Valparaíso
Valparaíso, known as “The Jewel of the Pacific,” is a historic port city located just 120 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) from Santiago, making it an easy and popular day trip from Chile’s capital. Once the largest and most significant harbor on Chile’s central coast, it served as a crucial maritime hub in the 19th century for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans before the Panama Canal’s construction. The city’s steep hills, or cerros, are adorned with colorful houses, winding staircases, and unique funiculars, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific. Valparaíso is also famous for its vibrant street art, with murals and graffiti transforming its neighborhoods into an open-air gallery that reflects its bohemian and creative spirit.
From Santiago de Chile to Valparaíso
After returning from Rapa Nui to Santiago, getting to Valparaíso is an easy task. Buses depart hourly, and the 1.5-hour journey is quite cheap too. Simply head to the bus terminal near Terminal Pajaritos (near the western end of the red metro line) and purchase a ticket on the spot.
Getting around Valparaíso
There’s no denying it: despite its beauty, Valparaíso can be a criminal hotspot. To stay safe, book accommodation in the Cerro Alegre area and take an Uber from the bus terminal to your lodging. Cerro Alegre and the neighboring Cerro Concepción are generally safe, but always stay alert, avoid displaying your phone or valuables in public, and be mindful of your surroundings. It’s best to explore with a local guide, as there are plenty of guided walking tours available, and your accommodation can likely help organize one. During the day, you can venture into nearby areas, but steer completely clear of the area around Iglesia de la Matriz – even my guide wouldn’t dare to go there.
One day is enough to explore the main sights of Valparaíso, and a guided tour will usually cover all of them. Start at Plaza Sotomayor, where you can admire the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique and the Edificio Armada de Chile. From here, head to Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción, known for their colorful houses, winding streets, and street art. Don’t miss the Ascensores, funiculars offering stunning views of the city and harbor. A visit to La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s former home, is also a must for panoramic views. Finally, explore Mercado El Puerto for fresh seafood and local vibes.
Return to Santiago
After exploring Valparaíso for a day, I returned to Santiago and spent the night before catching a flight to my next destination, Puerto Natales, the following morning. Having already seen the main sights of Santiago, I decided to make room for my passion and ventured out to a board game bar for a fun night of drinks and games.
Valparaíso pictures :
