For some, Valparaíso is an old, smelly and abandoned town. For others, Valparaíso or Valpo (as we affectionately call it) is a magical, colorful and unique city, as precious as a gem.

For me, it’s all that together, but as a porteña in love with my town, I’m here to speak well of Valpo and highlight the things that make her special: its old funiculars, outstanding views, boat rides, nightlife, street art, cafés, restaurants and adorable cats. All these ingredients and more make it one of the best places to visit in Chile.

The arrival of immigrants in the XIX century undoubtedly left an indelible mark in our city, which is highly reflected in the eclectic architecture and in so many cultural aspects that we only have due to the influence of European travellers who decided to build their lives in this port.

And the last but not least reason to visit this charming port, is that Valparaíso historic quarter has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003, as the city is considered “an exceptional testimony to the early phase of globalisation in the late 19th century, when it became the leading commercial port on the sea routes of the Pacific coast of South America”. Valparaíso was so important in the sea trade, that it was known as “the Jewel of the Pacific”.

For many of us, Valpo is still a gemstone that, despite the passing of the years, has not stopped shining; a real jewel.