Valparaiso street art is a bold and dramatic example of personal expression. It is different from other cities. Not so much in its style but in its artists’ passion, respect, and backstory.
Unlike the rest of Chile, where street art is illegal or restricted, the Valparaiso government almost encourages this freedom. As a result, Valparaiso is a vibrant, colourful city offering some of the world’s best street art.
Valparaiso street art is a bold and dramatic example of personal expression, featuring emotional, entertaining, and political artwork.
Where to find street art in Valparaiso
Street art in Valparaiso is seemingly everywhere. However, there are some more famous areas, as well as some that are generally considered safer than others.
Valpo, as the locals call it, is built on 42 hills (“cerros” in Spanish). Each one is a neighbourhood, and as a result, each neighbourhood is unique. One of our favourites for Valparaiso street art is Cerro Concepción. Here the art blankets the walls of this winding pedestrian passage (Pasaje Gálvez). It’s also the neighbourhood of a Chilean cooking class we thoroughly enjoyed.
Murals cover previously unpainted legal walls (and many that are not legal) throughout the city. Never forget to look up for more Valparaiso street art examples, as it’s often above a roofline.
Dramatic and vibrant, these are a few of our favourites:
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Valparaiso street art tour
If you wander in the safer neighbourhoods of Cerro Concepción, Cerro Alegre, and Cerro Bellavista, you can easily tour Valparaiso street art on your own. However, if you want a bit of history and don’t want to miss some of the most famous pieces (we missed the piano steps), a dedicated street art or graffiti tour is the best option.
We took a city tour with Tours4Tips that naturally included some street art as it is so intricately ingrained in Valpo culture. In retrospect, I think this well-rated private walking tour would have been a better option for us. It visits more streets art that we didn’t see as well as other historical locations.
Vibrant staircases in Valparaiso
What really caught me in Valparaiso is the stair art. I have seen this style before, but always as a one-off. Being built on so many hills, Valparaiso is like San Francisco with staircases everywhere you turn. However, Valparaiso steps are painted, tiled, or otherwise decorated.
Unlike the famous Selaron Steps in Rio de Janeiro, in Valpo, the top side of nearly every step we came upon was undecorated concrete. I don’t know if this is because walking on the art would eventually destroy it, or just a way to offer encouragement to those heading uphill. Either way, the effect highlights an incredibly talented group of artists.
A brief history of Valparaiso street art
Any summary of the history of Valparaiso street art will start with Pablo Neruda. The Chilean poet brought mural artists to the city. Then, in 1973 under the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, street artists in Valparaiso were forced underground and risked “disappearing” if caught.
It was especially dangerous to those who painted political messages. In 1990, with the return to freedom, the Valparaiso city government legalized street art. Today, the city attracts creative artists from around the world.
Respect amongst Valparaiso graffiti artists
Our city guide discussed the strong respect between creative people. She added that as street art and graffiti gained popularity, many homeowners found their homes tagged.
The solution was to commission a mural, thus “protecting” their home from graffiti. An unwritten rule, artists find their own spots, rather than clipping another’s work. Interesting, there is no overlap between the mural and tagging.
More street art in Valparaiso
Here are a few more of our favourite images:
Tips for searching for Valparaiso street art
- Bring a camera. I shot the street art on this page with both my Olympus OMD-Em5 and a few of the shots on the predecessor to the Olympus TG-6. The first is a mirrorless technology camera with interchangeable lenses. It’s the perfect travel camera. However, when heading into less safe neighbourhoods or underwater, I want my waterproof, crushproof, portable camera that easily tucks away in a pocket when not in use. Both cameras can shoot RAW format.
- Take extra safety precautions if you are looking for street art in the Van Buren District or on Cerro Polanco.
- Street art fans, don’t miss this collection of South American graffiti and street art images.
- Don’t miss the other amazing things to do in Valparaiso.
Valparaiso as a day trip from Santiago
A port city, Valparaiso is a destination on its own or a day trip from Santiago, Chile’s capital city. We spent several days in Valparaiso and could have easily stayed longer. However, if you’re based in Santiago or have limited time, a day trip might be the perfect option. Based on reviews, we believe this Valparaíso and Vina del Mar Tour is the best of the Valparaiso tours from Santiago.
