Read about how to spend 2 days in Valparaiso, the street art capital of Chile. Check out our Valparaiso picture gallery and be inspired to visit.
Valparaíso's street art is some of the best in the world. Valparaíso can be done as a day trip from Santiago given that Chile's gritty port city is accessible by bus in less than 2 hours.
However, to see all that the city has to offer at a more leisurely pace, it's best to stay overnight. Read on for more on how to spend 2-days in Valparaíso as a side trip on a one week stay in Santiago.
I hope this Valparaíso picture gallery will inspire you to visit!
Valparaíso Street Art
Valparaíso is the street art capital of Chile and I'd argue that it's a contender for the best street art destination in the world. It seems as if every available surface in Valparaíso has been painted and there is beauty in the chaos.
Valpo Photos 1-2: Houses Are Canvases for Works of Art in Valparaíso
Valpo Photos 3-6: Art Imitates Life in Valparaíso
Valpo Photo 7: Textured Valparaíso Street Art
Valpo Photos 8-10: Valparaíso Street Art Viewed from Above
Valpo Photo 11: Humorous Street Art in Valparaíso
Valpo Photo 12: Walking Paths in Valparaíso Decorated with Street Art
Valpo Photo 13: We Are Not Hippies We Are Happies
One of the most famous pieces of street art in Valparaíso is located up cobbled Templemann Street where it meets Lautaro. "WE ARE NOT HIPPIES, WE ARE HAPPIES", the artist quips.
Valpo Photos 14-15: Colorful Buildings in Valparaíso
Even the buildings that are not covered in street art in Valparaíso scream out from the skyline in bright colors. On a gray day, you can't help but smile at the bright blues and yellows that you'll encounter on the rolling hills of Valpo (as the locals call it).
Valpo Photos 16-18: Valparaíso Street Art Walking Tour
We embarked on a GraFREEti walking tour with Valpo Street Art. Our guide Eddie was a student and up-and-coming street artist.
We learned about the difference between tags (scribbled initials), flops (artistic lettering of someone's name), and full on street art pieces on our 2 hour trek up and down the hills of Valparaíso.
The tour was fascinating and we felt safer walking around the back-alleys of Valpo with the group rather than wandering around on our own.
Valpo Photo 19: More Stray Dogs Than People in Valparaíso
You'll find a ton of stray dogs in Valparaíso. Some argue that there are more dogs than people in Valpo. I believe it.
The dogs have a tendency to tag along on tour in the hopes of getting some affection or at least a handout from visitors. Most of the stray dogs are harmless by day and not aggressive.
Be careful about approaching them though. Dogs can be unpredictable and you don't want to end up in the hospital with the risk of contracting rabies.
I opted not to touch any of the dogs (no matter how cute they were) rather than take the risk of getting a potentially deadly scratch or bite.
Valpo Photo 20: The Hills of Valparaíso
Valparaíso is a city of rolling hills so you'll definitely get a workout on your visit.
Valpo Photo 21: Valparaíso Sea Views
A side effect of all the hills in Valpo are stunning sea views.
Valpo Photo 22: The Historic Ascensors of Valparaíso
Valparaíso features a number of historic ascensors (funiculars and elevators that are over 100 years old). Make climbing the hills and accessing great views easier while taking a historic ride.
Valpo Photos 23-25: Valparaíso Port Views
Valparaíso is a port city. Take Ascensor Artilleria to the mirador (viewpoint) for fantastic and panoramic views of the working port.
I hope you've enjoyed this overview of Valparaíso and have gotten some ideas for things to look for and why it's worth spending 2 days in Valpo as a side-trip from Santiago.
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