Hi! Welcome to Valparaíso. We are a team of local guides from this colorful and magical city also called La Joya del Pacífico. We invite you to discover unique places away from mass tourism, getting to know the city, its people and local life. We will show you unique places and "porteñas picás" that only a local guide can teach you. Valparaíso as you have never known before.
We will discover the oldest neighborhood of Valparaíso and the historical origin point of this Chilean port city and why Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We start at Plaza Sotomayor, recognizing its architecture and the stories that shaped this square built on the sea during the 19th century. We will take the historic elevators of Cerro Concepción, Cerro Alegre and Cerro Cordillera (4 funiculars), contrasting the area most visited by tourists with the most important port hill in the social history of Valparaíso and Chile, to this day the main working-class neighborhood of the port overlooking the La Matriz church, the oldest in the city.
Finally, we will visit the Barrio Puerto de Valparaíso, part of the UNESCO site and the origin point of the city that still maintains the traditional local Porteña life, including the oldest bar-cantina in the port, music made in Valparaíso, old shops and famous "picás" (popular restaurants) around Plaza Echaurren, the oldest square in Valparaíso. Of course, on the route you will discover colorful and artistic murals and graffiti of the street art porteño.
We end the tour at the renovated Mercado Puerto with suggestions for you to continue exploring Valparaíso. In short, it is the most complete tour.
Welcome to live the Ecomapu Experience!
The meeting point is inside Plaza Sotomayor between Blanco and Cochrane streets, the tour guide will be dressed in a green Ecomapu t-shirt, who will be waiting for you on the sky-blue platform that is surrounded by white concrete balls.
Our daily meeting point is in this location, on the blue platform located between Blanco and Cochrane streets, on the blue platform. Please look for the guides wearing a green t-shirt with the Ecomapu logo.
Port of Valparaíso Visit Please note that the following itinerary is subject to change due to time constraints and special events.
The largest art gallery in Valparaíso, unique in its kind, houses a large number of local artists in a large and beautiful heritage building in the UNESCO zone. Not available on special events and Sundays.
Stroll along Calle Prat: A Journey to the Heart of Valparaíso's Financial District.
Visit the Ascensor Concepción, the first of four 'funiculars' we will take on this tour. The Ascensor Concepción is the oldest in Chile and was inaugurated in 1883. The cost is $300 per person.
We will walk through the oldest part of Cerro Concepción and its relationship to the development of Valparaíso in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Visit to the most touristy part of Cerro Alegre.
Embark on a captivating journey to the Rojo Art Gallery, where art, history, and breathtaking views converge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the vibrant hills of Cerro Concepción, this gallery offers a unique glimpse into Valparaíso's rich artistic heritage and stunning cityscape.
We will pass by the Palacio Baburizza (1916) to learn about its history and admire its striking architecture. We will also invite you to visit the Valparaíso Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed within its walls. (Admission is not included in this tour.)
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Valparaíso as you ascend the iconic El Peral Funicular, a remarkable engineering marvel that has been transporting passengers since 1901. Experience the thrill of this vintage funicular as it gracefully climbs the steep hillside, offering breathtaking views of the city's colorful rooftops and the ever-present Pacific Ocean.
Step into the heart of Valparaíso's vibrant charm as you embark on a scenic ascent with the San Agustín Funicular, a remarkable engineering marvel that has been transporting passengers since 1913.
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Valparaíso's history as you explore the Stevedore's Route, also known as the "Ruta del trabajador de puerto." This fascinating trail delves into the city's founding district, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the port, offering a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the hardworking men and women who shaped Valparaíso's maritime heritage.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Valparaíso's rich history as you visit the Casa de John Mouat (1842) and the ancient Castillo San José (1692). This captivating tour will transport you to different eras, showcasing the city's architectural heritage and offering breathtaking views of Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
The fare for a ride on the Ascensor Cordillera (1886) is a mere $100 Chilean pesos, a small price to pay for an experience that is both exhilarating and historically significant.
This charming square holds immense significance, standing as the founding site of Valparaíso in 1536.
Your Valparaíso Free Tour might culminate in this vibrant location, depending on the number of participants. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savor the classic Valparaíso cocktail known as the "chichón."
As your Valparaíso Free Walking Tour draws to a close, prepare to be amazed by a truly unforgettable experience: a visit to its magnificent terrace offering a breathtaking 360° view of the entire heritage city.
Our office is a treasure trove of information about Valparaíso. Browse through our selection of maps, postcards, and souvenirs, each item a tangible reminder of the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beauty. We are grateful for your participation in our Free Walking Tour. If you'd like to show your appreciation and support our efforts to keep these tours free for everyone, you can easily make a donation using your credit card at our office.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
