The Colours of Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso was my next destination during my time in Chile. It is a major seaport city and located a bit south of Viña del Mar, so it’s very easy to travel to. With the ease of getting there, I soon discovered that Valparaíso is known for its cobbled alleys, colourful buildings, its hills, and for being a World Heritage Site. Also, for those who may be thinking of going on a cruise to South America, Valparaíso has apparently received attention from cruise ships that visit Puerto Valparaíso, which sounds incredibly awesome to me!
Not far from the port is the Plaza Sotomayor, which is dominated by the Edificio de la Comandancia Naval (Naval Command Building). There was construction going on in front of it when I was there, so my photo is off to the side unfortunately. The middle of the square has the Monumento a los Héroes de Iquique, a subterranean mausoleum that pays tribute to Chile’s naval martyrs. It has quite the history if you ever want to read up on it, or check out any of the museums around town.
From the Plaza Sotomayor, I checked out a small market of vendors know as the Feria de Artesanía, and walked the streets (that had a remarkable amount of wires that criss crossed between utility poles and various buildings when you looked up or down a street! I haven’t seen anything like this before to such an extent). I continued until I reached the “ascensor Reina Victoria” funicular (the cable cars I also mentioned in my previous post), which brought me up near Cerro Alegre. From here, there was a lot of walking to be had as I thought there was little alternative means of getting around (I don’t recall seeing many buses or vehicles for that matter). Even having a bicycle would make going up the incline of all the hills impossible for me. So it was my own two feet at a comfortable pace.
While walking around Cerro Alegre, I saw the Palacio Baburizza, which houses the Museo de Bellas Artes, and the Parroquia San Luis Gonzaga. From the height I was at, I saw the port and the hillside areas that cover the landscape. Although scenery is available if you are perched atop any hill in Valparaíso!
After taking this trip, not only am I very fond of the splendid views that Chile has to offer from its many vantage points of where I have travelled to, but I especially love the vibrant colours on the many murals and images scattered around Valparaíso. There were tons, and all painted on the sides of walls and buildings. It is beautiful art! Chile has a lot of colourful buildings as well, and they are so nice to look at. I’d like to see more of this where I live! But instead the photos I took will have to suffice. Here are several photos taken.
When you travel to Valparaíso, and like most places where you’d be doing a lot of mobile activities, be sure to bring a good pair if walking shoes and take your time. There are steep parts and stairs around town, so you want to be careful. And of course you cannot forget your camera! EVER!
It’s also worth noting again that there are lots of places to stop in for a bite to eat, or to have a beverage of some kind while in Valparaíso. However, some places are in older buildings, so for those with mobility issues, be mindful of the steps, and the narrow entry ways or hallways. I was at Restaurant La Concepción, which has AMAZING food, service, and a spectacular view of the port of Valparaíso. It is situated in a beautiful older building, and I think in a lot of ways, part of the charm in visiting historic places is being amongst its original design. But I recall the stairs going to the second floor being narrow, and I know it can be problematic for some travellers with mobility issue(s). So if there are any concern(s) for you, it’s best to call ahead with any questions if you have a particular place in mind to visit.
So that’s it for now. Thanks for reading! Please join me at my next Chilean stops, which includes one of many wineries, Rancagua, and Pablo Neruda’s house in the stunning Isla Negra. Don’t forget you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
