Artillería funicular railway, Historical funicular railway in Valparaíso, Chile
The Artillería funicular connects the lower city with Artillería hill, operating on a four-track system with two independent machine rooms—a design unlike the other remaining funiculars in the city. Each cabin holds 25 passengers and completes the ascent over a span of about 175 meters (575 feet).
The system was built in 1892 and began operating in early 1893, responding to Valparaíso's rapid growth as the city climbed its hillsides. It became a vital link for moving people between different elevation levels during this period of urban expansion.
The funicular is woven into how Valparaíso residents move through their hillside city and connect different neighborhoods. Locals still use it as a daily shortcut, and it remains a symbol of the city's practical approach to steep terrain.
The journey takes about 80 seconds, with cabins holding up to 25 people each, so waits are typically short. Tickets are sold at the upper station, making access straightforward for visitors arriving from either level.
The system runs on four tracks instead of the typical two, which sets it apart from Valparaíso's other remaining funiculars. This dual-track design with separate machine rooms gives it a redundancy that few others have.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
