Valparaiso and Vina del Mar holidays
Valparaiso and Vina del Mar holidays at a glance
Drive from Santiago northwest through the coastal cordillera and you arrive at two Pacific towns with completely different personalities: one a historic, bustling port, the other a beach resort.
Valparaíso’s atmosphere differs entirely from the capital, with shoals of brightly painted houses tumbling down vertiginous hillsides, reached by wooden lifts and staircases that have become an attraction in their own right.
These hilltop quarters now host boutique hotels and a range of interesting restaurants alongside Chile’s most celebrated street art.
Down at sea level, the port area’s heavy Victorian-style architecture recalls an era of strong British influence, while a few kilometres north, Viña del Mar presents a more traditional seaside atmosphere. Once considered an exclusive resort, it’s since evolved into a popular family-friendly beach destination and commercial centre.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Discover fabulous street art in the bohemian hillside city of Valparaíso, and unwind in the family-friendly beachside resort of Viña del Mar.
When to visit Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the experience varies by season.
The warm summer months are the busiest for visitors, so expect a buzzing atmosphere in the towns and beaches. There is minimal rainfall and high humidity, making this a good time to visit the beaches of Viña del Mar where you can cool off with a dip in the sea. Magnificent firework displays welcome the New Year in Valparaíso, while the star-studded Viña del Mar International Song Festival in February draws lively crowds from across the world.
Temperatures cool off a little and rain remains unlikely. This is still a good time to lounge on the beach, particularly as there are fewer visitors.
During winter, temperatures can be cold and there are slightly higher chances of rain (three days a month on average). With few visitors, hotels may be more cost effective and you’ll have plenty of space to unwind in peace.
Temperatures begin to rise and thanks to the high humidity, the climate feels warm. Rain is scarce, so enjoy the outdoors with a walking tour of Valparaíso’s vibrant street art and historic buildings.
Top Things to do in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
These neighbouring coastal destinations offer a fascinating mixture of culture, architecture, history and seaside relaxation, from wandering Valparaíso’s hillside streets to visiting the former home of one of Chile’s most famous poets.
Explore Isla Negra and the nautically themed former house of one of Chile’s most celebrated sons.
Take a stroll through the artistic enclave of Valparaiso with its brightly painted streets and eccentric charm.
Accommodation in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Accommodation here ranges from characterful boutique hotels tucked into Valparaíso’s hillside districts to more contemporary options closer to the coast. Casa Higueras and Palacio Astoreca both make the most of their hilltop settings, while Zero Hotel offers another distinctive base for exploring the two towns.
Imposing 1920s mansion on one of the city’s most beautiful hills: an excellent location with fabulous views and many nearby restaurants.
Small, charming hotel set on a vineyard with a serene rural ambience that belies its proximity to Santiago; a great alternative to staying in the city.
A striking, contemporary boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodation overlooking the pacific Ocean in Valparaiso.
Elegant mansion converted into a boutique property with wonderful views over the Pacific Ocean.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Patagonia: Highlights of Patagonia
Places visited: Santiago and the vineyards · Valparaiso and Vina del Mar · Chilean Lake District (south) · Argentinian lake district · El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park · Torres del Paine National Park
13 days from £7,700
FAQs about visiting Valparaiso and Vina del Mar
Valparaiso and Vina del Mar is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Valparaiso?
Valparaiso and Viña have a hot dry summer and cool winters with some rain. Spring and autumn (Sep – Oct and Apr – May) are pleasant times for a city visit; summertime (Dec – Mar) the best time for the beaches which can be crowded with visitors.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Valparaiso?
The main language spoken in Valparaiso is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Valparaiso?
The Chilean Peso is the main currency used in Valparaiso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you can exchange US dollars cash; rates for euros and sterling are harder to find and frequently poor.
- What is the time difference between Valparaiso and UK?
The time difference between Valparaiso and the UK is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep-Oct to early March.
- What places combine well with Valparaiso?
Santiago, vast multi-layered capital, 106 km (2 hours by road); a stay at one of the vineyards in the Colchagua, Maipo and Casablanca valleys, 177 km by road.
- How do I get to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar?
It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Santiago to both Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Valparaiso?
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.