Santiago: Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Day Trip

Summary

Art-filled hillsides, seaside walks, and cool-climate wines from Santiago

You’ll wander Viña del Mar’s seaside promenades and spot an authentic Moai statue before riding Valparaíso’s historic funiculars into neighborhoods alive with murals and music. After lunch by the port (your pick!), head to Casablanca Valley for relaxed wine tasting among rolling vineyards—a full day that lingers long after you’re back in Santiago.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through Viña del Mar when I realized how much the ocean air actually smells like salt here—sort of sharp and clean, mixed with the faint sweetness from all those flower beds. Our guide, Camila, pointed out the Flower Clock (I’d seen it in photos but it’s brighter in person), then steered us toward the Fonck Museum. There’s a real Moai outside—honestly, I didn’t expect to see a piece of Easter Island just sitting there on a city street. Camila told us about the Rapa Nui people while a couple of kids tried to climb up for photos. It felt oddly casual for something so old.

The drive over to Valparaíso was quick—maybe 20 minutes?—but everything changed when we got there. The streets twist up into hills painted with murals; some are wild and messy, others careful and almost hidden. We took the El Peral funicular (it creaks and rattles in a way that makes you laugh nervously) up to Cerro Concepción. At one point, I stopped just to listen: distant music from an open window, someone arguing gently in Spanish below, gulls overhead. Our group drifted through narrow alleys and past cafes where locals waved or nodded—one guy even offered us a bite of his empanada (I said yes; it was still warm). Lunch was our choice; Camila gave suggestions but let us wander until we picked a spot with faded blue chairs and bright tablecloths.

By late afternoon we were rolling into Casablanca Valley—the light had that soft gold thing going on. The vineyard smelled like earth and something herbal; maybe eucalyptus? The wine tasting wasn’t rushed at all. Our host poured three glasses (white first), explaining why this valley’s cooler air makes such good Sauvignon Blanc. I’m not usually a white wine person but this one was crisp and kind of grassy—I liked it more than I thought I would. Someone in our group tried swirling their glass too enthusiastically and nearly spilled it everywhere; everyone laughed, even the host.

I keep thinking about those painted staircases in Valparaíso—how each step is different but together they make sense somehow. The whole day felt like that: pieces you wouldn’t expect fitting together, from ancient statues to street art to sipping wine as the sun started dropping behind the vines. If you’re looking for a day trip from Santiago that isn’t just checking boxes, this one actually sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Casablanca

• Pickup from Santiago
• See Viña del Mar Flower Clock
• Pass by Perú Avenue
• Pass by Viña del Mar Casino
• Visit Moai statue at Fonck Museum
• Visit Caleta Portales fishing cove
• Explore Cerro Concepción neighborhood
• Walk Pasaje Gálvez alley
• Walk Paseo Gervasoni viewpoint
• Visit Cerro Alegre neighborhood
• Visit Baburizza Palace Museum
• Walk Paseo Atkinson promenade
• See piano key painted steps
• Ride El Peral Elevator
• Visit Plaza Sotomayor
• Pass by National Congress building
• Stop for wine tasting in Casablanca Valley

Top questions

How long does this Santiago day trip last?

The tour is a full-day experience including transfer times between Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Casablanca Valley, free hours at attractions, and time for lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Santiago for your convenience.

Do we enter any museums during the tour?

No, museum tickets cannot be purchased in advance and museums are not entered during this tour.

What kind of wine is tasted in Casablanca Valley?

You’ll taste wines typical of Casablanca Valley’s cool climate—often Sauvignon Blanc or similar whites—at a local vineyard.

Can infants join this day trip from Santiago?

Yes, infants can join; they may ride in prams or strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Is lunch included on the tour?

The lunch stop is included but lunch itself is not provided; you choose your restaurant in Valparaíso with recommendations from your guide.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is there walking involved in Valparaíso?

Yes, there’s a walking tour through Valparaíso’s colorful neighborhoods including Cerro Concepción and nearby attractions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Santiago plus all transfers between Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and Casablanca Valley. You’ll get one ride on Valparaíso’s historic funiculars, enjoy a guided walking tour through its artistic hillsides, have time for lunch at your chosen restaurant by the port (with tips from your guide), then relax with a curated wine tasting at a Casablanca vineyard before heading back to Santiago.