Chile Travel - Cultural Tour in Valparaiso

The bohemian city of Valparaiso, with its laid back friendly atmosphere, its chaotic yet colorful architecture, its funiculars riding up and down the many hills, and its bustling port dock, is a great destination that should without a doubt be on every traveler’s must-do list in Chile.

If you are a culture addict, Valparaiso offers countless attractions that are sure to amaze you. Read this guide to the best museums and cultural activities in Valparaiso, and enjoy the most of what one of the most beautiful cities in Chile has to offer.

A visit to the Ex-Carcel, a former prison turned into an art museum, although little known by tourists, is both fascinating and thrilling. When a new prison was built in 1999, this place was converted into a community art space which has become an iconic symbol of Valparaiso. Admire the frescoes adorning the walls, remainders of the prisoners detained and executed under Pinochet’s military dictatorship, and take part in the many cultural events – concerts, workshops, conferences, etc – that are frequently hosted here.

Valparaiso was also home to one of the most famous and symbolic characters of Chile’s history and cultural life, poet and Literature Nobel Prize, Pablo Neruda. Pay a visit to La Sebastiana, the poet’s former house turned into a museum honoring his life and work. Let yourself be carried away into the poet’s eccentric world as you walk in the organized chaos characterizing Neruda’s life, and among his collection of art works from around the world. You can also enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the beautiful Valparaiso from La Sebastiana.

Another must-see for all culture and art buffs is the beautiful Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) of Valparaiso. This excellent museum is housed in the Palaccio Baburriza, which was constructed in 1916 and boasts a superb architecture. The palace was originally designed for a nitrate baron but was eventually named after a Yugoslav national who purchased the house. Some of the noteworthy architectural details of the building are the intricate woodwork, iron-forged details, and central tower. Surrounding the palace lie beautiful gardens affording a view of the beautiful Cerro Concepcion.

End your cultural tour of Valparaiso by paying a visit to Casa Mirador de Lukas. Lukas, whose real name is Renzo Pecchenino, is a renowned caricaturist in Chile. Italian of origin, Lukas moved to Valparaiso with his parents as a child and fell in love with the city. His work celebrates the city in a collection of drawings and historical anecdotes.

Explore the rich culture of Valparaiso with this guide by a Chile travel expert at Chile For Less, specialist in customized Chile vacation packages. Start planning your exciting Chile vacations now.

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