Heading to Valparaiso for a few days? We’ve got the perfect three-day itinerary for you!
Valparaiso is colorful and full of character, which is exactly why we loved it. We had so much fun here, from checking out the huge murals and brightly painted houses to riding the funicular and sipping lots of pisco sours.
Three days gives you enough time to explore the city properly while also squeezing in some amazing day trips. We’ve packed this itinerary with street art, Chilean food, penguins, sandboarding, wine tasting, and even a little beach time in Viña del Mar. Keep on reading to get ready for a very fun few days in Valparaiso!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Valparaiso was this full-day adventure tour! We saw wild Humboldt penguins, enjoyed a delicious Chilean picnic overlooking the ocean, and went sandboarding down the Concon Dunes. Talk about an unforgettable day!
Itinerary Overview
🎨 Day 1: Colorful Streets & Coastal Charm
Explore Valparaiso’s colorful streets on a walking tour, spend the afternoon in Viña del Mar, then enjoy some traditional Chilean food and a pisco sour!
🐧 Day 2: Penguins & Adventure
Head out on an adventure-filled day trip to see Humboldt penguins, go sandboarding, and explore the beautiful Chilean coast.
🍇 Day 3: Wine Tasting & Nightlife
Spend the day wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley, then finish your trip with a delicious Chilean dinner and a fun night out in Valparaiso.
Day 1
Breakfast – Café del Poeta
Start your first morning at Café del Poeta, which is just down the road from where today’s walking tour begins. It opens at 9:30 am on weekdays, so it’s ideal for coffee and a light breakfast before you head out. And don’t worry – there’s plenty more food coming later!
In true Valparaiso style, there’s a quirky mosaic mural on the front of the building. Inside, it just feels like a typical local cafe, so we think it’s a great spot to kick off your time here. After breakfast, it’s a quick walk to the meeting point for the tour.
Morning – See Valparaiso’s best sights on a walking tour
After breakfast, head to Plaza Aníbal Pinto for this walking tour of Valparaiso. It starts at 10:30 am and takes about 3 hours, so it’s a great way to get your bearings on your first morning here!
Valparaiso is very walkable, and we think exploring on foot is the most rewarding way to do it!
We had so much fun wandering through the colorful streets and listening as our guide, Joaquín, explained the meaning behind the wild and wacky murals covering the city. Then, we made our way up into the hills for some amazing views over the bay.
One of the best parts was riding the city’s old funiculars! The tour usually includes both Ascensor Reina Victoria and Ascensor El Peral, which saves your legs a bit and feels very Valparaiso. We also passed some of the city’s best-known viewpoints and street art around places like Paseo Dimalow, Paseo Atkinson, and Paseo Gálvez.
We love doing a walking tour somewhere like this because Valparaiso can feel a little chaotic at first. Having a local guide explain the history and show you how the neighborhoods fit together makes the whole city feel much easier to understand. No wonder it has such glowing reviews!
The tour finishes near the port at around 1:30 pm. By then, you’ll definitely be ready for lunch!
Lunch – Cholos Criollo Valparaiso
If you’re ready for lunch right after the walking tour, head to Cholos Criollo Valparaiso. It’s only about an 8-minute walk away, so you won’t have to go far before you can sit down and refuel. This is a Peruvian restaurant, and we LOVE Peruvian food, so it was right up our alley!
But if you’re keen to get straight over to Viña del Mar, you’ve got another option! Head there first and grab lunch at Macha instead. This is another Peruvian spot (can you tell that Peruvian cuisine is popular in Chile?!) and it’s known for serving some of the best ceviche in town – yum!
We like having a bit of flexibility here. After 3 hours on your feet, you might be starving and ready to eat immediately, or you might want to keep the momentum going and head straight to the coast. Either works!
Afternoon – Check out Viña del Mar
After lunch, hop in a taxi over to Viña del Mar. It’s less than 10 minutes from Valparaiso, but it feels pretty different once you get there. And even though it’s super close, it’s actually a whole different city.
Valparaiso is all colorful streets and organized chaos, while Viña is much more polished and beachy. Here, you’ll encounter lots of palm trees and pretty houses, with plenty of wide-open spaces and long stretches of coastline to explore, so bring your swimwear and beach towel.
Spend a few hours wandering along the waterfront, checking out the beaches, and soaking up the resort vibe. Make sure you stop by the famous flower clock too. It’s a bit of a random landmark, but you kind of have to see it while you’re here. We really liked doing both cities in the same day because we got to see two completely different sides of this part of the Chilean coast without traveling far.
Dinner – Restaurante J Cruz M
For dinner, head to Restaurante J Cruz M to try one of Valparaiso’s most famous dishes: chorrillana!
