UNESCO-listed port city Valparaiso and beach resort Vina del Mar, about 120km from Santiago on the Pacific coast.

About Valparaiso & Vina del Mar

Valparaíso is Chile's most captivating city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on a natural amphitheater of 42 steep hills (cerros) overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hillside neighborhoods are connected by a network of 15 historic funicular elevators (ascensores), some dating to the 1880s, that climb between the flat port area (el plan) and the colorful cerros above. The city's ramshackle charm, bohemian spirit, and extraordinary street art scene have earned it comparisons to Lisbon and Havana.

The cerros of Alegre and Concepción are the most visited, with winding streets lined with Victorian mansions converted into boutique hotels, art galleries, and restaurants with panoramic ocean views. The poet Pablo Neruda's home, La Sebastiana, is now a museum perched on Cerro Bellavista with sweeping views of the bay. Valparaíso's street art is among the best in the world, with entire buildings serving as canvases for Chilean and international muralists.

Viña del Mar, Valparaíso's immediate neighbor to the north, offers a polished contrast — manicured gardens, a casino, the famous Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores), and long sandy beaches. Together, the twin cities provide a complete coastal experience, from Valparaíso's artistic grit to Viña del Mar's resort elegance. The Casablanca Valley wine region between Santiago and the coast offers world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir tastings en route.

Nearby Landmarks

La Sebastiana (Neruda's house) Cerro Alegre Flower Clock Valparaíso funiculars Casablanca wineries

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CLP 80,000-100,000 ($89-111)
Time 90-120 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CLP 60,000-80,000 ($67-89)
Time 90-120 minutes

Arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

Take airport bus to Pajaritos, Metro to terminal, then TurBus to Valparaiso/Vina. Or rent a car at the airport and drive the Ruta 68 highway.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CLP 80,000-100,000 ($89-111) 90-120 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CLP 60,000-80,000 ($67-89) 90-120 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Pullman Bus and TurBus operate frequent services from Santiago to Valparaíso/Viña del Mar until late evening (last buses around 10:00-11:00 PM from the Pajaritos terminal). The journey takes about 90 minutes by bus (CLP 4,000-6,000). Driving at night on Ruta 68 is straightforward. A taxi from SCL would cost CLP 80,000+ ($90 USD).

Luggage Tips

Intercity buses from Santiago to Valparaíso have large luggage compartments underneath — this is the standard way Chileans travel between the cities. Valparaíso's steep hills and narrow streets make wheeled luggage very difficult once you arrive — consider a taxi from the bus terminal to your cerro hotel.

Accessibility

Intercity buses have limited wheelchair accessibility — check with the bus company when booking. Valparaíso is extremely challenging for wheelchair users due to its steep hills, narrow streets, stairs, and cobblestones. The flat port area (el plan) is more accessible. Viña del Mar is flatter and more accessible along its beachfront.