1.800.557.2841
View of historical port city of Valparaiso along the coast
Valparaiso
Home/Destinations/South America/Chile/

Valparaiso

Chile

Valparaiso Vacation Packages and Tours

Overview

Take a trip to Valparaiso on your Chile Vacation

Located in central Chile northwest of the capital, Valparaiso is one of the country’s most important sea ports as well as a hub of Chilean culture to be experienced on Chile vacation.

Valparaiso served as the first major port of call for ships coming around Cape Horn. As a result, it became a vital commercial centre for the Pacific coast. When Chilean independence was achieved in 1818, Valparaiso’s population was only around 5,000 people, however, the California gold rush prompted great interest in Chilean wheat. This resulted in a great deal of immigration and the population boomed to 55,000. Popular with European immigrants, Valparaiso’s golden age (1848-1914) witnessed many arriving from Britain, Germany and Italy, all of whom left their mark on the city. 

When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Valparaiso suffered greatly as many ships chose to use the canal rather than the longer route around Cape Horn. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that the city began to recover and industrialize.

Valparaiso has been built upon steep hillsides that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The unique architecture found in the city has resulted in the nickname “The Jewel of the Pacific” as well as a UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2003. Visitors on Chile vacations can experience the city by using ascensores (funicular elevators) that leave from the flat city centre and travel up to a completely different city above.

At a Glance

Languages

Chilean Spanish

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Travel Stories

Get Inspired About Your Trip to Chile

Destination Specialists

The Experts in Tailor-Made Travel to Chile

When working with Goway, you dream it, we plan it. Rely on the passion and expertise of our Destination Specialists to craft the trip that’s right for you.

Meet the Team
South America

Newsletter

Unlock Even More

Sign up to our newsletter to unlock travel Specials, Inspiration, and Expert Guides right to your inbox.

Exclusive Savings

Insider Contests

Trending Guides

New Specials

New Specials

Discover
Start Planning

Start Planning

Follow Along

Follow Along

Call 1.800.557.2841
Contact Us
BC Reg. #833-0; TICO Reg. #1543989; CST #2070685-20Offices located in CA, US, AUS© Copyright 2024. Goway Travel
Chat