Valparaíso & Viña del Mar: Day Trip with Wine Market Stop

Summary

Murals, Moai statues and beach walks in two Pacific cities

You’ll taste local wines straight from the source before exploring Valparaíso’s vibrant hills and murals with a guide who knows every shortcut. Stroll Viña del Mar’s sunny beaches, see an original Moai statue at the Fonck Museum, and grab lunch where locals actually eat. It’s more than sights — it’s small surprises along the way that stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of bottles at the Wine Market Rio Tinto — not fancy, just locals picking up their favorites. Our guide, Camila, waved us over to try a white I can’t pronounce (she grinned at my attempt). The place smelled like cork and something sweet, maybe peaches? Anyway, we grabbed a bottle for later. It’s funny how a day trip from Santiago to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar starts with wine before you even see the ocean.

Valparaíso hit me with color. There’s graffiti everywhere — some wild, some delicate — and old elevators groaning up the hills. Camila pointed out La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s house, tucked between gardens and tangled streets. We wandered through alleys while an old man played guitar near a mural of bright birds. I caught myself staring at the view from Neruda’s place longer than I meant to; you know those moments when you forget to take a photo because it just feels right?

Viña del Mar felt totally different. Wide boulevards, palm trees, people laughing by the beach. We stopped at the Fonck Museum to see an actual Moai statue from Easter Island — it looked out of place but also kind of perfect under that cloudy sky. Lunch was quick empanadas from a street vendor (Camila said they’re better than any restaurant), and she was right. The sea air mixed with fried dough smell is something I still think about.

We drove back through Casablanca Valley as the sun dipped behind vineyards — not dramatic or anything, just soft light over rows of green. Someone in our group fell asleep and started snoring quietly; it made us all laugh. The ride home felt slower somehow, like nobody wanted it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

• Travel to Valparaíso port city
• Explore Neruda's house and murals
• Visit Viña del Mar city garden
• See Viña Festival main stage
• Tour Viña del Mar beaches and casino
• Travel through Casablanca Valley vineyards

Top questions

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

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip booking.

How long does it take to get from Santiago to Valparaíso?

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

Does this tour include wine tasting in Casablanca Valley?

The tour stops at Wine Market Rio Tinto where you can sample and buy local wines; Casablanca Valley is visited during the drive.

Are entrance fees for museums included?

The itinerary mentions visiting Fonck Museum but doesn’t specify entry fees; check directly if concerned about extra costs.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No set lunch is included; there are opportunities to buy food in Viña del Mar or Valparaíso.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request for travelers with young children.

Will there be a professional guide throughout?

Yes, a professional guide accompanies you for the entire tour and may speak multiple languages.

What should I wear for this tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for variable coastal weather and walking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Santiago, round-trip shared transport between all stops (including Casablanca Valley), guidance from a knowledgeable local who’ll point out details you’d miss alone, plus time to explore both Valparaíso’s historic port neighborhoods and Viña del Mar’s beachside streets — with chances to sample wine at Rio Tinto market before heading back home together in the evening.