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Polaroid of the Week: Vibrant Hills of Valparaíso, Chile

Polaroid of the Week: Vibrant Hills of Valparaíso, Chile

We recently spent a week in Valparaíso, Chile's coastal gem and once the most important port on South America's Pacific Coast. The Panama Canal's opening in 1914 reduced its maritime dominance, but the city's timeless charm remains etched in its architecture. Sailors dubbed it 'Little San Francisco' for its evocative similarities to the U.S. city.

With 45 steep hills, Valparaíso offers colorful houses snaking up slopes, many adorned with striking street art. Our explorations uncovered murals, panoramic port views, neighboring hill vistas—even scenic cemetery spots. A bustling commercial hub and active port coexist with bohemian allure, from faded grand facades to the legacies of artists, writers like Pablo Neruda (whose home is here), sailors, and immigrants.

Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Santiago s Outdoor Gyms with Stunning Andes Backdrop

    In a previous post on 33 things we love about Buenos Aires, we highlighted the Argentine capitals active lifestyle. Yet, just days in Santiago reveal an even greater fitness enthusiasm. With the snow-capped Andes as a dramatic skyline, locals embrace skiing and hiking, while daily workouts permeate the city. Santiagos urban design caters to joggers, featuring bike paths and running trails through parks and the verdant medians of major downtown thoroughfares. Mornings and evenings, cyclists and

  • Polaroid of the Week: Vibrant Street Art in Santiago, Chile

    After being captivated by Buenos Aires street art, we wondered how Santiago would compare. Known for Valparaísos murals, Chiles capital surprised us with expansive graffiti scenes in every neighborhood we explored.Bellavista features the most colorful streets, but this mural of an indigenous woman with her baby is in the Brazil neighborhood. Amid Santiagos modernity, Chiles Aymara, Quechua, and Mapuche communities endure. Were eager to learn more on our Chilean journey.

  • Polaroid of the Week: Costa Rica s Stunning New Colón Banknotes

    Since our last visit to Costa Rica in February 2011, the country has unveiled redesigned colón banknotes that are so captivating, were hesitant to spend them. (The 15,000 colónes pictured are worth about US$30.) Renowned for its biodiversity, Costa Rica celebrates this heritage on its currency with vibrant images of sloths, monkeys, birds, sharks, butterflies, deer, sea turtles, scorpions, and starfish, alongside natural wonders like the Guanacaste tree, cloud forests, coral reefs, and mangrove