Two twin cities on the coast of Chile, Valparaíso (affectionately known as “Valpo”) and Viña del Mar, make up one of the country’s star tourist attractions. With a fantastic art and bohemian scene, Valpo is a hub for expats and backpackers, while palm-tree lined Viña del Mar exudes more of a high-rolling Miami vibe. Both are walk-able cities that are worth at least a day of your time.
The best way to take in Valpo is to go for a long stroll through its many hilltop neighbourhoods. You’ll find pockets of eye-catching street art hidden between the already-colourful buildings, and may end up spending an entire afternoon just wandering. Make sure you finish the day off with an ice cream from my favourite place, Emporio Rosa!
Viña del Mar has a completely different atmosphere. It’s full of well-to-do families with vacation homes, as well as casinos, and fancy hotels. There are plenty of appealing restaurants along the seaside promenade, but none that will keep a backpacker budget happy. That being said, walking along the water with a churro in hand is pleasant enough, and perhaps a welcome break from the sensory overload that is Valparaiso. Take some time to poke your head into Wulff Castle, a turreted manor that hearkens back to Viña’s early days as a 19th-century resort town.
When you’ve had enough exploring, take a bus or remise (shared taxi) back to your hostel or hotel. If you’re staying in Valpo, I can’t give a high-enough recommendation to Hostel Jacaranda, a very small, cozy place run by a gay Chilean couple: Gerardo and Cristian. These two were super welcoming, and even invited Lauren and I to share their homemade dinner with them!
“The Hills Are Alive”: Photos from Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Chile is a post from: La Viajera
