This entertaining and useful walking tour will show you the highlights of Valparaíso.
2 and a half hours going around the patrimonial area, charming streets and crazy stairs, the flat area close to the port and, of course, the iconic hills and their interesting immigrants history.
No reservation is needed, just show up at the meeting point! Although it is always better to let us know of your attendance via our contact form here.
Valparaiso is well-known all over the world due to its impressive architecture and because it has been mentioned in world-famous books such as “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. During this tour you will be able to experience the hilly old part of Valparaiso, as well as the impressive downtown section, and experience a ride on one of the amazing “ascensores” or funiculars, some of them unique in the world.
This tour has been designed for those who want to walk the town and want to “discover” Valparaiso more intimately.
The city consists of two completely different sections, one of them known as “El Plan”, referring to the lower part adjacent to the port area. We will meet at the port zone, Muelle Prat, to gather and to hear the first stories of Valparaíso. Next, we will descend to “El Plan” and you will be pass by the main feature of this area wich is the Sotomayor Square, dominated by the Naval Headquarters building and the impressive monument to the Heroes of Iquique. From here you will cross the historical business center with one fine office buildings on narrow streets strung along the edge of the bay. As we go along Prat Avenue, you will distinguish majestic, ancient buildings belonging to some banks that don’t exist anymore, such as Edwards and Cia. And the former Bank of London. Also notable is the Turri building, right at the end of the block, which has at the top a very impressive clock. Other interesting buildings worth mentioning are the “El Mercurio” building, the oldest newspaper in Chile still in operation, the Stock Exchange and the Public Library.
Continue with the hillside where we find the other section, “Los Cerros”. On some 42, some people say 45, hills we will find a jumbled mass of fine mansions, tattered houses and shacks in utter confusion spread along the narrow streets. From here there is a superb view over the city and its bay.
Along the route you will learn about the amazing works that are found in Chile’s street art Capital. Your guide will take you through this port city and show you the hidden graffiti gems found in Valparaiso.
Finally you will return to the “plan” to end up in a traditional “porteño” bar so you can have a small sample of the world known Chilean wine and our cooking. Cheers!
Highlights
• English and Spanish walking tour around Valparaiso
• Most iconic hills: Cerro Alegre y Cerro Concepción
• Historical context and “Porteño’s way of life”
• Advice and useful information
• Patrimonial heritage and architecture
• Hidden alleys and decorated stairs
• Street art
• Trolley/electric bus ride (Don’t work on Sundays and holidays)
• Funicular/ascensor ride
Itinerary*
Morning tour, available everyday from Monday to Sunday.
-10:30 Meeting point
-12:30 Final destination
Afternoon tour, available everyday from Monday to Sunday.
-16:00 Meeting point
-18:00 Final destination
*Do you need a free tour any other day? Just let us know here
Show up with as many friends as possible!
Included
• English guide company
• Funicular/Ascensor fee
• Trolley/Electric bus fee
Price
Free! Just tip your guides according to their effort or enough to feed their 9 kids.
Please Note
• Two (2) minimum persons to start the Tour. So bring your friends!
• It is likely that some areas can be cold or windy, it is recommended to bring a jacket to the tour.
• How much to tip your guide? As much as you can!
• We recommend you to bring caps or hats and sunscreen.
• Let us know of your attendance via our contact form here.
• Meeting Point: Muelle Prat, here.
