Valparaíso

Valparaíso

Valparaíso in Valparaíso Region (Chile)

Valparaíso guide

Bohemian and colorful, Valparaiso’s maze of hills has long inspired poets and writers. You’ll discover something new at every turn: a gem of a building, a remarkable art gallery or some little gastronomic ‘find’.

Revel in the crazy architecture of this World Heritage City. Stroll along its narrow streets, climb its endless staircases, ride its historic funicular elevators and enjoy panoramic views from its many lofty lookout points. Feel the excitement in the air at one of the city’s many carnivals, or celebrate New Year in spectacular style at Valparaiso’s ocean-front fireworks party.

Don’t forget to explore the port and fishing wharves, where you’ll get a real feel for Chile’s quirky seafaring side. Buy or sample freshly-caught seafood at the market and enjoy the fishermen’s banter!

The ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ as Valparaíso is known, is also home to Chile’s legislative Congress and the headquarters of the Chilean navy. Admire these historic buildings and soak up the country’s maritime history!

What to do in Valparaíso

Lose yourself in Valparaiso’s hills and discover the stories hiding in its staircases, funiculars (elevators that run on rail tracks) and quaint houses. Take the El Peral funicular, where at the top you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful Paseo Yugoslavo and Baburizza Palace, home to the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy the landscape while looking out over the bay of this main port or try the delicious dishes prepared with fresh seafood in the local restaurants.

Head up Concepcion Hill along Montealegre Street and be amazed by the remarkable Lutheran Church of La Santa Cruz. Paseo Dimalow begins here, where you can rest in its beautiful boutique hotels.

Food in Valparaíso

To taste the typical dishes of a country is to know a little more about its idiosyncrasy; Valparaíso offers places of pure chileanidad forceful dishes, a warm attention, and recipes of the grandmother, eating there is like moving to sit at a table in the countryside. This gastronomy was influenced by the customs of peasants or huasos and European immigrants.

Chilean food restaurants are warm because they were mostly raised by families that were transferred from generation to generation, there is a taste for tradition that is transmitted both to the dish and the environment.

Among its typical dishes is the inevitable meat empanada, the corn cake, the humitas, the caldillo de congrio, the granados beans, the longanizas, the casserole, the fried fish, that the Chileans cook in their houses and available in the restaurants.

Climate in Valparaíso

In Valparaíso, the summers are comfortable, arid, and clear and the winters are cold and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 45°F to 68°F and is rarely below 38°F or above 73°F.

Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Valparaíso for warm-weather activities is from mid December to early March.