Published on May 15, 2024. Edited on October 28, 2024.
Climbing to a panoramic lookout on a century-old funicular—an alive industrial heritage from Valparaíso's golden age—is an unmissable activity to experience on any must-visit list of Valparaíso, Chile.
Though most funiculars —locally called ascensores— are no longer in operation (13 of them have been completely removed), there are 8 of them still operating, namely: Cordillera, San Agustín, El Peral, Concepción, Reina Victoria, Espíritu Santo, Polanco—not a funicular but a lift tower— and Barón.
Most funiculars lead to a panoramic lookout, so you must definitely include them during your visit to Valparaíso.
The Funiculars
Ascensor El Peral
El Peral Funicular (1902) connects Sotomayor Square —in the Port District— to the Yugoslavo Lookout on the western section of Alegre Hill, two of the most important tourist attractions in Valparaíso.
Ascensor Concepción
Connecting the Finance District to the Gervasoni Lookout on Concepción Hill, the Concepción Funicular —the oldest funicular in Valparaíso (opened in 1883)— originally used to work with a water balance system from 1883 to 1899.
Ascensor Reina Victoria
On the eastern section of Alegre Hill, the Reina Victoria Funicular (1903) —the steepest funicular in Valparaíso with a 52° incline— sits on a cliff overlooking the First Catholic Cemetery of Valparaíso and the hills beyond to the southeast.
Ascensor Polanco
Close to the Chilean National Congress on Argentina Avenue, and after getting 150 meters (164 yd) deeper into the hill —and almost 40 meters (131 ft) under the street level— the Polanco Lift (opened in 1916) leads to a panoramic 360° viewpoint at 80 meters above sea level.
Ascensor Barón
Located at the easternmost section of downtown Valparaíso, the Barón Funicular (1906) climbs to the Barón Lookout, offering a unique panoramic view of the natural amphitheater to the northwest.
Useful Information
All funiculars charge $100 (Chilean pesos) per ride—roughly a dime (10¢), excepting the Concepción Funicular and the Polanco Lift that cost $300 per ride.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 07:00–22:00.
Pro tip: We always ride at least one funicular during your Valparaíso Insider Private Walking Tour.
The Holy List
A first-time visit to any city can be overwhelming. What to see? What to do? To help you navigate through our intricate Valparaíso, we've curated the perfect list of top things to do in Valparaíso, Chile:
- Watch an energizing sunrise from a scenic Valparaíso viewpoint
- Get fresh seafood at Caleta Portales wet market
- Explore La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's quirkiest house
- Climb to a panoramic lookout on a late 1800s funicular
- Walk around the colorful streets of Alegre and Concepción hills
- Discover the vibrant street art spread all over Valparaíso
- Get a sunset drink on a rooftop overlooking the Pacific Ocean
