Valparaiso & Viña del Mar: City tour with wine stop

Summary

Walk Valparaiso’s colorful streets, taste Casablanca wines, and feel the Pacific breeze

You’ll wander Valparaiso’s painted hillsides with a local guide, visit Neruda’s quirky home, stroll Viña del Mar’s coastline, see an Easter Island Moai at Fonck Museum, then end your day sipping Casablanca Valley wine before heading back—moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first time our van curved into Valparaiso — the city just sort of tumbles down the hills, all color and graffiti and laundry lines. We’d left Santiago early (I almost forgot my jacket, classic), and by the time we reached Paseo 21 de Mayo, the air had that salty bite you only get near a real working port. Our guide, Camila, pointed out ships in the harbor while a street musician played something on an old accordion. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it never captures that mix of sea wind and distant diesel.

We wandered up one of those famous hills — I think it was Cerro Alegre? — where every wall is basically someone’s canvas. Camila told us about Neruda’s house, La Sebastiana, before we even got there. She said he liked to throw parties with poets and sailors; I could see why once we stepped inside. The rooms are narrow and bright, full of odd things like ship wheels and tiny bottles. I touched the wooden banister (probably not supposed to) and it felt smooth from years of hands passing by.

Viña del Mar was next — it’s so different from Valpo. Clean parks, palm trees, people jogging past that Flower Clock everyone photographs (yes, I did too). Lunch was in Reñaca; fish so fresh it almost tasted sweet, with that Pacific breeze coming in through open windows. Someone at another table laughed so hard they nearly spilled their wine — maybe it was the Casablanca Valley stuff we’d try later.

The Fonck Museum surprised me — there’s an actual Moai from Easter Island right outside. Kids were climbing around it while their parents took photos. Afterward we stopped at this little wine shop in Casablanca Valley for coffee (needed it) and a quick browse. The woman behind the counter recommended a carménère; I bought a bottle for my dad but now wish I’d kept it for myself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valparaiso and Viña del Mar Highlights

• View Port of Valparaiso from Paseo 21 de Mayo
• Walk and photo stop at picturesque hill
• Visit Plaza Sotomayor honoring Arturo Prat Chacón
• See Flower Clock in Viña del Mar
• Visit La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda's house
• Explore Fonck Museum and see Moai statue
• Lunch and walk at Renaca coastline
• Shop wines and relax at Casa Blanca Wine Store

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Valparaiso & Viña del Mar tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Does the tour include entry fees for attractions?

All entry fees and taxes are covered in your booking.

Will we visit Pablo Neruda’s house during this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at La Sebastiana, one of Neruda’s famous homes.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No set lunch is included but there is free time to eat in Reñaca.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Do we get to taste wine at the Casablanca Valley stop?

You can purchase wines at the shop; tasting may depend on availability.

How long does it take to drive from Santiago to Valparaiso?

The drive usually takes about 1.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide leading you through Valparaiso’s hills and Viña del Mar highlights; all entry fees are covered—including La Sebastiana and Fonck Museum—and there’s time for lunch in Reñaca plus a stop at a Casablanca Valley wine shop before heading back.