Valparaiso is a mess.

But it’s a beautiful and magnificent mess.

Known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’ Valparaiso is one of Chile’s most favoured destinations, people from all over the world visiting, especially Argentinians.

Discover, enjoy, savour, the far-out architecture of this World Heritage City, stroll along its narrow streets, showcasing some of the best street art in Latin America, climb its endless staircases and enjoy panoramic views.

Or spend a day at many of its nearby beaches – many great oceanside restaurants await you.

The city’s maze of hills has resulted in 16 funiculars – transportation cable railway systems – allowing people to get to their destination quickly without climbing to them.

One of the great beaches is a mere 15 minute drive from Valparaiso – lVina del Mar, the city of flowers.

Chilean Pablo Neruda, politician, poet, diplomat, 1971 winner of the Nobel prize for literature summed up Valparaiso best.

“Valparaíso, how absurd you are…you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.