Plaza Sotomayor is the main square of Valparaíso, facing the port at the foot of the city's hills. The Chilean Navy headquarters, a blue building with a turreted roof, stands on one side. The Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, which honours Chilean sailors of the War of the Pacific, stands in the square itself. Cafes, shops and historic buildings line the edges. The port, Prat Pier and the boat departures are a short walk away, and the funiculars up to the hills start close by. Most visitors use it as the first stop for getting to know the city.
The monument and the Navy headquarters
The monument at the centre of the square honours the sailors who died in the naval battles of Iquique and Punta Gruesa during the War of the Pacific. It is dedicated above all to Arturo Prat, the naval hero of the Battle of Iquique, which took place in 1879. The monument was inaugurated in 1885 and includes a bronze statue. A naval officer keeps constant guard over it, so keep a respectful distance and lower your voice near the memorial.
The building that dominates the square is the headquarters of the Chilean Navy. Its blue walls rise to a turreted pinnacle above a mansard roof. Other 19th-century heritage buildings stand around the square, and the Iglesia de la Matriz and the El Mercurio building are close by. The architecture is easiest to appreciate from the open space in front of the monument.
Around the square
Shops, restaurants and cafes line the edges of the plaza, and you can stop for a coffee or an ice cream before walking on. Street artists, musicians and puppet makers work in the square, and on weekends there are antique markets and craft fairs. Rock concerts are often held here on weekends too. A shopping mall beside the square has a food court and toilets.
The square faces a working harbour. You can watch cargo ships and visiting cruise ships arrive and leave, and look out over fishing boats and cranes from the waterfront.
From the square to the harbour and the hills
To reach the water, cross the main road to the waterfront and Prat Pier. Boat operators offer short rides around the bay. Expect to pay about 4,000 Chilean pesos for a trip of roughly 30 minutes.
In the other direction, the hills begin just behind the square. Funiculars and lifts, such as Ascensor El Peral, carry you up toward Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. These are the two hills where most of the historic neighbourhoods are concentrated, with large old houses, colourful buildings and wide views over the port. A local suggestion is to see Valparaíso from the hills, from the streets and from the sea. All three are possible from this square.
Walking tours and staying safe
Several guided walks of Valparaíso begin at Plaza Sotomayor. A tip-based walking tour starts here in the afternoon, and the guide wears a red and white striped shirt. These tours usually last about three hours, so wear comfortable shoes and bring change for the funicular.
The square is open at all hours, but it is busy and pickpocketing is a known problem in Valparaíso. Local advice is to avoid the streets just west and north of the plaza after dark. Take a taxi or Uber if you are going to restaurants outside Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción in the evening.
FAQ
How long do you need at Plaza Sotomayor?
One to two hours covers the monument, the buildings around the square and a coffee stop. Allow longer if you add a boat ride or a walk up to the hills.
How much is a boat ride from Plaza Sotomayor?
Boats leave from the waterfront across the main road from the square. A trip of about 30 minutes costs around 4,000 Chilean pesos.
Are there walking tours from Plaza Sotomayor?
Yes. A tip-based walking tour of about three hours starts here in the afternoon, and the guide wears a red and white striped shirt. Wear comfortable shoes.
Is Plaza Sotomayor safe at night?
The square is open at all hours, but take care after dark. Avoid the streets west and north of the plaza and use a taxi or Uber for evening trips.
Is Plaza Sotomayor wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible parking lot.
Where can you park near Plaza Sotomayor?
There is underground parking near the square.
