Valparaiso – Pearl of the Pacific
Founded in the 16th century by a Spanish conquistador and known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, the seaside town of Valparaiso is located on the Central Zone Coast of Chile – a 90-minute drive from Chile’s capital, Santiago.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 in an effort to conserve its unique culture, heritage and immigrant influenced architecture, Valparaiso is Chile’s most Bohemian city. The steep hills (reportedly 42 hills) above the coast are tightly packed with multi-coloured patrimonial houses, winding cobbled-stone streets decorated with street art, and even outdated but still (infrequently) functional funiculars.
While Valparaiso can be visited on a day-trip from Santiago, stay a night or two to experience life in the colourful neighbourhoods
The best way to enjoy Valparaiso is to walk aimlessly up and down the cobble-stone streets criss-crossing the hills. Around every corner is another surprise, another brightly coloured house with friendly folks greeting.
Among other attractions to visit in town are the Valparaiso Natural History Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Casa La Sebastian museum devoted to the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. For panoramic views, walk up to Paseo 21 de Mayo.
Viña Del Mar
The nearby town of Viña del Mar is a more upscale and fashionable seaside resort with golden sand beaches, shady boulevards and old colonial mansions. The town is known for its pristine beaches, pumping nightlife and plenty of local attractions to explore.
Enjoy the beaches such as Playa Reñaca and the great seafood served in high-end fine-dining restaurants as well as the beach front ceviche stalls.
While neighbouring Valparaiso is known for its hippy-bohemian hangouts, Viña del Mar is decidedly more high end. Here are plenty of funky bars, lounges and clubs where you can rub shoulders with Chile’s most glamorous socialites – if that makes you tick!
Viña del Mar is also known for its gardens, lush city plazas, and its Parque Quinta Vergara. It also has no shortage of museums such as the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Palacio Rioja Museum.
If you can’t make it out to Easter Island to see the Moai statues, then drop in at Viña del Mar’s Museum of Archaeology with its history section on Francisco Adolfo Fonck (1830- 1912) who made great contributions in the field of archaeology in Chile. The museum has a great collection of photos and information about the Rapa Nui culture (inhabitants of Easter Island).
Parque Nacional La Campana
Tired of the charms of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar? Then head out 90 km northeast of Viña del Mar on a day trip to Parque Nacional La Campana in the Vizcachas Mountains.
This national park covers approximately 80 square kilometres (31 sq mi) and is home to one of the last palm forests of Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm). Another attraction is the Cerro La Campana (Bell Mountain), which lends its name to the park. Interesting fact: Back in 1834 recently graduated naturalist Charles Darwin (aged 25) climbed Cerro La Campana during the second voyage of HMS Beagle (27th December 1831 to 2nd October 1836).
In 1984, Parque Nacional La Campana along with Lago Peñuelas National Reserve (12 km southeast of Valparaiso), was designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
GETTNG HERE: Reach Valparaiso by bus from Terminal Alameda or Pajaritos Metro Station in Santiago. The most recommended bus companies are Turbus and Pullman. From Valparaiso a short bus ride along the beaches (or a long walk) leads to Viña del Mar.
STAYING & EATING HERE: Many locals offer homestays which are the perfect way to experience their way of life. Make sure to enjoy the fantastic fresh seafood restaurants of Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.
☛ Read more: Posts of South America
Globerovers Magazine
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.