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. Continue with a drive up the hillside where we find the other section, “Los Cerros”. On some 42 hills we find a jumbled mass of fine mansions, tattered houses and shacks in utter confusion spread along the narrow streets. Your first stop will be at the promenade “Paseo 21 de Mayo”. From here there is a superb view over the city and its bay. 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.
The tour will continue through Plaza Victoria, which was the heart of social life during the 1880’s. In front of it is possible to see the Cathedral, built between 1930 and 1950. In this City Tour you will have the wonderful chance to experience a ride on one of the most picturesque funiculars of Valparaiso.
From here, we will take Alemania avenue, the only one that crosses most of the Valparaiso hills. Climbing up hills, you will see the city from another point of view. You will reach “La Sebastiana” one of the museum houses of the Nobel Prize winner, Pablo Neruda. Astonishing in its construction, and also the enormous variety of different types of objects found here. Although we enter, will have enough time to enjoy the views and take some pictures. From here you will go to Cerro Alegre. If we are on schedule a nice descend into El Plan of Valparaiso on another amazing “ascensor”.
Inclusions
• Pickup at Valparaiso Pier or Hotel
• 3 hours tour (may vary)
• Visit one (1) funicular/ascensor, ride fee included.
• English, Spanish or Portuguese Guided Tour
• Drop off in your final destination, Valparaiso Pier or Hotel in Viña del Mar.
• Transportation
Exclusions
• Optional Gratuities
• Admission to Casa Museo ” La Sebastiana ”
Price
• US$85 per person
• Minimum booking: 2 persons. Total: $ 170.
Please Note
• House Museum “La Sebastiana” Closed on Mondays .
• It is likely that some areas can be cold, it is recommended to bring a sweater to the tour.
• Please leave a comment in the booking form when you make the payment to inform us about your hotel’s name and address or any other information that can be useful to pick you up.
• Itinerary may vary depending on the weather or road conditions.
