The next stop in our Chile journey is the port city of Valparaiso.
Our accommodation is in the historic Old City.
This part of town is built on steep hills. It’s known for its colourful murals.
It’s a treat to walk these streets.
Many houses perch precariously at a cliff’s edge.
Just under the house you can see two disused ascensores. These were used to travel between neighbourhoods separated by steep cobblestone streets. There aren’t many left in working order.
Valparaiso is the home of the Chilean Navy.
We are fortunate to see a submarine – the Chilean Navy has four – out in the harbour.
One day, we take the train up the coast to Viña del Mar. Viña was once a playground for rich and famous South Americans. It’s looking a bit more seedy these days. But still a good place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Sight or Insight of the Day
We visit ‘La Sebastiana‘, the Valparaiso house of Chilean poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda.
Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature. He had three homes that are now museums.
This one is at the top of a hill overlooking the harbour. You get a great view of Valparaiso.
