A Cruise Guide To Valparaíso, Chile
As cruise ships continue to look for itineraries and more ports of call to attract passengers, South America is becoming an increasingly popular destination. From itineraries around southern South America and into Antarctica, Valparaíso is a natural addition.
Situated on the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso is considered a beach resort area but if you’re considering going to the beach for a swim you need to know that water temperatures in Valparaíso, are generally cool year-round because of the Humboldt current from Antarcticas. Water temperatures generally range from roughly 55 degrees F in Winter to only 60 degrees in Summer (January thru March). But even with the cooler water temperatures the Valparaíso beaches are a popular and lively destination.
In addition to the beaches this city is famous for its many hills and neighborhoods with narrow streets and a bohemian vibe.
Where Your Ship Docks
The cruise terminal and cruise ship piers are located in the Valparaíso industrial harbor area at the southern end of the Valparaíso beach strip. There are public facilities in the terminal and walking out of the port is an option.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise terminal and a ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The cruise port disembarks right near downtown. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with in both locations.
City infrastructure is well developed but you may encounter some intersection curbs and the hilly neighborhoods may be difficult to deal with.
Getting Around
Public transportation in Valparaíso consists of a diverse network including colorful, steep-climbing buses (micros), historic funiculars (called ascensores), a metro line along the coast, and shared taxi-cabs (called colectivos). The systems are efficient to navigate the city’s torturous hilly, narrow streets, with fares generally paid in cash directly to drivers on buses or via pre-paid cards for the metro. Metro Valparaíso (MERVAL) is a commuter rail line connecting Valparaíso up the coast and to nearby neighboring inland cities. It is efficient for traveling between Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Another option for getting around is in a rental car. Rental car options in Valparaíso, Chile, are available, with prices starting around $36 per day. Major international and local companies include Rosselot car rental which is the nearest to the port along with Sixt and Hertz. It is recommended to search and book online in advance and pick-up from the cruise terminal can usually be arranged.
Currency
1 Chilean Peso averages $0.0012 of a United States Dollar, so denominations tend to be large. Do not expect US Dollars, Pounds or Euros to be welcome but of the three,Dollars are at times accepted. Credit cards are widely welcome and ATMs are plentiful.
Tipping
Tipping in Chile is generally not expected, but it is still customary to show appreciation for good service. A typical guideline suggests tipping around 10% of the total bill in restaurants, though if the service is exceptional, many people choose to tip between 15% and 20%. It’s important to note that some restaurants may already include a suggested tip of at least 10% in the bill, making it a voluntary payment rather than a requirement.
Things to see and Do in Valparaíso and the beach resort town of Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar is celebrated for its beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, and iconic attractions such as the Flower Clock, which exemplifies its lush parks and vibrant cultural scene. Viña del Mar offers a diverse array of seaside activities and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, enhancing its appeal as a resort and entertainment destination
While the main attraction is of course the beach resort area of Viña del Mar with numerous parks, a real Easter Island statue (there has been talk of returning it) a historical museum and a casino, Valparaíso is perhaps most famous as a living canvas with street art concentrated primarily on its historic hills (cerros). The premier neighborhoods for viewing murals and graffiti are Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, known for their high concentration of artistic alleys, colorful homes, and iconic spots like the Piano Stairway. Other key artistic areas include Cerro Bellavista (home of the Open-Air Museum) and Cerro Cárcel.
A number of tour companies are available in Valparaíso with a listing of GetYourGuide tours HERE.
Visiting Santiago
Another option for visitors is to travel from Valparaíso and explore Santiago, the nations Capital. Santiago is a vibrant city full of history, culture and numerous popular attractions. The three best options to get there are to book a tour, rent a car or venture out on your own by bus. There are numerous buses that will cover the approximately 70 miles in 1 hour 40 minutes.
Bus services, such as FlixBus, operate frequently on this route, making it accessible and economical, with ticket prices averaging around $12 for a one-way trip.
Day tours from the Port of Valparaíso to Santiago often include the 90-minute scenic drive before exploring the capital’s historic, cultural, and modern highlights and the return. Key sights include visits to Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of the city, and the modern “Sanhattan” district.
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