaíso’s hills and neighborhoods, such as Cerro Florida and Cerro Polanco. Don’t miss the colorful street art on Calle Brady in Cerro Florida!

Evening:

  • For your final dinner in Valparaíso, visit La Chingana (Plaza Ancha 127), known for its creative and delicious fusion dishes.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront at sunset or catch a live music show at one of Valparaíso’s many bars or clubs. Bar Banda del Recuerdo (Avenida Argentina 302) is a great choice for salsa and merengue lovers.

Transportation:

  • Funiculares: A fun, historic, and affordable way to get around the hills of Valparaíso.
  • Colectivos: Small, shared taxis that can be hailed on the street or found at designated stops. They are a cheap and convenient way to get around the city.
  • Turibuses: Open-top tour buses that offer a hop-on, hop-off service, hitting most of Valparaíso’s main attractions.

Tips:

  • Valparaíso can be quite hilly, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water during your explorations.
  • Keep an eye out for the street art and murals as you wander through the hills.
  • Embrace the bohemian, laidback vibe of Valparaíso and take your time exploring this unique city!