Valparaiso Art

Soak up Valparaiso's artistic side and visit little known neighborhoods with serious street art credentials. When you sprinkle in the ghostly faded beauty of its frenzied cerros (hills), some of the best street art in Latin America, winding and steep, streets, alleys and escaleras (stairways) mixed with decaying mansions, it's obvious why some visitors spend more time here than in Santiago. Enjoy a funicular ride on an early 20th century railway and admire the striking views of the city, the hills and the ocean from some of the best (and least known) vantage points in Valparaiso. See and learn about some of the most iconic buildings in the city and meet the friendly folks at 'Valparaiso en Colores' and discover a very special community project that aims to rejuvenate local neighborhoods through street art while injecting beauty and joy back into the daily lives of local people. Get a lesson in graffiti and have a go at creating your own work of art, spray can in-hand and who knows, you may discover that you are the new Banksy!

Your artistic journey begins with a funicular ride up to a local neighborhood that's not often visited by tourists. Upon arrival make your way towards two important hills that are steeped in the history of Valparaiso; Cerro Baron and Cerro Lecheros. From here, you'll be able to enjoy awesome views of the city and admire some of its most important (UNESCO-approved) historic buildings, such as the iconic church that was used as a lighthouse for sailors during the 19th Century.

This area is very special to street art enthusiasts because it's where the 'Valparaiso en Colores' project was created by the inspirational non-profit organization 'En Colores.' The team invited some of Chile's most talented artists to paint elaborate murals on the sides of local buildings, transforming the area into a vibrant celebration of street art and creative expression. Your tour will focus attention on twelve of large murals. The subject matter in each piece was discussed and decided upon during a join conversation between the artists and the neighbors, meaning that each piece is a great representation of local people. As you stroll around admiring the murals, learn about the artists that created them and about the meaning behind them. Also see landscape interventions that En Colores has made to improve the lifestyle of local inhabitants, adding trees and flowers to improve the overall look and feel of the area. The charity is working alongside local citizens, giving them the tools and resources to help them maintain their beautiful new green space.

The views from this area are impressive and Insta-worthy, there's no way you will be able to avoid adding a bragging landscape shot to make your followers jealous. Spend some time gazing out over the hills and the city towards the ocean, taking everything in. Next up, travel with the locals on a public bus to an art studio located on yet another hill of Valparaiso.

Here you will meet some of the artists that participated in the mural project and take a closer look at more of their work. Now is your opportunity to get creative yourself as you get a lesson in street art from one of the artists at the studio. Be handed a spray can and it's up to you to create something inspirational, or hilarious, or whatever you want it to be.

Your local guide will be on hand to take photos to make sure you will always remember that time you created mind-blowing art on the streets of Valparaiso. A gentle stroll downhill will take you to Plaza Anibal Pinto, where your tour ends.