Valparaiso and Vina del Mar are also known as “The Vees”. Famous in Chile individually and for different reasons, but connected by geography on the grand Pacific coast of Chile. This post is about Valparaiso.
We hired a driver today – Martin – to take us on a day trip to the Vees (1st pic). Martin was terrific, laid back, and spoke English! He picked us up at 9h and we were in Valparaiso by 10h30.
Valparaiso was once known as the Jewel of the Pacific and was the most important port on the west coast of the Americas until the Panama Canal opened in 1905. For our Midwestern friends it is pronounced Val-para-eeeso. Take that Indiana!
Since then it has faded, and faded, until now where it is being reborn as an artists colony and tourist destination due to the windy and steep streets, colorful homes wedged into the hillsides.
Also amazing are the drop-dead gorgeous views of the Pacific from the steep and narrow streets (enhanced by Jeffrey!).
Valparaiso is also known for its street graffiti which is really quite beautiful in the execution.
