Valparaiso

• 

  Graffiti art, Valparaiso

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-23

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-19

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-17

• 

  Valparaiso, Chile

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-16

• 

  Valparaiso, Chile

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-15

• 

  Valparaiso

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-24

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-18

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-22

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-21

• 

  valparaiso-chile-vacation-20

Fascinating historic port city with a bohemian feel

Located on the Pacific coast, the city of Valparaiso presents an excellent example of architectural heritage in an urban environment with its historic link to the international sea trade, which saw the city flourish and become known by sailors as ‘Little San Francisco’.

The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 dealt a blow to the economy of Valparaiso, which until then had been the most important port on the Pacific Coast. However, the rich legacy of an immigrant population drawn from all over Europe survives in the remarkably unspoilt and brightly coloured houses in the hill districts behind the modern port.

The town of Valparaiso, which is just a two hour drive from Santiago, maintains a determinedly bohemian atmosphere and the seemingly unrestored exteriors of many buildings conceal wonderful boutiques and restaurants within.

Wander around the town, admire the graffiti artwork and then take one of the many funicular railways to get back to the tops of the hills.

• Email
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google Plus