We landed on the coast of Chile after a harrowing 24 hour bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama. It actually isn´t too bad in terms of time, as the enforced rest can be welcome after being on the go. However, we were only able to get seats in the very back row, which is beside the bathroom and above the engine, and this made for an interesting combination. Thankfully as all good things must some to an end, so must all bad things, and we finally arrived in the hip town of Valparaiso.
Valparaiso is famous for it´s street art, mostly in the form of stunning graffiti. In the artsy neighbourhood of Cerro Concepcion, almost all of the walls on the streets are covered in the work of talented graffiti artists. Some are commissioned by local businesses or the government, but all of them are incredibly rendered and provide images that make you laugh, stare and contemplate in wonder.
On our first night we treated ourselves to a dinner with local live music at Cinzano, where the regular performers entertained with lounge-style spanish and chilean songs.
The next two days we spent wandering the city, up and down the hills, by foot or using the local ascensores. These are large outdoor elevators built by the city starting in the late 1800s, to help the inhabitants climb the steep hills to the different levels of the city. There are about 7 "steps" in the city, the first being at the level of the ocean with the local armada and beaches, and the last at the very top of the high hills surrounding the city. These afforded beautidul views of the multicoloured houses perched above the ocean.
One of the best parts of our stay was the hostel Casa Aventura. They served the best (included!) breakfast we have had so far, with unlimited platters of fresh fruit and bread, coffee and eggs. Yum!!! The people working there were very helpful, and thanks to their advice we decided to take a "mini-vacation" from our vacation and visit the nearby beachtown of Ritoque for some surfing and relaxation. Before leaving, we treated ourselves to some fresh seafood at the local market.
Valparaiso is famous for it´s street art, mostly in the form of stunning graffiti. In the artsy neighbourhood of Cerro Concepcion, almost all of the walls on the streets are covered in the work of talented graffiti artists. Some are commissioned by local businesses or the government, but all of them are incredibly rendered and provide images that make you laugh, stare and contemplate in wonder.
The next two days we spent wandering the city, up and down the hills, by foot or using the local ascensores. These are large outdoor elevators built by the city starting in the late 1800s, to help the inhabitants climb the steep hills to the different levels of the city. There are about 7 "steps" in the city, the first being at the level of the ocean with the local armada and beaches, and the last at the very top of the high hills surrounding the city. These afforded beautidul views of the multicoloured houses perched above the ocean.
One of the best parts of our stay was the hostel Casa Aventura. They served the best (included!) breakfast we have had so far, with unlimited platters of fresh fruit and bread, coffee and eggs. Yum!!! The people working there were very helpful, and thanks to their advice we decided to take a "mini-vacation" from our vacation and visit the nearby beachtown of Ritoque for some surfing and relaxation. Before leaving, we treated ourselves to some fresh seafood at the local market.
Hi Ben, Hi Patricia. I've been enjoying your blog. Wish I were there but not climbing the mountains. Beautiful countryside and cities. Love, Grandma
ReplyDeleteCan't believe how lovely the "graffiti" - outdoor art, really, is in Valparaiso! Thank you for posting such splendid examples.
ReplyDeleteB.