This full-day tour includes a visit to a winery in the Casablanca Valley. It does quite a bit including museum visits and several rides on funiculars in addition to discovering the Chilean street art that made this town famous. Be sure to read the reviews before booking.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Private guides: we often find the best option is to work with a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
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Don’t miss our tips for first-time visitors to Chile or our five-country South America itinerary.
Andres
I’d love to use one of your pictures in a poster!
amy
wow these are amazing perfect instagram locations aren’t they!
Nancy
Wow, what a beautiful place! I always love to stop and appreciate street art. It truly is art!
Julie Kemp Pick
Hi Rhonda, It’s too hard to choose between the wall and staircase art, because they’re both so exceptional. I guess I’d have to give bonus creativity points for the painted staircases, as I’ve never seen anything like it before. Just thinking about all of the hard work and attention to detail on the staircases makes my head spin. You can probably visit these places and find new beautiful things to look at every time.
Catscue Catmom
Vibrant is the word! Those photos are amazing!
Mandy
The art in Chile is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing these images! 🙂
hilary
What a colorful and vibrant city! You know I’d love to visit and see all this fabulous art. As far as choosing between the staircases and the murals… I love them both. However, the staircases are as you say less common, and the complications of painting on them makes them all the more impressive. My family would kill me if we visited here because I would be taking SO many photos!
Nancy
Fun images! Nothing like that here.
rupam { xhobdo }
Amazing street arts.
Carol
Wonderful diversity in the art. I love being surrounded by bright colors and art.
stevebethere
Wow! brilliant street art and murals must LQQK even better actually being there, that staircase is so long heheh!
Have an artistictastic week ➡
Photo Cache
Love love love the post. I always seek out the mural/graffiti district with every city I visit.
Eileen Wise
Hello, the street art and murals are just beautiful. The stairs are amazing. Wonderful post and photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead!
Marie
So many talented street artists represented there. I love the colour and the vibrancy of their work.
V.P. Harris
Now, I need to visit Chile but I am eaxctly in the extreme other end of the world, you just can’t imagine how grateful I am for a glimpse of your world when, when I am confined home in a 21 day lockdown for the first time in my almost 62 years on this Planet!
Clare
Absolutely LOVE those staircases! What an incentive to walk upstairs more often! I’ve heard about the street art in Valparaiso but it looks more like a street art city in your colourful post.
Corey
Wow – those stairs are amazing!! I love how Valparaiso embraces street art – it’s such a vibrant and colorful city, and the street art adds so much life to the already alive feel. I really enjoyed this post.
Jill
I find this street art very appealing. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s so colorful or because it seems to have it’s own, different style. I’d enjoy seeing it in person in Valparaiso.
Phil and Garth
I’m a graphic designer and get to do colouring in for a living 🙂 so I absolutely love street-art and always seek it out where we visit. I know very little about Chile, Valparaiso’s street art looks incredible!! How cool the city isn’t against it. I especially like the mosaics and the face murals, thanks for the insight!
Obligatory Traveler
Wow! This is some really impressive street art. I love seeing street art when I travel and it’s always great to be in a place that promotes and appreciates the art form. I need to travel to Chile to see all of these great pieces in person.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
I recognize some of these murals from our stay in Valparaiso some years ago. I am glad to see the street art which we loved so much is still thriving.
Jasmine Hewitt
very colorful street art. some really unique pieces
sue davies
The staircases are amazing. So sorry to have missed the street art when I went to Valparaiso 8 years ago. This post makes me want go back.
Bella and Dawn
We love hunting down street art in towns and cities and the art in Valparaiso looks amazing – some really talented people!
Amy Franks
Gosh maybe NZ should be more colourful like this!
Catherine
That is some really incredible street art! I love scrolling through…so much attention to detail.
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
I think I like the woman with the birds best but the staircase art is utterly captivating too.