Chorrillana was actually created right here in Valpo, and this family-run restaurant is said to be where it all began. It’s a huge plate of fries piled with sliced beef, caramelized onions, and fried eggs. Basically, it’s Chile’s answer to poutine, and we think it’s perfect after a full day of exploring Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.
This definitely isn’t a fancy dinner spot, but you don’t want to get chorrillana from a fancy place. It’s a comfort dish rather than a gourmet one, and it’s pretty filling, so we actually ordered one to share. It was plenty for both of us, and we really enjoyed sharing a dish so deeply tied to Valparaiso!
Evening – Grab a pisco sour at tio bar
After dinner, walk about seven minutes over to Tio Bar for a pisco sour. You’re in Chile, so this one feels pretty non-negotiable!
Tio Bar is a small craft cocktail spot, and we loved ending the night somewhere that still felt fun without turning it into a huge night out. And if (gasp!) pisco sours aren’t really your thing, don’t worry, because the entire cocktail menu sounded so good.
Just don’t get too carried away because tomorrow is a full-on adventure day. One or two pisco sours and then bed is the sensible move!
Day 2
Full day – Enjoy an adventure day: penguins, sandboarding, and coastal sights
Day 2 is a big one because you’re heading out on our favorite tour in Valparaiso! This full-day adventure takes you along the beautiful Chilean coast to see wild penguins, enjoy a seaside picnic, and even try sandboarding! The tour starts at around 9 am and includes pickup from Valparaiso, so grab some breakfast beforehand and get ready for an epic day out.
The first major stop is Zapallar, where you’ll hop into a small boat and head out to see Humboldt penguins in the wild. Keep your eyes peeled on the way because dolphins, sea otters, and other wildlife sometimes make an appearance too. Seeing penguins off the Chilean coast is already pretty amazing, but somehow this tour is only getting started!
Next up is lunch at a paragliding school overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll sit down for a proper Chilean picnic with snacks, local sweets, and even a pisco sour included. They make very sure nobody leaves hungry, which we can absolutely get behind!
Then comes the VERY fun finale: sandboarding at the Concon Dunes. You’ll kick off your shoes and climb to the top, then attempt to make your way back down on a sandboard. It’s not graceful, but it’s an absolute blast!
The tour usually wraps up at around 5 pm and drops you back in Valparaiso. We recommend bringing a windbreaker for the boat ride and something you don’t mind getting a little sandy in. This is a long day, but with penguins, a coastal picnic, and sandboarding all packed into one tour, it’s definitely worth it. This was the best thing that we did in Valparaiso, and we would love to do it again someday.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Dinner – Restaurant La Concepción
After a full day of penguins and sandboarding, head back to your hotel for a shower and a bit of a rest before dinner. Then make your way to Restaurant La Concepción.
This is a lovely spot for a slightly nicer dinner, especially after such an active day. The restaurant has gorgeous views over Valparaiso and the harbor, so if you can, try to get a table where you can enjoy the scenery while you eat.
It’s a popular restaurant, so we definitely recommend making a reservation rather than just showing up and hoping for the best. After today’s adventures, the last thing you want is to be wandering around hungry looking for somewhere else!
Related Read: Looking for even more ways to explore this colorful city? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Valparaiso for more fun activities and must-see sights!
Day 3
Breakfast – Café Entre Cerros Valparaiso
After yesterday’s big adventure day, we think you’ve earned a slower start! Head to Café Entre Cerros Valparaiso for a big breakfast and plenty of coffee before getting sucked into your final day.
Your wine tour doesn’t start until 11 am, so there’s really no need to rush this morning. You can wander around the neighborhood after breakfast if you’re feeling energetic, or just sleep in a little later and take your time. After a full day of penguins, boats, and sandboarding, we wouldn’t blame you for choosing the second option!
Midday – Go wine tasting
You can’t visit Chile without trying some wine, so today you’re heading to the Casablanca Valley on this wine tour!
Pickup from Valparaiso is included, and the tour usually gets going at around 11 am. Over the course of the day, you’ll visit three different wineries and taste 10 Chilean wines, so nobody has to volunteer as designated driver and miss out on the fun.
The first stop was Casas del Bosque, where we toured the vineyard and cellar with a sommelier before getting stuck into the tastings. This is a prestigious, family-run winery, so we were super excited to visit, and it didn’t disappoint!
After that, we moved onto Emiliana Organic Vineyards to learn about organic and biodynamic winemaking, which was so interesting. Plus, there were alpacas wandering around, which obviously made the wine tasting even better.
