How to Spend 3 Days in Valparaíso

Three days give you plenty of time to discover Valparaíso’s main attractions and explore the surrounding region. From architecture and street art to wineries and coastal mansions, here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Valparaiso. 

Day 1: Discover the Historic City

Get acquainted with the history, street art, and culture of Valparaíso on a bus or walking tour. Tours transport you between major sights with ease, and typically include a ride on one of the city’s famed funiculars. Some tours also visit La Sebastiana, the former home of the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, which now functions as a museum and is packed full of his personal belongings. If your sightseeing tour doesn’t include a visit, buy your admission ticket online to skip lines on the day.

In the evening, soak up the port city’s lively nightlife scene. Sip a classic pisco sour and sample more brews on a bar-hopping tour.

Day 2: Discover Wine Country

Chilean wine is globally renowned. Sip vintage varietals straight from the source on a day trip to Casablanca Valley or Maipo Valley. Most tours visit up to three vineyards, where you learn about the wine-making process and enjoy a few tastings. Taking a tour lets you avoid the hassle of driving, leaving you free to indulge in great wine. Some guided tours also include lunch for a great-value package. 

If you’d rather stay in the city, take a cooking class. Cooking classes in Valparaíso typically include a visit to a local market and reveal the secrets behind Chilean dishes such as ceviche and charquican. It’s a great way to get a taste of Chile’s culinary heritage.

Day 3: Explore Isla Negra

Having already seen La Sebastiana, check off another of Neruda’s three homes on a trip to Isla Negra. Located on the coast—not an island like its name implies—the house was built to resemble a boat. Inside, admire Neruda’s collection of maritime paraphernalia, which includes ship figureheads, ships inside bottles, and shells. Some tours of Isla Negra also visit the artisans’ village of Pomaire—a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts—which can be tricky to get to independently.

Afterward, spend your final evening in the bars and restaurants of Valpo, or make the short trip to the neighboring town of Viña del Mar, home to Tierra del Fuego seafood restaurant, which serves large portions of fresh seafood on Playa Acapulco beach.