Cerro Bellavista

By Lauren Yero

Though less well-known than some of Valparaíso’s other cerros, Bellavista is home to quite a few of the city’s cultural iconographies, as well as several accommodation options that rival the most popular hotels and hostels in Valparaíso. Neruda himself chose the view at the top of Bellavista for his house, La Sebastiana, which is now a museum open to the public. The Museo a Cielo Abierto (a series of vibrant murals painted on the walls of the winding streets between Ferrari and Héctor Calvo) is perhaps the most obvious affirmation of the phrase “graffiti is not a crime” that you’ll find stenciled around the city. To get a comprehensive sense of what this part of Valparaíso offers in the way of museums, cafes, and accommodation, Ruta Bellavista (a project started by the non-profit Fundación Valparaíso) offers free tours of the area that leave from the Teatro Mauri every Saturday starting at noon.