Port hertiage & Pacific Views
Valparaiso & Viña del Mar
We start our tour by driving west to the coast, passing through the central wine producing valley of Casablanca with its fertile farmlands famous for their orchards, citrus groves, grape plantations and wonderful mountain backdrop. The ocean comes into view as we arrive in Valparaiso.
‘Valpo’, as it’s fondly known by locals, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and its not difficult to see why. Picturesque architecture and multi-coloured urban housing spread out over more than 40 hills, creating one of world’s most eclectic, unique cities. Narrow, winding streets line the hills, connected by hidden staircases and ancient elevators still in use.
We climb up Cerro Florida, admiring the colourful views, and arrive at Neruda’s house La Sebastiana. This house, just like his house in Santiago, contains wonderful artifacts and furniture in its original positions. The house overlooks the bay, offering a stunning view of the Pacific - the same view which Neruda enjoyed every New Year’s eve when he looked out at the fireworks. After the museum, we wander around Cerro Baron and Cerro Alegre, marvelling at the fantastically steep winding streets, lined with small and colorful houses. The views of the port are spectacular from up in the hills, and the ocean horizon dotted with colourful houses evokes the kind of enchantment usually reserved for on-screen magic. We make our way back down the hill using one of the iconic elevators. At the bottom of the elevator it’s just a short walk to the main square, ‘Sotomayor’, housing the Monument for the Heroes of the Pacific War and the National Navy headquarters.
From here we head to fashionable nieghbouring coastal city Viña del Mar. En route we stop for lunch at a seaside restaurant. In 'Viña ' we admire the famous city ‘flower clock’ and visit the centre city main square with its amphitheatre hosting the famous Viña del Mar International song festival every summer. The tour ends with the return journey to Santiago and a chance to reflect on the day's colourful sights and poetry!
