Valparaíso + Viña Del Mar

Visiting Valparaíso is a great experience! It's not only Chile's main port, but in the 19th century it was the most important one in South America! Sailors actually called it "the jewel of the pacific". But how about the name Valparaiso? After crossing the "Cabo de Hornos", the Strait of Magallanes &"Drakes passage", since it felt like arriving to Paradise, sailors used to joke saying "Va al Paraíso" (going to paradise). Back then many Europeans from England, Germany, Italy, Croatia, France, etc arrived attracted by commercial opportunities. This is the reason behind the city's outstanding European architecture. Valparaiso wasn't founded, it literally grew for more than 250 years before its commercial boom! A prove of that is the city's narrow, curve and steep stoned streets climbing the hills, before the stairs & funiculars appeared. Valparaíso & Viña Del Mar are very special to me because my father's family lived many years in Valparaiso after arriving from Croatia, until they moved to Viña del Mar.

Arriving in Valparaiso, we'll drive across downtown with a panoramic view until we reach our first sightseeing stop, "Cerro Concepcion" and "Cerro Alegre". On the hills, you may walk through their old steep curved and stoned streets, where you'll be able to take great panoramic photos. Also you can drink a coffee or have a meal, since there are many places around. We can stay here for the time that you wish, flexibility on tour is a must for me. ·Later we drive for about 20 minutes to Viña del Mar. ·Our first stop will be at an iconic place called the Flowers Clock, fantastic to take some pictures. ·Afterwards we go through the most touristic avenue; San Martin, heading to beach were you'll get a walk beside the Pacific Ocean with great views, pure marine air and picturesque spots. Here the stay is up to you to too! ·Then, heading to Santiago we'll drive along the main avenue Libertad, to the last stop to see an authentic MOAI from Eastern Island in front of the Fonck museum.