Horse head and flowers

Valparaiso, The Open-Air Museum

Designed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned as Chile’s oldest port city, Valpo has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Back then, it served as a major stop for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Today, the city stands as a cultural hub that attracts artists and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Its urban layout is characterized by steep hills crisscrossed by colorful staircases and a series of historic funicular elevators.

The journey by bus from Santiago to Valparaiso typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and numerous buses cover the 120 kilometers distance per day.

A perfect city for strolling the streets, admiring the myriad artworks covering every vertical surface. Having stayed at various accommodations, I found Cerro Alegre and the Maki hostel on Urriola Street to be my favorite spot.