We are ending a cruise in San Antonio and flying out of Santiago. We are thinking of going to Valparaiso and skipping Santiago. How is Valparasio, how many days, where to stay, any recommendations? We are thinking of going directly to airport from Val. How is Val after all the fires a few years ago, how is crime? TY

I loved Valparaiso but that was many years ago. Much preferred it to Santiago and it is very easy to get there - an hour or two by shuttle from the airport as I recall. I did look at a return to Chile/Argentina for early 26 but my understanding from friends that visited earlier this year is that reconstruction is not progressing well. Apparently crime is still big problem. In the end I decide to go elsewhere.

Personally I wouldn't bother with Santiago unless you only have a couple of days. I would possibly consider heading north to San Pedro de Atacama if you had say 3 days to play with

Earlier this year, we did something similar after our cruise — we bypassed Santiago and spent two nights in Valparaiso. I must say it was worth it if you like art, viewpoints, and the local vibe. The city remains scarred from the fires, but the majority of the main areas, like Cerro Concepción and Cerro Alegre have been cleaned up and have excellent little hotels, cafés, and murals everywhere.

Valparaiso is not a polished city, and actually it's somewhat gritty in parts, but that's what makes it great. Just be smart about where you walk at night and do not flaunt valuables (same philosophy in any major port city).

We stayed at Hotel Casa Higueras, and it was great — beautiful views and an easy base to walk to explore. Two days was perfect in my opinion. It gave us a chance to go see the hills and ride on the old funiculars, and have a couple of long lunches.

The drive from Valparaiso to Santiago airport took us about 1 hour 45 minutes with light traffic, and if your flight is later in the day, that is an easy connection.