The Underrated Chilean City That Has Seaside Views Without Barcelona Crowds
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
The Chilean city Valparaíso, or "Valpo," has been called the Barcelona of South America for its architectural beauty, bohemian vibes, and hills covered in bright-colored houses.
Valparaíso was once a thriving port town, and its recent revival has deemed Valpo a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Chile's cultural capital, it houses artists, poets, and musicians.
While Barcelona is famed for its fantastical architecture, Valparaíso is all about color. The famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda brought Mexican muralists to Valpo in the 1940s.
During the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, street artists worked in protest. The art you see has a great deal of emotional depth and cultural significance for Valparaisians.
Valpo is similar to Barcelona, with a lively art scene and street performers. Street artists slather every urban surface with color, as the city welcomes spontaneous graffiti.
Wander the streets of Cerro Alegre by taking a funicular trolley to the top. Peruse its shops and restaurants, and tip the puppeteers and musicians performing on the streets.