I’ve spent two nights in Valparaiso which is a really interesting city.

It’s made up of cobbled streets, tiny passage ways, a maze of steep alleys and escaleras (stairways) and crammed full of eclectic mansions which all seem to require some maintenance.  Every house is painted a different colour, as if trying to be brighter than their neighbour.  Its even more colourful than La Boca.

The picturesque port of Valparaiso built in the 16th-century on a total of 43 hills. Famous for its funiculars, this area has been declared by UNESCO as patrimony of humanity due to its eclectic architecture and urban development.

Neruda, who drew much inspiration from this hard-working port town, said it best: ‘Valparaíso, how absurd you are…you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.’

I adore this place and am very sad to me moving on to my next stop….

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