Valparaíso
Overview
Valparaiso is Chile's oldest and largest port city. It can easily be visited in a daytrip from Santiago . The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section and its many hills totally populared which give an impressive sight by night, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Equally fascinating are the 'ascensors' used to reach them. These funicular elevators, built in the late 1800s, cheaply ferry locals and tourists alike up the city's steep hills.
Also worth seeing is Pablo Neruda's favourite house 'La Sebastiana', a few minutes from downtown in the Cerro Florida hillside. A colorful, sunlit mansion overlooking the water, the house is now a museum that can pleasantly occupy an afternoon.
Valparaiso also is home to a naval museum that documents Chile's extensive history at sea, and most recently a port of call for cruise ships.
The old-seaport atmosphere of Valparaiso is best appreciated by wandering around for a couple of hours in some of the old neighborhoods. The steep and winding alleys give the town a pleasant, intimate feel.
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When to Go
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General Health and Safety
In the context of Chile being a relatively safe country, Valparaiso is amongst its more dangerous locales, like many harbour cities around the world. Violent crime is not excessive, but normal precautionary measures should be taken. The port area (called "Puerto") is generally considered to be dangerous at night.
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Accommodation
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Entertainment
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General Shopping
Valparaiso is not a city of malls and department stores. While several large grocery stores are present, most other shopping is done in smaller stores along crowded city streets, or with street vendors; larger chain stores are more commonly found in nearby Viña del Mar.
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[Edit]General Activities
Going to Valparaiso and not going on the Ascensores (inclines) is like going to Venice and not taking a ride on a Gondola. They are also of practical use as they help many local people get to the higher parts of town, saving them the walk of otherwise long pedestrian routes.
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