Aduana de Valparaíso
A historic customs house, the Aduana de Valparaíso is a landmark building and a gateway to the city's vibrant port and hilly neighborhoods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Aduana de Valparaíso
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic customs house, the Aduana de Valparaíso is a landmark building and a gateway to the city's vibrant port and hilly neighborhoods.
"Outstanding building, looks pretty and well cared for, a reference point for the city."
🚶♀️ Walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería
Easily walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería for great views.
🚋 Ride the Historic Trolley
Catch a trolley from Aduana to explore the city's Plan.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Aduana Building
Plan (Downtown)
Admire Chile's oldest public building, a testament to Valparaíso's maritime heritage. A true landmark!
Trolleybus Ride
Starting from Aduana
Hop on a vintage trolley from Aduana to explore the city's Plan. A charming and nostalgic way to travel.
Artillery Hill Views
Via Artillery Elevator
Ascend to Cerro Artillería from near the Aduana for stunning panoramic views of the port and city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Port City
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería
Easily walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería for great views.
🚋 Ride the Historic Trolley
Catch a trolley from Aduana to explore the city's Plan.
📸 Admire the Architecture
The Aduana building is a beautiful, historic landmark perfect for photos.
☕ Visit Nearby Cafes
Explore charming cafes like Café Aduana near the historic building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería
Easily walk from Aduana to Cerro Artillería for great views.
🚋 Ride the Historic Trolley
Catch a trolley from Aduana to explore the city's Plan.
📸 Admire the Architecture
The Aduana building is a beautiful, historic landmark perfect for photos.
☕ Visit Nearby Cafes
Explore charming cafes like Café Aduana near the historic building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Aduana building as an outstanding and well-cared-for historic landmark, serving as a key reference point in Valparaíso. Many appreciate the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the views from nearby viewpoints. Some express a desire to explore more of the building's interior.
"Outstanding building"
George Panagiotidis
"On my way to Cerro Artilleria I stopped by to take some photos. She looks pretty and well cared for.
People take it as a reference point."
Marco Espinoza
"Interesting building. I would like to go up to the top floor of the tower."
Daniel Pérez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aduana de Valparaíso is located in the Plan (downtown area) and is easily accessible by public transport. You can take local buses or the historic trolleys that run through the city's main streets. Many visitors also walk from other central points in the Plan.
Yes, the area around the Aduana is generally flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. It's a good starting point for walking tours of the city's Plan.
The Aduana is a hub for public transport. You can catch various bus lines and the iconic Valparaíso trolleys from here, which are a great way to see the city.
Driving and parking in Valparaíso's Plan can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's often recommended to use public transport or taxis.
You can walk from the Aduana area towards the Artillery Elevator, which will take you up to Cerro Artillería for stunning views. The walk is scenic and manageable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Aduana building is a historic landmark and generally viewed from the exterior. There are no specific tickets required to admire its architecture from the outside.
While direct public tours of the interior might be limited, the building's exterior is a significant point of interest. Some local guides may incorporate it into city tours.
The Aduana building itself is a government customs house, so its internal operating hours are for official business. The surrounding public areas are accessible during daylight hours.
Accessing the viewpoints near Aduana, such as those from Cerro Artillería (reached via the Artillery Elevator), may involve a small fee for the elevator ride, but the views themselves are free.
For official customs matters, you would need to follow the procedures outlined by Aduanas de Chile. The building serves as an active customs office.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the street level in front of the building, and from viewpoints on Cerro Artillería looking back towards the port and the Aduana.
Generally, it is safe to take photos in the well-trafficked areas around Aduana. However, as with any urban environment, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the Aduana building and the surrounding port. Weekday mornings can also be good with fewer people.
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near ports due to regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
Look for the building's historical facade, its tower, and any decorative elements that highlight its colonial-era architecture.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Aduana has several charming cafes and eateries. Café Aduana is a popular spot located in a historic building, offering a great atmosphere.
You can find a range of options, from budget-friendly meals to more upscale dining. Cafes often offer affordable set menus or pastries.
While the immediate vicinity might have more tourist-oriented cafes, venturing slightly further into the Plan or up the hills will reveal more traditional Chilean eateries.
Many cafes and restaurants in Valparaíso are becoming more accommodating to dietary needs. It's always a good idea to ask or check menus for vegetarian and vegan choices.
Cafes like Café Aduana are often set in historic buildings, offering a unique ambiance with a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking a trolleybus ride from near the Aduana; it's a fun and novel experience for children. Many cafes in the Plan also offer kid-friendly snacks and a relaxed atmosphere. Remember to keep an eye on little ones in busy areas and be mindful of the steep inclines if you venture up the hills.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Walking from the Aduana to Cerro Artillería is a great free activity that rewards you with stunning views. Look for cafes offering set menus (menú de 3 tiempos), which can be very economical, like the one mentioned near Plaza Sotomayor. Many of Valparaíso's best experiences, like exploring street art and enjoying the views, are free or low-cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Timing is key; aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for dramatic lighting on the building and the harbor. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. Don't forget to explore the surrounding streets for unique angles and the vibrant street art that Valparaíso is famous for.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Aduana Building
While its primary function remains customs operations, the building itself is a point of interest for its historical value and architectural style. Visitors often admire its exterior, noting its well-preserved state and its significance as a landmark. It serves as a crucial reference point for navigating the city and understanding its historical layout. The building's presence is deeply intertwined with the identity of Valparaíso, symbolizing its connection to the sea and global commerce.
For those interested in history and architecture, the Aduana building offers a glimpse into Valparaíso's golden age. Its proximity to other historical sites and its role as a transport hub make it an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the city's development.
Exploring the Plan via Trolleybus
From the Aduana, you can easily board a trolleybus to traverse the flat, central part of the city. This allows you to see various landmarks, plazas, and the general urban fabric of Valparaíso without the hassle of navigating traffic or finding parking. The trolleys often pass by other significant buildings and bustling commercial areas, providing a unique perspective on daily life in the port city.
Riding the trolley is a quintessential Valparaíso experience, often recommended by locals and visitors alike. It's a slower, more scenic way to travel, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the city's unique character. Many travelers find it a delightful and practical way to get around, especially when heading to or from the Aduana area.
Connecting Aduana to the Hills
One of the most direct ways to make this ascent is by utilizing the Artillery Elevator (Ascensor Artillería), which is conveniently located near the Aduana. This historic funicular railway is not only a practical means of transport but also an attraction in itself, providing a charming ride up the steep incline.
Alternatively, for those who enjoy walking, there are pedestrian routes that wind their way up the hills from the vicinity of the Aduana. These paths offer a more immersive experience, allowing you to discover hidden corners and enjoy the vibrant street art that Valparaíso is known for.
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