VALPARAISO (VALPO), CHILE, SOUTH AMERICA - TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

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Travel to Valparaiso, Chile    by Jay V

Valparaiso is one of Chile's most vibrant sea-side cities facing the Pacific coast, with a population of around 320,000.

Valparaiso is referred to by Chileans as simply 'Valpo', it is situated around 120kms west of the capital Santiago, which is about one and half hours by bus. The city is widely known for its bohemian culture, brightly colored houses, beautiful seaside views and intriguing nightlife.

Having a reputation for being the most unique city in Chile, and one of the most unusual in all of Latin America, Valpo has long been one of the continent's best-kept secrets.

Nicknamed "The Jewel of the Pacific", The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. From the flat city center you can walk along the sea side road towards the ascensores (funicular lifts) creaking up and down an acute angle taking curious visitors up the chaotic cerros (hills), with their steep labyrinthine roads, crumbling mansions and kaleidoscopic rooftops, The gorgeous views from the top of the hill will have everyone snapping away at it's picturesque harbor.

It's not just the stunning views that hit you as you look down to the busy working commercial and naval harbor below, it's the unique, attenuated grandeur of the town, and its instinctive, bohemian charm. More than anywhere else in Chile, there's that feeling in the air of 'anything goes ' here.

Some examples of places to see in Valparaiso are:

The Funicular lifts (Ascensor Artilleria)

The Funicular lifts are definitely a must do in Valparaiso. It's kinda like going to Rio and not visiting the famous Corcovado, or Sugarloaf Mountain.

The Funicular lifts are one of Valpo's main attractions, and when you get up there you will see why.

Paseo 21 de Mayo

Once you're up top, you will see a handicraft fair alongside the road Paseo 21 de Mayo, with many stalls and small shops selling some great souvenirs of Valpo, along with T-shirts, paintings and very neat handcrafted ornaments that will all look great in your living room.

Cerro Concepcion

This hill is located in the older area of Valparaiso and is great for tourists. There are a lot of hostels, small alleyways, many restaurants, cafes and galleries to see here. The hill also offers great views of the city from Paseo Gervasoni.

So don't wait too long now, just come along and see this magnificent place at least once, but I'm sure once you come here you will want to return.