Included Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Experience
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Port
San Antonio (Santiago), Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$139
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Today's tour takes you on an interactive journey through the hilly old part of Valparaiso, the impressive downtown area, and the fashionable resort town of Viña del Mar.
Begin driving directly to Valparaiso. The city consists of two completely different sections, first proceed with a drive up the hillside where we find the 'Cerros' or 'El Plan Alto'. On some 42 hills we find a jumbled mass of fine mansions, tattered houses, and shacks in utter confusion spread along the narrow streets. Descend walking through Cerro Alegre and reach Yugoslavo Promenade, from where one also has a superb view over the city and the bay. Several funiculars, and steep winding roads connect the port and the hilltop areas. Here, you will also have the chance to ride on of the famous Valparaiso Funiculars to reach the other area of the city, known as El Plan, referring to the lower part adjacent to the port area. The main feature is the Plaza Sotomayor, dominated by the Naval Headquarters building and the impressive monument to the Heroes of Iquique. This is the business center with fine office buildings on narrow streets strung along the edge of the bay.
Proceed heading north towards the fashionable seaside resort of Viña del Mar, you will see the resort's landmark floral clock as you approach. On a steep bluff stands the Cerro Castillo -- summer palace of the Presidents of the Republic. Stop briefly to admire the exterior of the impressive casino, built in the 1930s and set among beautiful gardens.
Next is an enriching visit to the Fonck Museum, which boasts an extensive and interesting collection of objects from Easter Island and the Chilean mainland - including a fine exhibit of Mapuche silver.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant before you return to the pier in San Antonio.