A2Z Languages, - Language Schools - Semester Programs Valparaiso, Chile - City Guide

Valparaiso: City Overview

Valparaiso is Chile's second city and its main port. It perfectly captures the geography of the country, a narrow city with hills to one side and water to the other. Valparaiso's maze of cobbled paths are perfect for exploring, and the city is known for its fine arts and excellent maritime museums. The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where you will find colonial buildings, churches and museums.

The old-seaport atmosphere of Valparaiso is best appreciated by wandering around for an hour or two in some of the old neighborhoods. The steep and winding alleys give the town a nice atmosphere.

Just north of Valparaiso is Viña del Mar, Chile's top beach resort. Known as the 'Garden City' due to its huge botanical garden and countless palm and banana trees fringing the beaches, Viña del Mar is a relaxing and romantic place to stay. More stunning beaches can be found around the colonial city of La Serena, which is a good place to stay if you would like to make day trips to nearby Chilean villages and vineyards.

Tourist Offices

There are several tourist offices in Valparaíso; the best is at Muelle Prat (tel. 32/236322), open Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm. There's also an information kiosk at the bus station open Monday to Sunday 8:30am to 5:30pm. Panoramic city tours in minivans are offered by Meneses y Díaz, which leave from the visitor's center daily at 11am (tel. 32/594677). The cost is $5; drivers do not speak English, but the twisting streets and dramatic views seen along the way say it all.

Getting there

By Bus--Frequent, comfortable buses leave the Terminal Alameda in Santiago at Alameda O'Higgins 3712 (1 block from Terminal Santiago; Metro: University de Santiago), about every 15 minutes. Tur Bus and Pullman offer service to and from Valparaíso, with fares running about $4 one-way. In Valparaíso you'll disembark at the terminal at Avenida Pedro Montt; taxis are available and a good idea at night. Consider buying a round-trip ticket if you plan to travel on weekends or holidays.

By Car--To get to Valparaíso from Santiago, take Alameda O'Higgins west until it changes into Ruta Nacional 68, 6 miles (10km) from the coast, and follow the signs to Valparaíso. There is one tollbooth ($2.50) along the way. Valparaíso is 71 miles (115km) northwest of Santiago. Parking can be arranged at most hotels and there's a parking garage on Errázuriz Street, across from the Plaza Sotomayor.

Walking is really the only way to see Valparaíso, as parking is limited and most attractions lie within a compact area. To get to and from Viña del Mar, take a taxi or, better yet, ride the Merval, a commuter train that runs every 20 minutes from the Estación Puerto (next to Valparaíso's visitor's center) and costs 35¢.

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