Sotomayor, Valparaiso Travel Guide

Discover Plaza Sotomayor in Valparaíso: a historic square with naval monuments, cultural buildings, and maritime history.

Plaza Sotomayor, a historic and vibrant square in Valparaíso, Chile, stands as a testament to the city's rich maritime past and cultural significance. Named after Rafael Sotomayor, it's surrounded by historical buildings and serves as a focal point for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Sotomayor

Valparaíso, Valparaíso, CL

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Know before you go

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Explore the underground archaeological remains to uncover the port's maritime history.
Visit the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique and pay respects to the fallen sailors.
Take a sea tour from Prat Wharf for a unique perspective of Valparaíso.
Check out the Edificio Armada de Chile, the headquarters of the Chilean Navy.

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Explore Sotomayor on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Valparaíso bus terminal on Avenida Pedro Montt, walk east towards Plaza Sotomayor. The walk is approximately 1.5 km and should take about 20 minutes. As you walk, you'll pass through the commercial heart of Valparaíso. The cost is free.
Public Transport

From the Valparaíso bus terminal, take bus 612 towards the city center. The bus will drop you off near Plaza Sotomayor. The fare is approximately 340 CLP. Alternatively, the Metro Valparaíso (Merval) has a station (Estación Puerto) near Plaza Sotomayor. Adult fares range from 204 to 1080 CLP, and value cards are required.
Taxi

From the Valparaíso bus terminal, a taxi to Plaza Sotomayor will cost approximately 3,000 CLP. The ride is short, and taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Uber is also available and may be cheaper than regular taxis.

Discover more about Sotomayor

Plaza Sotomayor, originally named Plaza de la Aduana, has evolved through various names to honor Rafael Sotomayor, a prominent 19th-century minister. This plaza is the most important civic square in Valparaíso. The plaza is home to the Monument to the Heroes of Iquique, a tribute to the Chilean sailors who fought in the Battle of Iquique and the Battle of Punta Gruesa. The monument marks a mausoleum containing the remains of the fallen and survivors of the battle.Facing the plaza is the building that once housed the Intendencia de Valparaíso, which is now the headquarters of the Chilean Navy. Other significant buildings surrounding the plaza include those used by the CSAV and the National Council of Culture and the Arts. The square also has an archaeological center with the remains of the port's first fiscal dock, constructed from the remains of the frigate Esmeralda.In 2004, the square's design was extended to the Prat Wharf, creating a tourist-friendly walkway for embarking on sea tours of Valparaíso. The Prat Wharf features a replica of the Santiaguillo, the first Spanish vessel to dock in Quintil Bay. The First Company “Bomba Americana” and the Second Company “Bomba Germania” are in the eastern sector of the square. Declared a Zona Típica (historic district) on January 23, 1979, Plaza Sotomayor and its surrounding buildings stand as a reminder of Valparaíso's past.