Walking Tour

Location:
Valparaíso , Chile

Cultural Tour

By V!VA user

Although many Chileans associate Valparaíso with trash-lined alleys and opportunistic thieves, visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find a slice of gritty bohemianism in two of the downtown’s adjacent cerros (hills), Alegre and Concepción.

The central location of the hills makes them an appropriate jumping off point for exploring the area. Yet, the funky, café-lined streets of Cerros Alegre and Concepción are a destination in and of themselves and demand at least an afternoon of meandering through their snaking thoroughfares and hidden walkways.

Food and drink are readily available, as are quirky artisan wares and postcard-worthy views of the bay from the sector’s several miradores (overlooks). And, in spite of the ever-increasing number of hostels catering to backpackers, Cerros Alegre and Concepción remain stubbornly Chilean, bending but not breaking to the influx of camera-wielding foreigners.

Getting there:

The heart of Cerros Alegre and Concepción can be reached quickly (if not effortlessly) by foot, climbing Almirante Montt, which originates in the Plaza Anibal Pinto, or Urriola, located several blocks closer to the city’s port. Those looking to avoid a serious calf workout can make use of Valparaíso’s iconic acensores (inclines), or catch a colectivo (shared taxi) at Anibal Pinto. Detailed maps are available at tourist kiosks both in Anibal Pinto and the port.