First time in Valparaiso
There is something marvelous about Valparaiso that we can’t explain. It’s certainly not the cities aesthetic beauty, because it has little of that. Perhaps it is its unique setting among the urban hills that keeps us coming back. It’s a tough gritty port city but one that is certainly lively enough. The entire city has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Climate in Valparaiso
Summers are dry but pleasant, while winters are cool and rainy.
Where to stay in Valparaiso
Hotels in Valparaiso
To check on hotel rooms, choose you favorite hotel website from the list below.
Priceline
The expedia network
Decolar.com (em portugués)
Hostels in Valparaiso
Many hostels are located in the hills, such as Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. These are good places to stay, and we recommend them, but note that you might have to walk uphill a bit, even if there is an accensor nearby. To check availability of hostels in Valparaiso click here: Hostels in Valparaiso
How to get to Valparaiso
Flights to Valparaiso
There is an airport in Valparaiso, but it really doesn’t have any commercial flights. The best option is to fly in or out of Santiago and then take ground transport from there.
To check on flights to Santiago, fill out the form below.
By Bus
The Terminal de Buses is located on Av. Pedro Montt 2860. Frequent services to Pajaritos terminal in Santiago (1.5 hours, 120kms).
Transport in Valparaiso
The Merval metro runs from Plaza Sotomayor to nearby Viña Del Mar. Service starts at 6AM and runs till just before midnight but you must have a farecard to board.
Local buses also go to to Viña, but are slower. Optionaly, take a yellow and black collectivo shared taxi.
Services
Nightlife in Valparaiso
Quite a few bars in town cater to a younger university crowd, while others are more for sailors. Many decent safe bars and clubs can be found near Plaza Sotomayor.
More Information
The official internet site of Valparaiso does have a section on tourismo, but at the time of this writing it wasn’t working.
Things to do in Valparaiso
The train like cars that ascend and descend the hills that surround the center are known as funiculares or ascensores. Locals rely on them to get around the outlying areas of the city, but they are great get on just to enjoy the view. The government has declared them historic monuments, but unfortunately they are falling into disrepair and some have stopped running. The ascensor to Cerro Concepción is recommended.
Note that as we said, Valparaiso is a tough city. Ask local advice before journeying on the funiculars and never walk in the port area at night.
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