This week's Travel Tuesday destination: Valparaíso,
Chile! A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Valparaíso
is the San Francisco of South America.
This offbeat ocean side city is full of steep, winding roads - some so precipitous,
they have elevators.
Location
125km
Northwest of Santiago, Valparaíso is built on 42 hills nestled along
the Pacific Ocean. A 90-minute bus ride
from Santiago is the most convenient way to get into the city.
Originally a bustling shipping harbor, Valparaíso
lost much of its merchant traffic when the Panama Canal opened. The waterfront is still the heart of the city
and the source of most of its income.
The city used to have 30 elevators, or escaleras, to help
people get around. Only a few remain,
including the oldest one: the Ascensor Concepción.
Inspiration
In 2011, Lonely
Planet named Valparaíso a Top Ten City for Artistic Inspiration. Pablo Neruda, the famed poet, was a native of
Valparaíso. After dark hike up to La Sebastiana - Neruda
watched the New Year's fireworks from his home here every year, so it is a
great spot to see the city through his eyes.
Valparaíso is the muse for many other artists
and writers as well. Isabel Allende's
best-selling book Daughter of Fortune
is set in this picturesque city.
Street Art
A must see is the Museo a Cielo Abierto - 20 outdoor murals
created by university students between 1969 and 1973. A quick ride on the Ascensor Espíritu Santo
will take you to the start.
The Cerro Polanco is a required stop for all street art fans. In October 2012, the neighborhood held a
street art festival. There are original
works from over 70 artists decorating walls, fences, and sidewalks.
Food
After summiting the peaks of Valparaíso, you will definitely have
earned yourself a large meal. There are
countless restaurants and stalls where you can eat fresh seafood caught earlier
in the day. Empanadas and palta (warm,
fresh bread smeared with avocado - yum) make easy, portable snacks as you get
hungry throughout the day.
For a heartier dinner, try chorrillana. Chorrillana is a traditional meal of fries
topped with steak, onion, and egg - delicious!
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