It is certainly a city I have grown to love since I discovered it in 2013 when joining a cruise there. Situated on Chile's central coast just 112 kilometres northwest of the capital, Santiago, Valparaiso is one of the southern Pacific's most significant ports.

History

In the 19th and early 20th centuries it was a place where ships converged when sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans before the Panama Canal was opened. "Valpo" as it is sometimes affectionately called was then known as Little San Francisco, and similarities with the city by the bay can certainly be seen. But Valparaiso is even more pleasantly chaotic with rickety, colourful buildings perched precariously and randomly all the way down the hillsides.

Cosmopolitan vibe

Bohemian and relaxed and a haven for artists, Valparaiso is visited by thousands of tourists every year from all parts of the world, many of them arriving on the growing number of cruise ships that visit during the South American summer. Valparaiso has boutique hotels, shopping malls, bars and museums as well as its natural attractions. It also has some of the best restaurants I've experienced anywhere, many perched high above the city affording stunning views in all directions. The seafood is spectacular in Valpo.

Access to the higher levels is by funicular elevator, of which there used to be 30 but now only about half that number. So if your accommodation is located high above the city, fear not, the elevators will whisk you up and down in no time. The climb faced by residents before the elevators were installed doesn't bear thinking about.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/elevators-of-valparaiso

Culture capital

In 2003 the historic quarter of Valparaiso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is now claimed to be Chile's cultural capital.

Surrounding area

A bus or limousine transfer from Santiago to Valparaiso takes you through pleasant countryside and past vineyards, and if you approach from the north, through Vina del Mar, a stylish beach resort that is worth seeing for its contrast with Valparaiso.

https://chile.travel/en/where-to-go/central-area-santiago-and-valparaiso/vina-del-mar

Useful links

https://chile.travel/en/where-to-go/central-area-santiago-and-valparaiso/valparaiso​