Ruth Murdoch
The street art is something that has just recently caught my attention, especially here in Morocco. Thanks for sharing your photos, I didn’t realise it was such a big thing in other parts of the world. Sure beats the graffiti…
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – extraordinary … wonderful to see. The staircase and the stiletto – quite extraordinary … as you say the planning – takes some thinking about … lovely photos for us … and those hills – must be so interesting – cheers Hilary
Alexandra Cook
Those were a beautiful spot. I love how creative those who made this street art. I would love to visit Chile to see these.
Catherine
Wow! Some stunning works. Street art never ceases to amaze me.
Kami
I always enjoy looking at street arts. They are like a free gallery on the streets. These are the most amazing street art I ever saw.
Karen
Wow that is seriously great street art. I think that even beats Łodz in Poland. What a great visual journey.
Angie Scheie
Street art is so cool! The work on the staircases is amazing and I think the hands one is my favorite too.
Chelle Dizon
I think the street arts, murals and staircase art are really creative and very impressive. I like seeing artistic creation like that and I admire the people who have the passion to share their skills.
Chad
These are really great! I am so in love with mosaics, so interesting. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Amanda
Beautiful street art! I adore the recycled bottles/plant holder idea – so cute!
Calleigh | The Fork bite
This is a beautiful walk around. I enjoy watching graffitis and murals as they symbolize a very important part of the culture.
Beth Pierce
Wow! That is some gorgeous street art! Some of those are like hidden gems!
Sara Welch
Those are some awesome displays of street art! I love the mosaic stairwell! Beautiful!
Surekha Busa
Wow, these street arts are so cool. People who painted here have a great talent.
Kalyan Panja
I have a fascination with street art and would love to visit Valparaiso and see them in person.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Wow! This is so amazing! Can’t wait to see these in person!
kumamonjeng
I love street art and this is a great list to find beautiful talent artwork. My favorite would be the long mosaic tile staircase is alongside one of the city’s funicular elevators. Look pretty high up to climb up but I m ready.
Jordan Danielle
Wow! I love all the street art it really gives the city character and a story. Thanks for sharing
Katia
Whoa it’s wonderful that artists can showcase their work in the streets !!
Melissa Dixon
Wow I am blown away by this place. I need to see this is person. Thank you for the inspiration, I am going to look more into this and consider adding it to the bucket list.
Catherine Santiago Jose
Wow, such an amazing place to visit so unique and beautiful. I would love to see that place someday!
L. Diane Wolfe
Beautiful work. I love the two birds guarding the door.
Ash Carlo
Such beautiful street art. Those creating this art are ever so talented – these are so colourful and interesting.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Amazing the variety. Using the soda bottles is clever. Think I would definitely go with a guided tour.
Raluca
Never been here, so loved to see your photos, the street art there is amazing!
Lori
The graffiti looks amazing! They are indeed artists and I’d love to take such a tour! I love the stairs too – I actually recently saw one in my hometown: it totally changes a place!
katie davies
what beautiful art work i often wish the UK was as colourful as these other countries
Esther
Wow, I love the look of this. I like how large all the murals are and all the stairs are quite unique!
Elena
Beautiful art! I see some familiar faces here. It’s been almost 4 years since my last trip to S. America. Street art was the highlight and the most cherished memory. I know, I know, there are tons of other things, but as a self-proclaimed street art aficionado, I was in heaven. Said this, due to time constraints, I managed to miss Chile. Every time I see another article about street art there, I am ready to bite myself. On a bright side, thank you for making my day. Cheers!
Ryan K Biddulph
Beautiful colors. I think of how many hours folks spend on street art. Minus a name tag, no credit. Pretty impressive to me as it shows folks are genuinely passionate about their craft and care little of gaining credit.
Rose
This street and staircase art is so beautiful. I have now officiously added Valparaiso to my bucket list!
Danielle
Wow, thank you so much for sharing! I do not know if I will ever be able to get to Chile so this is like I am living through you! Thank you!
Paul Pietrangelo
The murals are amazing & some are shocking. It’s kind of weird to not see any murals at all. Even the walk ways are painted in some manner. To me that is beautiful.
Cruisin Paul
Sandee
I love colorful street art. There are some very talented artists out there and you found a lot of them.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥
Lydia C. Lee
There’s some great works there. I love the moasic – Wizard of Oz?