Pablo Neruda's houses: La Chascona, La Sebastiana and Isla Negra

Pablo Neruda, winner of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature, turned his houses into an extension of his poetry: full of objects from the sea, curious collections and views he chose himself. Today they are house-museums run by the Pablo Neruda Foundation.

La Chascona (Santiago)

In the Bellavista neighbourhood, at the foot of San Cristóbal Hill. Neruda built it in the 1950s for Matilde Urrutia, whose untamed red hair gave it its name ("chascona" means dishevelled). The house climbs the slope on several levels, with a bar, a dining room that feels like a ship and a library.

How to visit: a few blocks from Baquedano metro station. Combine it with Bellavista's street art and San Cristóbal Hill, as on our Neruda, San Cristóbal & Andes Views tour.

La Sebastiana (Valparaíso)

On Cerro Bellavista in Valparaíso. Neruda wanted "a little house to live quietly" and ended up with a five-storey tower above the bay. From his desk you see the whole amphitheatre of hills and the port.

How to visit: it is part of any day in Valparaíso. Our private full day to Valparaíso and Viña del Mar includes the entry.

Isla Negra (central coast)

The poet's favourite house, facing the ocean, about two hours from Santiago. It holds his collections of ship figureheads, bottles and shells. Neruda and Matilde are buried there, looking out to sea.

How to visit: usually combined with a day on the coast; ask us about a tailor-made trip.

Practical tips

1. Closed on Mondays: the three houses usually close on Mondays.
2. Guided visit: tours are with an audio guide or a guide; book ahead in high season.
3. Photos: photography is usually not allowed inside.

Reading Neruda before you go changes the visit: take "Elemental Odes" or "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair".