VALPARAISO - travel in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, Chile

Cruise Travel, Sept, 2000

Valparaiso's importance as a seaport is sometimes overshadowed by the Chilean Congress. The representatives of the country exercised a certain independence by moving its Congress from the capitol of Santiago to Valpo. Of course, the proximity of Vina Del Mar--the nation's resort and playground, complete with race course and casino--just might have had something to do with that controversial move. Besides, Chile's president has a summer palace on a Vina hillside, so it sort of evens things out.

With its trappings of wealth, Vina is a sharp contrast to Valparaiso. The beaches are the most popular attraction. Rocky and scenic in town, they become sandy and tempting as they stretch into Vina's northern suburbs. Vacation communities of Las Salinas, Renaca, and Cocha are favorites with Chileans and visitors alike. Long stretches of smooth sandy beaches, pleasant ocean temperatures, and a festive atmosphere make a Chilean day at the ocean hard to resist.

Vina is rightly proud of its parks--large, open and well-groomed, they are some of the most elaborate in South America, and make Vina a very peaceful shore visit. The Flower Clock, across from the beach and the casino, is one of the town's most photographed sites. The expansive park that surrounds the casino, plus the wide parkway across the street along the beach, gives ample testimony to Vina's designation, "The Garden City." The beach is broad, curving far to the north, and fronting dozens of elegant condos, apartments, and hotels. Horse-drawn carriages add a refined touch, in addition to being an excellent way to see the city.

Located on Av. San Martin, along the shoreline, are souvenir stands--great spots for picking up some handcrafted items. Chileans are excellent artisans when it comes to metals, jewelry, and related artwork. Knowledgeable shoppers can usually find excellent buys in gems and precious stones. You can choose from a wide selection of popular geodes. The restaurant in the park's center is a perfect ice cream stop--Chileans love their helado, which comes in countless flavors. Enjoy!

If your cruise ship ties up in February, chances are you'll be able to take in a bit of the International Festival of Song. The days and nights are filled with voices, orchestras, and bands. The Museo de Bellas Artes beckons the culture-minded the remaining months of the year. It's right there alongside the park in the Palacio Vergara. Meanwhile, theater-goers find their delights in a great variety of offerings in the Teatro Municipal. Shipboard personnel usually have the latest stage listings.

New Year's Eve is the biggest night of the year for both Valpo and Vina. The harbor explodes with a fireworks display that has few rivals. Best seen from Vina's hills or Valpo's harbor, the entire downtown of both cities is blanketed in multi-colored erupting umbrellas. The yearly event draws thousands of visitors to the beaches and downtown sections of both cities.

But whenever your Valpo port call falls, you'll find a festive atmosphere, cloaked in a rich history, and accompanied by smiles and a warm welcome in Chile.