The panoramic kaleidoscope

The cultural capital of Chile in Valparaiso is one huge explosion of colour. It’s a city you can explore for days and getting lost here is a pleasure!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

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Valparaiso’s buildings, Chile

Rumour is that it was a single building that led to the Chilean city of Valparaiso being protected by UNESCO.

Not a grand, beautiful, historic building. Rather, it was a modern edifice that, in some people’s eyes, scarred the skyline of the port city.

When a shipping company wanted to build a huge glass box of a building on top of its original sandstone offices, the local council said no, worried it would ruin the beauty of the city.

When the shipping company threatened to move all its business further down the coast to another location, the council changed its mind, worried it would ruin the economy of the city.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

The glass box was built and when the outcry came, not unexpectedly, the international community was asked to step in.

Local residents campaigned for the area to be protected and, in 2003, UNESCO put a heritage listing over the entire historic part of the city to prevent such an act of corporate vandalism again.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

In some ways the campaign by the locals was probably unnecessary, because the feeling is that the city would eventually have been added to the register anyway. It speaks for itself.

Getting lost in Valparaiso

Valparaiso is a place to get lost in. And to do so is to find yourself in a wonderland of colours and architecture.

The streets are a maze, suddenly turning into footpaths or staircases.

They wind up and down the hills with no apparent forethought, following the contours of the terrain or the needs of the residents.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile
Visiting Valparaiso in Chile
Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

As the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, once said in his ode to the city:

What nonsense
You are
What a crazy
Insane Port.
Your mounded head
Dishevelled
You never finish combing your hair
Life has always surprised you

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile
Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

Neruda’s house sits atop one of the hills of Valparaiso, watching the mess of buildings below. Communities fill every bit of land stretching from the sea to the ragged skyline.

Each house is painted a different colour; no two adjacent buildings the same; a panoramic kaleidoscope.

I’m told by a local guide that this is because the owners used leftover paint from ships at the dock, whatever colour was available, not necessarily a preferred one.

Speaking of, having a guide show you around Valparaiso is the best way to get to the heart of the city. I would recommend this cultural and street art tour.

Or there are a few other fun options here:

Or, of course, you can just wander and get lost yourself.

The history of Chile’s cultural capital

Once upon a time the residents would get up the steep hills on funiculars – cable cars that ran up the mountains. Some of them still run but they seem more for the tourists than the locals.

I had been told to just walk the city, to soak up the vibe. What I found was a community that had become by accident, with a love of life and a sense of humour.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

It was once one of the richest metropolises in South America. Its port connected the United States and, to a certain extent, Europe to the natural resources of the southern continent.

But an economic crisis with the sale of saltpetre, political changes in the country and, most importantly, the opening of the Panama Canal all took its toll on the financial side of the city.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile
Visiting Valparaiso in Chile
Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

From those economic ashes, Valparaiso has risen over the decades to become the cultural capital of Chile. The only government department to be based here is the Ministry for Culture, which says something.

Visiting Valparaiso in Chile

Come for the views, stay for the culture. Something like that.

Either way, it’s a magical city to get lost in and one you hope you never find your way out of.

Although I think it’s worth spending a couple of nights in Valparaiso, I know some people are short of time. There is a great tour from Santiago that I would recommend. Or there are a few more options here:

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN VALPARAISO

With so much colour and so many beautiful old buildings, it’s no surprise that there are some gorgeous places to stay in Valparaiso.

BACKPACKER

Decorated with art, La Casa Piola has clean spacious rooms, lots of bathrooms, and a terrace with a great view.

BUDGET

In a quiet but convenient location, Casa Puente Hotel Boutique is great value for a boutique experience with free breakfast.

BOUTIQUE

The old building is full of charm at AYCA La Flora Hotel Boutique, where you’ll find wonderful service and beautiful views.

LUXURY

For amazing views and huge comfortable beds, Casablu Hotel is a fantastic place to stay in Valparaiso.

UNESCO logo

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

19 thoughts on “The panoramic kaleidoscope”

  1. What a wonderfully picturesque place, shame about the glass tower, guess it belongs with it’s own kind. Definitely not the best place for showing off corporate wealth.

    Love the 4th photo down, it’s enticing and just makes you want to go and explore the place.

    Reply
    • Yeah, the glass tower is unfortunate because it’s the only building in the historic part of town that doesn’t really fit in. Still, there’s plenty to explore regardless.

      Reply
    • They talk a lot about Neruda in Valparaiso and in Chile. I actually didn’t get a chance to visit any of his houses, which I now regret, but I hear they’re amazing. Perhaps it would be worth a trip for you one day?

      Reply
  2. i’m so jealous you walked the piano steps! do you know the story behind those stairs? i have a picture of them posted on my website, and finally the other day someone was able to tell me where in the world these stairs are…i need to know the story!

    Reply
    • I’m actually not sure of the story behind them. I didn’t look into it because, in some ways, I thought you could enjoy them better without knowing anything about them. They are in a rather nondescript part of Valparaiso and really take you by surprise when you find them.

      Reply
  3. Seems a little sleepy, but very colorful. The character of the buildings reminds me both of Spain and of San Francisco in places, though somehow with more creativity.

    Reply
  4. I’ve been living here in Valpo for the past 4 years and i love it. Shame some of the comments seem to have concluded its a sleepy city, when it’s far from it. Great blog name by the way!

    Reply
    • I suppose it’s ‘sleepy’ in the sense that there are parts of the town that are quite relaxed and the joy is just to wander the streets and take your time looking at the views and the houses. But you’re completely right that there’s a real buzz in the busy areas of the city that just add to the fun of the place!

      Reply
    • I feel like you can see most of the highlights in a few days. But the longer you stay, the more you discover. There are so many beautiful little hidden gems in the city – including the people! 🙂

      Reply

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