At 10am, you will meet your red and white striped Wally at Plaza Sotomayor (our Wally will be easier to spot than in the children's books)! Your adventure starts in Valparaiso’s original and oldest neighbourhood, “Barrio Puerto”. Here, we will explore the social realities of the city. Once one of the richest in the world, it has now experienced 100 years of decline.

Our walk through this port neighbourhood will include a discussion of the Chilean diet, Valparaiso’s strong social history, and the city’s unique democratic layout. Valpo is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’.

At 10:15am, spot your first street art mural, first funicular, and learn about the local porteño-style bread (the people of Valparaiso are called porteños).

At 10:30am, dive into the forgotten treasures of Valparaiso’s Golden Era. Plaza Echaurren has a lot of soul, along with poverty. Wally will point out the best dive bar, just know that it gets a little crazy after sundown (your cue to leave).

At 10:45am, we will catch the O bus. This rollercoaster ride will take you up and through some 14 odd hills stricken by poverty, but rich in history, street art, political organization, and pride. This bus ride takes the same route made famous by Che Guevara’s arrival to Valparaiso, in the film “The Motorcycle Diaries”.

At 11:10am, standing 800 metres above sea level, you will see why Valparaiso is a real-life post card. We hope for your sake your camera doesn’t run out of battery here. Learn how the immigrants built this city up to the "Camino de Cintura", before we head back down into the oldest standing jail in Chile. The descent gives us views of the bay, and of the neighbouring cities of Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concon.

At 11:45am, we unravel how this cultural park was once the powder house for explosives, before becoming a 100-year-old jail house. Once a former prison house, now a cultural centre, Parque Cultural Ex-Cárcel was used to torture and kill political prisoners during the dictatorship. Do the names Pablo Neruda, Augusto Pinochet and Salvador Allende ring a bell? This tour explains their importance in Chile, and their tie to Valparaiso.

At 12:15pm, we will see Valparaiso’s wealthier hills, as we walk alongside the oldest Protestant cemetery in Latin America. Discover the best graffiti of the city. We show you how local street artists make fun of the Pope, Starbucks, Pinochet’s capitalistic model, and McDonald’s, through their controversial art. If you are easily offended, this tour (and this city) might not be for you!

Lastly, at 12:45pm, our tour ends in a century-old palace where we enjoy a local cocktail. You’re now ready to explore the city on your own. Our free-lance guides have shown you the heart and soul of Valparaiso, a perfect way to discover Chile's Golden Jewel for you culture seekers. And remember, only pay Wally what you think is fair!

09:45 - 10:00

Meeting point at Plaza Sotomayor (Sotomayor Main Square)

---

10:00

Start walking through the port neighbourhood

---

10:15

Spot your first street art mural and first funicular

---

10:30

Discover Valparaiso’s Golden Era and visit Plaza Echaurren

---

10:45

Catch the "O" bus, and see the route made famous by Che Guevara

---

11:10

See the city’s spectacular views

---

11:45

Explore the Ex-Jail Cultural Centre

---

12:15

Walk alongside the oldest Protestant cemetery in Latin America

---

12:45 - 13:00

Enjoy a local cocktail in a century-old place

---

- English and Spanish speaking guide

- Tips for the guides
- Personal expenses
- Public bus tickets

- Comfortable clothes
- Walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Extra cash

There is no cancellation policy.

1. What happens if we arrive late?

   Try not to be! We wait for tourists 15 minutes before the start of the tour, in order to get acquainted and check everyone in. A manager will wait for around 5 to 10 minutes after the departure time, so if you are a couple of minutes behind, normally you can just join onto the tour at their first stop near the starting point.

2. How much does it cost?

   This is a pay-what-you-like tour. There are no fees. If you loved the tour, pay what you think the freelance guide deserves, and if you didn’t enjoy yourself, you are not expected to pay a single penny. The average tip is between $10 and $20 USD, but it is really down to the person to pay as they feel.

3. How do we know who our freelance guide is?

   It’s easy! They will be wearing a white and red striped T-shirt, just like the dude in the “Where’s Wally” books… Although this time they will stick out much more easily. Head over to them, and they will give you a warm welcome and let you know what to expect.

4. What is the group size normally?

   Group size varies between seasons. We are always prepared with backup freelance guides if the tour number exceeds 22, ensuring the quality does not waver. The tours tend to have a good amount of people, making it not only enjoyable, but also a good opportunity to meet fellow travelers. After the tour is over, people often go together to grab some food and wine!

5. What ages is the tour suitable for?

   This tour is suitable for all ages! In particular, our tours are enjoyable for younger generations, with our high energy, freelance tour guides. It’s also appropriate for the wiser folk, and for people who love to learn about the real history and culture of Chile. However, it’s not recommended for those that have trouble walking or standing for periods of time, as you’ll be on your feet for around 3 hours.