Valparaíso is situated on a bay on the Pacific coastline close to Santiago, Chile. It’s both a major tourist ship stop and a major commercial harbor for Chile.
It is an old colonial city containing many an interesting European-influenced building, but since it is a major tourist destination for locals and internationals it isn’t the cheapest destination for food and accommodation. However, since it is the seat of many a federally funded cultural activity, seeing and doing things are often free or very close to it.
Valparaíso has a sister city Viña del Mar, with one street and completely different architecture, history and socio-economics separating the two cities. Viña is much more modern and geared to local tourism. Both cities feature lovely boardwalks, restaurants, swimming and sunbathing. Fast food chains and surfboard shops are generally on the Viña del Mar side of the bay.
A trip to Valparaíso will give great value for money with all the free attractions and a mesmerizing view of a South America you won’t see elsewhere.
| Population | 300,000 |
| Area | 950,000 |
| Timezone | UTC-4 |
| Currency | Chilean peso |
| Airports | Santiago International Airport (SCL) |
| Budget breakfast | Fruit, bread, ham, cheese, coffee is what you'll typically get | $2.19 - $3.22 |
| Budget lunch | Empanada with ground beef, gravy, potatoes is a popular budget lunch option. | $2.65 - $4.61 |
| Budget dinner | For a sit-down dinner instead of casual street-food options, prices are higher but still reasonable. | $7.14 - $10.37 |
| Beer ( large bottle) | Locals favor buying a liter at a bottle shop and taking it into the restaurant, which is allowed here. | $2.07 - $2.88 |
| Cocktail | Anything with Pisco, a local grape brandy, is the drink everyone must try while here. | $2.42 - $3.69 |
| Wine (bottle) | Buy a bottle anywhere and take it into a restaurant with you. Carminiére grapes and Reservá is the best combo. | $3.92 - $10.37 |
| Month | High F | Low F | Precip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 69 | 56 | 0.0 |
| February | 69 | 56 | 0.0 |
| March | 67 | 55 | 0.1 |
| April | 64 | 53 | 0.5 |
| May | 62 | 51 | 2.1 |
| June | 59 | 49 | 3.3 |
| July | 58 | 49 | 4.4 |
| August | 59 | 49 | 2.4 |
| September | 60 | 49 | 1.1 |
| October | 62 | 51 | 0.4 |
| November | 65 | 53 | 0.3 |
| December | 68 | 55 | 0.1 |
Unlike nearby Santiago, Valparaíso is on the coast so it has cool to mild temperatures all year long. Summers (December through February) are pleasantly warm during the day, but rarely hot. Most of the yearly rainfall comes down in the winter months, and even then it’s rarely problematic.
| 21 Mar | 7:51am | 7:56pm |
| 21 Jun | 7:49am | 5:47pm |
| 21 Sep | 7:37am | 7:42pm |
| 21 Dec | 6:35am | 8:55pm |
Valparaíso has a unique layout because its architecture clings to the sloped sides of 48 very steep hills. These hills create spectacular views everywhere you look and the method of getting up and down the hills is worth the visit by itself. Old-fashioned elevators, called ‘acensores or funiculars’, painted yellow, white and red were built over 100 years ago and they are still used regularly today by locals. They cost about US$0.20 to ride. The photo opportunities in Valparaíso are wonderful with the brightly colored houses, the blue bay, old churches, narrow stairways, tiny alleys and great street art.
The peak season for Valparaíso hotel prices is December through February, but many places charge high season rates all the way from October through April. May through September is the low season for hotel prices, and since this is a popular weekend getaway for Santiago residents, prices are a bit lower Sundays through Thursdays as well.
| Rating | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
 | 12.67 - 26.49 |
| 14.35 - 56.76 |
| 42.71 - 100.26 |
| 59.94 - 143.41 |
| - |
| Type | Price(USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | 8.87 - 9.33 |