Valparaíso, Chile | Travel

After visiting the capitol we arrived in Valparaíso where our classes would take place. Valparaíso is located on the coast of Chile, it is a port city which became the main harbour for ships rounding South America in 1818, until the opening of the Panama Canal. The city located next to Viña del Mar where we lived and took metro, bus, or collectivos (shared taxis) to get to school. 

Most of the walls in Valparaiso are filled with vibrant colors which made it a very lively place to study at. 

Since Valparaíso has 42 different cerros (hills) in which the city is located. There are ascensores (elevators) all throughout the city which take you to top of the cerros. Most were built in the 19th century and many are still operational. 

The streets of Valparaiso are filled with beautiful art that covers the walls. Each piece of art had an individual touch to it and experiencing this art while roaming the streets was incredible. 

This photo is at the Museo a Cielo Abierto an open arts museum which consists of 20 mural paintings done by several Chilean artists. It was established by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in 1992. 

Not only is this city joyful due to its colors, it is also very romantic. You often spot couples embracing each other.

The Mayor of Valparaiso

On June 9th, 2014 we visited the Municipalidad (city hall) to meet Jorge Castro Muñoz, Valparaiso's mayor. After getting to know us, he spoke to us about the importance of our experience in Chile. He recommended to keep it ingrained in our minds to develop further understanding of the world as we move on to the future.

It is astounding that Che Guevara himself got to roam the halls of the municipalidad during his journey throughout South America.