Main Attractions

(*)Take a ride on the Ascensor Arilleria, a hillside tram from which you can experience beautiful views of downtown and the ocean. The tram was constructed over 100 years ago and is now a national monument.


(*)Visit La Sebastiana, former home of famed poet Pablo Neruda, offering 360 degree views of the city and a round fireplace called ?the jar of smoke? designed by Neruda himself.


(*)Make your way up to the top of Cerro Concepcion to take in some of the most magnificent views in the country.


(*)For a museum with a twist visit the ex-prison, now one of the city?s most vibrant art museums. The exhibits include work from former inmates, some of whom work as presenters on weekends, when the museum is open to the public.


(*)Architecture lovers will enjoy a trip to the Navy building, an impressive fortress and one of Chile?s most awe-inspiring military buildings.

When to go

Valparaiso has mild winters (Jun-Aug) and hot summers (Dec-Feb). It is great to visit at any time of year, though the most rainfall occurs in May.

How to get there

(bus) Valparaiso is located a mere 112 km from Santiago. Inexpensive buses leave Santiago for Valparaiso every 15 minutes.

Visa information

Visas are not required for citizens of most countries,, with the exception of New Zealand, Cuba, most African and some Eastern European countries. Travelers from other countries will be granted a 90 day tourist visa when they enter the country. When crossing into Chile at the Santiago airport, a ?reciprocity fee? may be assessed depending on the country of origin. This fee varies based on what the country of origin charges Chilean citizens for entering their county, but is around US$100 for US citizens, US$132 for Canadians, and US$30 for Australians. This fee is normally not assessed when crossing into Chile by boat or land.

Tipping

At restaurants the normal tip is 10%, though 15% is always appreciated for excellent service. Slightly less is generally given in bars and cafes, and porters generally receive an amount corresponding to 50 cents per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped.