Public Transportation in Valparaiso

A colectivo on a busy market day at Avenue Argentinia.

Public transportation in Vaparaiso is a great way to move around the city. However, it can be a bit confusing to the new visitor. There are three types of transportation:

Taxi -
Taxis in Valpo are usually black with a yellow roof. Few carry an actual "taxi" sign, though there are some taxis with said sign but of different color.

Colectivo -
A colectivo is either a shared taxi or a very small bus, depending on which way you look at it. They are usually black with a large sign on top. The sign shows the line number, which isn't much help at all, and the destinations. You will have to learn which colectivo is the right one for you. Either remember which lines you have seen in other places or just ask someone. All colectivos pass through the main areas of Valparaiso like Plaza Victoria, Bellavista and the harbor area.
You stop a colectivo just like you would a taxi, but the trip only costs around 500 pesos.

Micro Bus -
Buses in Valparaiso usually stop at "Paradas" signs with a bus symbol on them. There are plenty. If you wish to get off the bus, use the "pares" (stop) button.
Here too you will have to look at the signs on the bus to see which locations he will go to or pass through. A bus trip costs under 400 pesos.