Chile's central region: Valparaiso (Valpo)
Description: 120 km (74 miles) NW of Santiago; 8 km (5
miles) S of Viña del Mar
Valpo is Chile's principal port and second-largest city. Despite
its size, it is Chile's most distinctive city and one of South
America's most intriguing. Occupying a narrow strip of land between
the waterfront and the nearby hills, its convoluted centre has
distinctive, sinuous cobbled streets, and is overlooked by precipitous
cliffs and hilltop suburbs which are accessed by funicular railways
and stairway footpaths.
It is conducive to maze-like strolls and
rides on the funicular, and its natural history, fine arts and
maritime museums are justly famed.
Muelle Prat, the recently redeveloped pier, is a lively market
area.
The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where
you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums, a great place to stay in this area is the Hotel Manoir Atkinson, itself a restored patrimonial home.
Also
worth seeing is Pablo Neruda's favourite house, a few minutes
from town. A Colourful, sunlit mansion overlooking the water,
the house is now a museum, a visit to which, can pleasantly occupy
an afternoon.