12 Hours In Valparaiso
View of the colorful architecture in Valparaiso, Chile.
Valparaiso, Valparaíso, Chile Saturday, January 21, 2017
Valparaiso, Chile was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its distinctive ascensores (funicular cable cars) that connect the port with its surroundings. These constructions scattered around the city enable people to admire the huge bay and the strong contrast of the houses painted in shocking colors from the heights. All ascensores charge a small fee. Here is alist of some of the major ascensores in Valparaiso.
Polanco Funicular
Built in 1915, it is the most picturesque in the city. It accesses Mount Polanco, after which it is named. It has distinctive features as it is not attached to the hillside. On the contrary, there is a slightly steep tunnel before it that reminds visitors of the mine galleries. Only Polanco Funicular is an elevator in the strictest sense of the word.
Barón Funicular
Built in 1906, it was the first funicular to work with an electrical engine which replaced the old water scales system. It has significant tourist value for it connects the city with the eastern area of the natural amphitheater in Valparaíso.
El Peral Funicular
It is one of the most ancient in the city. It was built in 1902 and, along with the Queen Victoria and Concepción Funiculars, it represents a must visit for all those who wish to see the area declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO. From its upper station, the Yugoslavian Parade is accessed, which offers impressive panoramic views of the clustered housing area of Valparaíso.
Concepción Funicular
It was created as a result of the initiative taken by some European immigrants who settled down in the area of Mounts Alegre and Concepción. It was the first one to be built, back in 1883.
Queen Victoria Funicular
It was built in the early XXth century. Its name is reminiscent of the British monarch who ruled in the XIXth century and died in 1901. It has a sitting-room, a fully-equipped bathroom and an intercom connecting both stations. Its surroundings concentrate the typical architecture built by English and German immigrants.
Artillería Funicular
It was built in 1893 to transport the staff of the old naval school. Its upper station lies in the 21 de Mayo Promenade, one of the most emblematic spots in town. In the old days, it used to be the largest funicular, capable of transporting over 30 passengers.
Cordillera Funicular
It was inaugurated in 1887 with a steam engine. It was the second one to be built in Valparaíso. The present funicular is a reconstruction, as the original was affected by a fire. Its upper station is connected with Eleuterio Ramírez Square, which lies very close to the Lord Cochrane Museum.
Casablanca Valley
Emiliana winery is the leading Organic vineyard in Chile and one of the biggest in the world.
From Valparaiso, our group went to Casablanca valley which is the cream of the cop of the modern Chilean wine-growing regions. We visited Emiliana Winery which is the largest organic wine producing in Chile. They grow grapes using bio dynamic procedures in harmony with nature. Their wines are a great mix of flavor from classic Chilean grape varieties, including Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc which have been prize winners around the world. Emiliana’s wines are exported to no less than 60 countries.
Comments:
Candy colored houses look like a poster! Had never heard of pepino! From Frances, on Jan 27, 2017 at 06:24PM