5 Things to Do in Valparaiso Chile
Located
72 miles from Chile’s capital city, Valparaiso was once the most important port in South America. Then came the Panama Canal in 1914 and the rest is history for Valparaiso.
This old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Efforts have been made since then to protect the historical sites of the city including the funiculars, public palaces, buildings and the cerros (hills).
Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Valparaiso Chile:
One: Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre
Cerro Alegre is a picturesque old neighborhood with narrow cobblestone walkways, graffiti-covered walls, cafés, historical homes, mansions, bakeries, churches and palaces just like the mid 1800s and early 1900s.
Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are intertwined and are popular tourist destinations because of the historical and cultural attractions. Visitors get an aerial view of Valparaiso in front of Palacio Baburizza on Paseo Yugolavo.
Palacio Baburizza is an art nouvean-style mansion owned by a Croatian-Chilean minerals magnate. It is now the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes, which houses private collections of 20th century fine arts. Next to the museum is El Palacio Astoreca, a Victorian mansion turned into a boutique hotel.
On Paseo Gervasoni visitors could visit the home and museum of cartoonist Renzo Pecchenino now known as the Museo El Mirador de Lukas. There is also a Gothic-style church – Iglesia Luterana.
Two: The funiculars
Valparaiso is a hilly city. Records show that the city at one time had over 30 elevators (known as funiculars or ascensores). The Ascensor Concepcion on Cerro Concepcion is the oldest elevator in Valparaiso. It was inaugurated in 1883. The British introduced funiculars to Valparaiso. Generally these funiculars are either two wooden or metal cars moving simultaneously in opposite directions, up and down the hill. They are mounted on a platform to which are attached to the wheels. (Source:
UNESCO)
Another funicular to visit is Ascensor Artilleria in Cerro Artilleria. This funicular will take you to the Maritime Museum for a great harbor view of Valparaiso. Cerro Artilleria has plenty of artisanal shops and small souvenir stores.
Three: The Stairs of Valparaiso
Most residents either take the local bus or colectivo (shared taxis) or walk up and down the steep stairs.
One way to see more of Valparaiso is to take these steep stairs. The painted stairs, graffiti art and street art around the city make this city an open art gallery.
Four: Harbor Boat Cruise
To get a feel of the harbor activities in Valparaiso, either hire a private fishing boat or pay about 2,000 Chilean pesos and ride with the locals around the harbor for 35 minutes. 1,000 pesos is about
$1.80.
Besides cruising close to passenger cruise ships, naval warships and cargo ships, visitors get an opportunity to get close to the sea lions sunbathing in the harbor.
Five: La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s house
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda owned several houses in Santiago and Valparaiso. La Sebastiana is located at Cerro Florida with views of the harbor from every level of the house.
It looks like a boat and it was here that the poet worked and wrote many of his important poems. He named it after the original owner and builder, Sebastian Collado. This Spaniard builder wanted a home where he could grow old but unfortunately did not live long enough and Neruda loved it and bought it in 1961.
The home showcases the poet’s collections from around the world including a wooden horse from Paris, a bar where the poet mixed drinks for his guests and a chest of drawers from a ship.
Valparaiso means ‘valley of paradise.’ Also known as Valpo by the locals, Valparaiso’s street art and funiculars are definitely not to be missed.
2 safety tips:
1. Just like any big city in the world, watch out for pickpockets especially in Valparaiso’s port areas.
2. Leave your expensive jewelry at home when you travel.
For more tips on Valparaiso:
1.
Nightlife.
2. To combine Santiago and Valparaiso for your trip to Chile, read
Visit Santiago in 48 Hours.
