No trip to Chile is complete without visiting the colorful coastal cities of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.

We start the drive along the coast in Concon, known for its seaside restaurants and surf shops.  We pass by the impressive Concon Sand Dunes where we will have panoramic views of Valparaiso Harbor.

The tour continues by the popular beach town of Reñaca where on most days we will spot sea lions lying on the coastal rocks.  We then drive through Viña del Mar, Chile’s “Garden City,” where you will see the city’s landmarks, including the Flower Clock and Casino, a “Moai” statue from Easter Island, as well as the city’s pristine beaches.

The city of Viña del Mar was founded in 1874, by the engineer Jose Francisco Vergara Echevers, and has grown into Chile’s most luxurious resort town, attracting visitors from all over the world with a tropical atmosphere, white sand beaches, and an abundance of gourmet restaurants.

While Viña del Mar’s celebrity has brought it many sleek, modern buildings and hotels, the character of the town is set by its many charming colonial houses.  Viña is also famous for its International Music Festival held every year on the third week of February and lasts for five days. It is very popular among Chileans and the Spanish music world and effectively marks the end of the summer season.

Afterwards, we reach our main destination, Plaza Sotomayor, the heart of  Valparaiso.  Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific”, Valparaiso was declared a world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. In 1996, the World Monuments Fund declared Valparaiso’s unusual system of funicular lifts (steeply inclined carriages) one of the world’s 100 most endangered historical treasures. Valparaiso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaiso has a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy.

We will take an old funicular up to Concepcion and Alegre Hills.  Bohemian and colorful, Valparaiso’s maze of hills has long inspired poets and writers. You will discover something new at every turn – a gem of a building, a remarkable art gallery or some little gastronomic ‘find’.  Revel in the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage City. Stroll along its narrow streets, climb its endless staircases, and enjoy panoramic views from its many lofty lookout points.

Please note:

(1) The order of sites visited may vary.

(2) We believe the best way to explore Valparaiso is by walking its cobblestone streets and alleyways, however, if you have any physical limitations, please let your guide know at the beginning of the tour.  If requested, this walking portion of the tour in Valparaiso can be done in the tour van.