This stunning South American city probably isn’t on your travel bucket list — but it should be

Located less than two hours from Santiago — the capital of Chile — is a beautiful coastal city that, in my opinion, falls under the radar when compared to other popular South American destinations.

Nestled on the country’s Pacific Coast, Valparaíso is known for its hillside houses, street art, and bohemian culture. Its historic quarter is even a UNESCO World Heritage site.

My boyfriend and I took a day trip there from Santiago, but I wish I could have spent a night or two in the lively city. Here’s why I loved visiting Valparaíso.

I enjoyed riding the funiculars and taking in the incredible views of the city

One of my favorite things we did in Valparaíso was ride the funiculars. These old-school elevators run on a track and help locals get up and down the city’s main hills. They also provide some of the best views of the city.

The Reina Victoria funicular is located in Cerro Alegre, one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Valparaíso. We were dropped right in the creative heart of the city, surrounded by street art, cafés, and narrow alleyways.

Another funicular, El Peral, connects the flatter part of the city near the port with a terrace that overlooks the water. From the viewpoint, we saw colorful rooftops cascading on the hills, shipping containers in the port below, and deep blue water with seagulls flying over.

We spent time wandering around the colorful neighborhoods

Valparaíso is a hub for artists of all kinds, but the city is particularly known for its vibrant street art.

We saw lots of art in the Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción neighborhoods, where the staircases and walls are covered in murals. We also made our way through boutiques and local outdoor vendors, who sold everything from jewelry to prints.

There was no shortage of cafés in the city, either. I highly recommend Maria Maria, where I had an incredible plum and mango croissant.

Overall, I didn’t think one day was enough time to explore this beautiful city

I originally thought one visit to Valparaíso would be enough to check it off my bucket list. However, I quickly learned there’s so much more to explore.

For example, I would’ve loved to visit La Sebastiana Museo, the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. From what I’ve seen online, the house, which now functions as a museum, has a quirky design and an incredible view of the city.

In addition to exploring more of Valparaíso, I’d also like to check out neighboring cities like Viña del Mar, which is home to the beautiful Renaca beach.

Overall, I think this vibrant city should be a non-negotiable stop on any trip to South America. I’m so glad I carved out time to visit while I was in Santiago, and I’m already planning a trip back to stay longer.

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