The final stop was a smaller boutique winery where the tastings came with local cheese, bread, olives, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. By this point, we had tried a pretty impressive range of Chilean wines and were feeling just a little tipsy!
You should be back in Valparaiso at around 4 or 5 pm. We love that transport is taken care of from start to finish because it means you can actually enjoy the wine without worrying about how you’re getting home. This was such a dreamy day of Chilean wine tasting, and the perfect way to end our time in Valparaiso.
Dinner – Restaurant El Pimentón
After a full afternoon of wine tasting, head back to your hotel for a little rest before dinner at Restaurant El Pimentón.
This is a classic Chilean restaurant with an unpretentious atmosphere, and the right kind of food to soak up all of the vino from your day in the Casablanca Valley. It’s all about good, hearty Chilean food in a cozy setting. And after 10 wine tastings, we were definitely ready for a big meal!
We ordered the pastel de coclo, a traditional corn and beef dish, and the vegetable chorillana. We were also pleased to see a good selection of craft beers, and the fruity sangria looked great, too.
Evening – Enjoy Valparaiso at night
It’s your final night in Valparaiso, so we definitely think it’s worth heading out for a drink after dinner! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that Valparaiso isn’t the safest city to wander around at night. We usually love walking off our dinner, but here we recommend grabbing an Uber between places instead.
For something relaxed, head to Bar Cinzano. It’s a cozy, old-school bar that often has live music, so it’s a great spot to grab a drink and soak up a little more of Valpo before you leave.
Or, if you’ve still got some energy after all that wine tasting, Terraza Bellavista is the livelier option. It’s a popular multi-level club with a rooftop DJ, so you can finish your trip with a proper night out. After three packed days in Valparaiso, we say go for it!
Related Read: Planning to explore more of Chile? Check out our guide to the best places to visit in Chile for more incredible destinations, plus our most epic things to do in Chile blog, which has all our favorite travel highlights!
Where to Stay in Valparaiso
Now that you know how to spend three days in Valparaiso, you just need somewhere to stay! For a first visit, we love Cerro Alegre. It’s one of the prettiest parts of the city, with colorful street art, lots of viewpoints, and plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. Plus, you’ll be close to many of the places we visit in this itinerary!
We’ve picked three great hotels below, with options for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers.
Casablu Hotel – $$$
If you want a hotel that feels like it could only be in Valparaiso, Casablu Hotel is an amazing pick! It’s set inside a restored heritage house in Cerro Alegre, with huge windows, high ceilings, and some gorgeous views over Valparaiso Bay.
There are only 13 rooms, so it feels much more intimate than a big hotel. We especially love the panoramic terrace overlooking the bay, and a buffet breakfast is available in the morning too.
Sitting up here with a coffee and looking out across all of those colorful hills sounds like a pretty dreamy way to start the day as far as we’re concerned! Check prices and book Casablu Hotel here!
New Voga Hotel Boutique – $$
For something stylish that’s not quite as fancy, New Voga Hotel Boutique is an ideal option. It’s also in Cerro Alegre, inside a Victorian-style house built by German immigrants way back in 1880. We LOVE hotels with a bit of history, especially in a city with as much character as Valparaiso.
The rooms are bright and modern while still keeping some of the building’s original charm, and some even have sea views. There’s a garden and terrace to hang out in, plus breakfast is served each morning. You’re also within walking distance of places like the Baburizza Museum and Aníbal Pinto Square, so the location is perfect for exploring. Check availability and book New Voga Hotel Boutique here!
ibis Valparaiso – $
If you’re trying to keep costs down, ibis Valparaiso is a solid budget option. It doesn’t have the boutique charm of the other two hotels, but you get a comfortable room in a really handy location by the waterfront. Estación Puerto is only about 100 meters away, which is great if you want to get around without spending loads on taxis.
The rooms are simple and modern, and you can even book one with a sea view if you want to make things feel a bit more special. You can also walk to Cerro Alegre and several of Valparaiso’s main sights from here, so you don’t sacrifice a convenient location just because you’re spending less. Find the best prices and book ibis Valparaiso here!
Want more options? Check out all the hotels listed for Valparaiso here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
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Thanks for reading!
Valparaiso is one of those cities that really sticks with you! From its colorful streets and delicious Chilean food to seeing penguins, sandboarding, and tasting local flavors, we loved every minute. Three days is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of Valpo and its beautiful surroundings. We hope this itinerary helps you have just as much fun as we did!
If you’re planning more adventures, be sure to check out our other South America travel guides! We’ve got plenty of tips on the best places to visit, where to stay, and unforgettable things to do. Or take a look at a few of our favorite blogs below for even more travel inspiration. Happy travels!
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The Services We Recommend
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