Last updated on by author Juan Víctor Reyes
I guess you've already read the ultimate guide I elaborated about the unique things that you can do in Valparaíso, so now you can't help but to explore every cranny of our amazing 'Valpo' — how young Chileans usually call our city — and to experience all of the fascinating activities Valparaíso has to offer.
Be warned: You'll risk falling in love with our breathtaking landscapes, enchanting sunrises and blissful sunsets, colorful murals found everywhere, and Valparaíso's rather laidback seaside atmosphere.
Now, let's get to the point. You can come to Valparaíso on a private transfer, by car, by bus, or even on a cruise.
On a private transfer
Sunrises are a reward to early birds.
My previous statement is particularly true for Valparaíso, Chile. This seaport city, blessedly facing both the Pacific Ocean to the north and the mountains to the east, offers great opportunities for taking amazing photos.
Keep reading about how to plan for your perfect sunrise in Valparaíso, Chile.
Pro tip: Watch the sunrise from a private viewpoint or rooftop by staying at a hotel in Alegre or Concepción hills.
By car
The best way to start exploring Valparaíso, such an intricate and amazing city, is on foot. Then, with so much to learn, a walking tour is your way to go, where a local expert — a friendly and knowledgeable guide — will help you navigate through hidden alleys, vibrant street art, scenic lookouts, secret spots, and the nuances of Valparaíso.
Our Valparaíso Insider Private Walking Tour that will take you on a 3-hour walking tour, where you'll learn about the city's frantic history and see lots of significant parts of Valparaíso, including the Historic Quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), colorful hills (Alegre and Concepción), vibrant street art, panoramic views, picturesque funiculars, and more. Anyway, our 3-Hour Walking Tour of Valparaíso with a Local Guide can be 100% tailored to fit your own needs and likes.
Our tours are suited to kids and available in 🇺🇸 English, 🇧🇷 Portuguese, and 🇨🇱 Spanish.
By bus
Valparaíso is well served by an extended bus network, connecting it to other destinations in Chile and Argentina (Mendoza and Buenos Aires), making it fairly easy to get to Valparaíso, especially from Santiago — where most buses coming from Southern Chile stop before arriving in Valparaíso.
In case you've been spending some time in Santiago de Chile, but now feel like running out of the big, bussy Chilean capital to enjoy a few days — at least! — at the more carefree UNESCO World Heritage site of the Historic Quarter of Valparaíso by the Pacific Ocean, you'll find plenty of daily schedules and two bus stations to depart from: Pajaritos and Alameda.
If you're staying in Downtown Santiago, your best choice might be Alameda Terminal, where you can easily get by metro — Universidad de Santiago Metro Station is connected to the bus terminal — or Uber. Keep in mind that many of the buses departing from Alameda Terminal will stop at Pajaritos Terminal as well.
Pajaritos Terminal, in the western suburbs of Santiago (closer to Valparaíso), will be your best option if you're coming from the Santiago Airport or staying everywhere in the city. It's also connected to the metro system (Pajaritos Metro Station) and connected to the Santiago Airport by two bus companies (Turbus and Centropuerto), as well as the RED public bus network.
Buses from the three companies serving the route between Santiago and Valparaíso — Cóndor Bus, Pullman Bus, and Turbus — depart more or less every 15 minutes, with a ticket for a 90-minute bus trip ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 Chilean pesos (about $3 to $11 American dollars).
On a cruise
A few cruise lines offer cruise trips ending at the port of Valparaíso, on itineraries starting at either Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, or Tahiti. Some cruise lines end or stop at the port of San Antonio, located just 90 minutes south of Valparaíso.
Pro tip: If you're visiting Valparaíso on a cruise — for the day — our Valparaíso Insider Private Walking Tour is a great way for you to explore our city, with the help of a true local.
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