Explore Chile’s bohemian jewel on a free walking tour in Valparaíso, a maze of hills and alleys, decorated with quirky buildings and overflowing with charming eateries and stores. The only surefire way to feel the rhythm of this dynamic city is with a free walking tour of Valparaíso.

Join a local guide on a walk past the most prominent areas in the city but also uncover the hidden gems away from the tourist-trodden main streets. This is the best way to learn more about the people and culture of a city on top of just seeing a few noteworthy sites.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, some of the most engaging in sightseeing tours in Valparaíso.

How do free walking tours work?

While several walking tours in Valparaíso have earned superb appreciation from tourists, free walking tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip your guide, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Valparaíso?

There are a few different free tours in Valparaíso, each focusing on a unique aspect of the city’s history and culture:

Essentials of Valparaíso walking tour

Join a comprehensive free walking tour of Valparaíso to get a bit of everything. Learn about the history and culture, take one of the city’s famous elevators, see some art and get panoramic views of this UNESCO-listed city.

The tour kicks off at the Prat Pier, behind the monument in Plaza Sotomayor. You will learn about the monument’s fascinating history and start walking towards the port. All the way your guide will enlighten you on the city’s fierce naval history and how the introduction of the Panama Canal forever changed the face of the city.

From the waterfront, you will get a taste of local transportation when you take a trolley bus ride to one of the city’s many funiculars. You will go up one of the famed elevators of Valparaíso to reach the highest point of the city, Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

From here you will have an unbeatable view of the colorful houses, a plethora of churches and charming streets that flow down the hillsides.

You will continue on foot down Paseo Dimalow, winding through charming streets to admire the architecture and eclectic atmosphere. The last point of interest is Palacio Baburizza from where you will take a funicular back to the starting point.

Barrio Puerto and Cerro Cordillera free walking tour

This tour focuses on 2 of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Valparaíso. You will take a journey back to the city’s 19th-century roots and learn about all the beautiful corners of Barrio Puerto and Cerro Cordillera.

The free walking tour of Valparaíso starts at Plaza Sotomayor in Barrio Puerto. You will learn about the port history of the city and be introduced to more than two centuries worth of traditions in the oldest part of the city.

You will move on to the El Peral elevator to reach Cerro Alegre to learn about British-German immigration to the city and the legacy it has left behind. Once at the top, you will be blown away by the marvelous views, but it is not over yet. Another elevator takes you to Cerro Cordillera.

The Lord Cochrane viewpoint awaits you and from here you have an excellent vantage point of the city’s big and bold street art.

You will return to Barrio Puerto to visit the oldest bar in Valparaíso, Liberty. The last stop is Echaurren Square where you can visit the Puerto Market after your tour.

Street art walking tour in Valparaíso

This creative street art tour in Valparaíso will give you insight into the modern culture of Valparaíso for free. The city is the cultural hub of Chile and many artists express themselves through urban art, depicting their past, present and future through bold murals.

Street art tours continuously evolve as artists produce new works so expect a fabulous new itinerary each time you join one. You will get a feel for local life as your guide take you through residential areas to see the city’s uniquely colorful architecture and abundance of street art.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours are operated mostly in English, but local guides are bilingual and offer tours in Spanish too.

Where does it start?

Many tours start close to Plaza Sotomayor in the port district. From here you have easy access to many monuments and escalators. The street art tour starts at Plaza De La Victoria from where you can quickly venture into the maze of artfully decorated lanes.

Once you confirm your booking your tour operator will send you clear instructions on the meeting point. Your guide will be wearing something obvious, carrying an umbrella or holding up a sign to help you identify them easily.

How long does last?

The free tours of Valparaíso last between 2 and 3 hours, with plenty of time to see all the sights before getting too tired from walking.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Valparaíso?

You should try to join a free walking tour at the beginning of your stay to quickly gain an understanding of the city. Then, you'll know which of the many city tours in Valparaíso you will participate in to get a deeper appreciation for the local way of life, making your stay even more meaningful.

Should you book tickets online?

It is always a good idea to book your Valparaíso free walking tour ticket online. Some benefits include securing your place on the tour and helping your guide prepare for the correct amount of attendees.

You can also get updates on any changes in the schedule or possible cancellations, while the reservation is free without requiring for credit card.

Free Walking Tours in Valparaíso