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After finishing Cerro Cordillera, I walked to Cerro Artillería in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso. I hid all my valuables and I recommend you do the same. There were fewer and fewer people as I walked away from Plaza Echaurren and the stench of urine on the way became more pungent. Yes, it was a disgusting walk.
Customs House
I finally made it to Plaza Wheelwright where the Customs House (Edificio de la Aduana) stands. It was built in 1855. There was an exhibition inside, but I skipped it. Plaza Wheelwright was named for William Wheelwright, an American who helped develop steamboat and rail service in Chile.
Cerro Artillería
Cerro Artillería was in front of me. I was hoping to take the Ascensor Artillería to the right of the Customs House but it was out of service. I walked up a steep hill to get to the top but it was really worth it in the end. There’s some very cool graffiti on the way up and literally a postcard view.
National Maritime Museum
Once at the top, I came to a giant white building, the National Maritime Museum (Museo Marítimo Nacional). It was built in 1893 as the Chilean Naval Academy, and now has a museum dedicated to Chile’s maritime history and naval heroes. Adult admission for foreigners is CLP$4,000 (as of May 2024) and it’s open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Some parts of the museum were interesting but I wouldn’t visit again. I was bored after the first few halls. Most of the exhibits are in Spanish, and the artifacts are your typical war museum things, like swords, guns, and models.
Paseo 21 de Mayo
After the museum, I walked through the craft market and then a small park, Paseo 21 de Mayo. From there, I admired probably the best views of Valparaíso and the port.
