Paul Bird
Combining the arid Atacama Desert and iconic Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the dramatic contrasts of its landscapes make Chile one of Paul’s most treasured travel destinations.
- 1(800)272-4163
The ramshackle, sinuous streets of Valparaiso and the old funiculars offer a walking tour unlike any other. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features antique Victorian mansions and colourful tin houses lining terraced walkways that wind around precipitous hills.
Sweeping seaward views and atmospheric restaurants and cafes are prevalent, but it’s Valparaiso’s bars that brought this city notoriety. It is fascinating to explore the faded remains of this once-thriving port town, now home to many artists and artisans.
Valparaiso serves as a fine addition to any tailor-made holiday through Chile and is easily accessible from Santiago and the winelands. Visitors may like to explore the central region by hire car to offer that little extra flexibility to an itinerary.
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Travel to the former home of Pablo Neruda, one of Chile’s most revered poets and a receiver of the Nobel Prize.
Embark on a boat trip from the harbour to gain the best views of the Valparaiso’s colourful and antiquated homes.
Wander along the winding city streets to take in Valparaiso’s unique faded grandeur and dazzling displays of artistic graffiti.
Travel on one of Valparaiso’s old funicular elevators, which run up and down the 40 hillsides upon which the city is perched.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Perched on an impressive hillside vantage point that overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaiso and its bay, Hotel Casa Higueras is a former 1920s mansion house turned charming boutique hotel. Hidden behind a simple façade on an unassuming street, the property houses an elegant lounge and a magnificent roof terrace restaurant that affords diners with panoramic views over Plaza Anibal Pinto.
Flanked by hilly streets and inventive graffiti-covered buildings, Palacio Astoreca is a former Victorian palace turned elegant boutique hotel that is nestled within the historic quarter of Valparaiso. A bright and contemporary piano bar often hosts live musicians at sunset, while a plush library houses hundreds of books with an emphasis on Chilean authors and travel writing.
Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Combining the arid Atacama Desert and iconic Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the dramatic contrasts of its landscapes make Chile one of Paul’s most treasured travel destinations.
In the late ’90s, I booked myself on an expeditionary voyage into the Antarctic Circle and was instantly hooked. Since then, I’ve returned to Antarctica a number of times and ventured deep into the Arctic – from Svalbard to the Russian and Canadian Arctic – always chasing that same sense of wonder. It’s this rare personal experience of the world’s polar extremes that I bring to every journey I plan.
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?