Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Tour

Main Info

• Tour around Valparaíso
• Private services
• Old elevator of Valparaiso and most important hills
• Valparaiso Port, old architecture and Sotomayor square
• Visit to Viña del Mar main attractions
• Combine this tour with any of our Wine Tours in Central Valley

Main Info:

Our Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Day Tour full day tour takes you to the Chilean coast and exploring Valparaiso with its unique hills and colorful streets, followed by Viña del Mar city, beach and highlights. Learn about the most emblematic buildings, main squares and taste our world known sea food and fish from the Pacific Ocean.

Valparaíso, located on central Chile’s Pacific Coast, was first inhabited by the fishing and gathering natives, Changos, until the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1536. It soon became the first and most important main port for international trade and a required stopover for all ships crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn.

There is some uncertainty regarding the exact date when Valparaíso was founded, but it is estimated to be around 1559 when Spanish conquerors built the La Matriz Church. The port reached its heyday in the 19th century, when it became an obligatory stop for boats coming crossing Cape Horn from the Atlantic Ocean, helping it develop a strong presence in international trade.

Waves of English, German and French immigrants came to Valparaíso for the chance to do business and establish themselves. This is reflected in the architectural styles of the buildings built at that time, which mimic those found in Europe from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries.

In 2003, Valparaíso was named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, somewhat re-awakening its economy through tourism. The vibrant colors, lifts, restaurants, artisan shops, and endless stairs attract tourists and, recently, luxury cruise ships to the port town.

Book by sending an email to info@ecotours.cl