Not much room between the high cliffs and the sea, but Valparaiso does qualify as Chile’s third largest city with a population of 200,000 people. The only two larger metropolitan areas are Santiago and Concepcion. There are two very different and distinct sections to this city. The first is the modern coastal stretch that skirts the bay, and the other is much larger. This area is much older and comprises most of the neighborhoods and residences. This area is known as Valpo. Valpo and these neighborhoods cling delicately to the cliffs and hills, which rise abruptly just a few hundred yards from the shoreline. This is where I spent most of my time. Each hill is like an individual neighborhood laced with beguiling twisted streets and loads of commissioned and non-commissioned graffiti. (see pics)
There are 16 operating funiculars. A funicular is a very steep cable car. These take people from the seaside almost straight up the mountainside to the neighborhoods. Some are at such a steep incline that they are more like elevators. (See pics) Up in these charming neighborhoods I found great little restaurants and cafes. The graffiti is also quite remarkable. (See pics) Once at the top there are commanding views of the coastline.
Since much of the land around this city is very fertile, the fruits and vegetables are plentiful. The open air market is evidence of the bountiful land surrounding this area. (See pics)
Santiago, Chile’s capital city is approximately 2 hours east by automobile.
