While the city of Viña del Mar itself isn’t all that great, the beaches are pretty good. They aren’t always safe for swimming (the red flag was up every day at each beach), but if you’re into surfing or sunbathing, you’re in luck. But be warned – the water is freezing.
One of my must-sees for my time in Chile was Isla Negra, the favorite home of Nobel Laureate poet Pablo Neruda. Of his three houses, the others being La Chascona in Santiago and La Sebastiana in Valparaíso, Isla Negra is the best-preserved and the most interesting. It’s definitely worth the trip from Santiago.
My Chilean friends all told me to go to Viña del Mar. My expat friends told me to avoid it. Because of the difference of opinion, I decided to check it out for myself.
Eating out in Chile is generally expensive, and that doesn’t change in Valparaíso. I tried to find a few places where I could enjoy the local cuisine without spending a ridiculous amount of money.
If there is one must-see in UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso, it’s La Sebastiana. La Sebastiana is one of three homes of Chilean Nobel Laureate poet Pablo Neruda. It was built on the top of one of Valpo’s hills in a central location so he could see the entire bay.
Barrio El Almendral is a neighborhood in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso. It contains a couple of plazas, historic buildings, and churches. It’s in the seedier part of town and away from the touristy parts.
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.
Cerro Cordillera is a hill in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso. This entry explores the sights on and around the hill.
At the top of Cerro Alegre you will find two things – Baburizza Palace and amazing views of the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso on Paseo Yugoslavo.
Cerro Concepción is the hill in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso with the most attractions to see.