Valparaiso, Chile Cruise Port Guide Info
Valparaiso is a major city, seaport, military port, and educational center in the commune of Valparaíso, it is Chile’s second largest city. In 2003, the historic quarter of Valparaiso was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
The city rose to importance during Chile’s colonial period as the main stopover port that connected ships going between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Also, experienced rapid growth during its golden age, when the city was known by international sailors as “Little San Francisco.” It is located about 120km (75mi) northwest of Santiago by road and is one of the South Pacific’s most important seaports.
Valparaiso is a wide-ranging mix of colonial and maritime culture. The old and new are in partnership to leave a special mark on the city, especially the lifts climbing the same hillside with ages, witnessing the rise and fall of this beautiful place by the water.
Today, thousands of tourists visit Valparaiso from all over the world, walking the gorgeous labyrinths of cobbled streets, charmed by the colorful buildings by the way. This port is becoming more and more important for the cruise ships that visit during the South American summer season. The Chilean culture is presented by the city festival every year, also by street artists and musicians.
Valparaiso’s attractions, worth visiting are:
Muelle Prat is a pear, where locals and tourists meet. A replica of the Spanish ship Santiaguillo can be seen there, sea lions along the shore can be seen, or shops in the arts market can be visited.
Ascensor Concepcion is a Historic Monument of the oldest funicular in Valparaiso.
La Sebastiana is one of Chilean national poet Pablo Neruda’s three homes. This house has a maze of rooms, reflecting his eclectic personality and life.
Plaza Sotomayor is a square in Valparaiso, Chile, named after Rafael Sotomayor. It is home to many historic sites, including the Naval Heroes Monument, the Justice Tribunal end others.
Museo Naval y Maritimo is located in an old mansion that used to be Chile’s naval academy.
Valparaiso is linked to Santiago, the capital of Chile by Valle de Casablanca, one of the country’s best and newest wine regions. Once in Santiago, brace yourself for the bustle of a thriving capital of six million people. Santiago can offer many attractive locations, both for locals and tourists. Here are some of them:
1. La Moneda Palace is the seat of the President of the Republic of Chile, located in downtown Santiago
2. Plaza de Armas is the main square of Santiago. There is a metro station with this name, located under the square. Many important buildings, worth visiting are surrounding the square. This is a place crowded by artists, full of hope they’ll sell their pieces of art.
3. Cerro san Cristobal is the third highest point in the city, a peak where breathtaking views are available for curious tourists and domestic people, views from the capital and the snow-capped Andes in the distance. It was named by the Spanish conquistadors for St Christopher.
4. La Chascona is a house in the colorful neighborhood of Bellavista, Santiago, Chile, owned by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. He made it for his secret lover and later his third wife Matilde.