Travel Guide to Chile:
5
Fun Facts to Know About Chile
A
Hiking Guide to Easter Island
Chile:
Land of Poets
Chile
Travel: Visiting the Lake District from Puerto Varas
Chile
Travel Destinations & Places To Visit in Chile
Concepcion
Guide
Discover
the beauty of San Pedro de Atacama
History
and Growth of Santiago de Chile
History
of Chile
Sightseeing
in Punta Arenas - Chile
Revealing
the Valleys of Chile
Swept
Away In Santiago De Chile
The
Mythology of Easter Island
Travel
to Valparaiso, Chile
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.
Top
|
