In fact, there’s no need for a detailed itinerary. This charming small city is divided into the downtown area and the mountain town. A taxi ride from the downtown to the central tourist area in the mountain town takes only about 10 minutes. I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights, and I strongly disagree with those who join tour groups.
There’s no need to book a local one-day tour for this small mountain. I prefer the freedom of exploring and taking photos at my own pace, without any restrictions. The sunset in late February is around 21:00, so you can enjoy the scenery for a long time.
**Transportation Options:**
1. Taking an Uber costs over 700 RMB one way.
2. I asked a driver in Santiago, and he quoted 120,000 pesos for a round trip.
3. After some research on Google, I decided to take FlixBus to experience the local travel mode. I purchased round-trip tickets for two people, including seat selection, for about 40 euros through their app.
From my hotel, I took a taxi to Pajaritos in Santiago, where I waited for my bus. The bus had the departure time clearly marked, and I simply scanned the QR code to board once it arrived.
Upon reaching the bus station in Valparaíso, a taxi to the hotel in the mountain tourist area cost around 4,000 pesos.
I also saved the driver’s WhatsApp contact for a convenient pick-up when I needed to go back down the mountain.
At the bus station in Valparaíso, there are many locals offering rides back to Santiago. Just like in China, these people rely on such work to make a living, and they approach travelers one by one, hoping for a fare.
**Accommodation:**
I booked a stay at the BO Hotel through Ctrip. The room was a duplex with four beds. The hotel is conveniently located, allowing easy access to all the main attractions. I went out twice a day for sightseeing and even flew a drone, returning to the hotel for rest in between.
**What to Do?**
There’s no need for a detailed plan. Starting from the BO Hotel, simply walk towards the sea and explore. You’ll come across all the major attractions, including churches, viewpoints, cable cars, and shopping streets, without needing to search for specific addresses.
**Are Other Areas Worth Visiting?**
I also explored other parts of the mountains, where you can find occasional graffiti. Most houses are painted in vibrant colors, and there are many dog owners. These areas don’t have as many highlights, and the downtown area of Valparaíso is similar to Santiago, with the real charm being in the mountainous regions.
**Is It Necessary to Join a Tour Group?**
If you’re not too keen on taking lots of photos, joining a tour group might be an option. However, for such a simple and accessible destination, it’s really not necessary. If you want to take many photos, it’s much better to explore on your own!
