There are countless recommendations online for the Rainbow City—Valparaíso. Usually, when something is hyped up by internet influencers, the results can be underwhelming, so I arrived with a cautious mindset, ready to step on a potential landmine 💣😂.
To be honest, my first impression upon arriving at the bus station was not great. The area felt decayed and unsafe. Graffiti adorned every wall, but amidst the beautiful patterns, there were also some unsettling messages. The streets were littered with trash [石化R]. I didn’t dare take out my phone while walking around [笑哭R][笑哭R][笑哭R].
Fortunately, I met two English-speaking tourists who suggested taking a taxi directly to [Ascensor Reina Victoria]. At this charming café, you can pay 100 pesos to ride a small elevator to the top of the hill (as seen in picture 3, that’s the entrance).
——Divider——🏞️ Taking you into another world 🌠
Stepping out of the little cable car, your senses are immediately overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of colors. The quaint, colorful houses, vibrant murals, and wildflowers planted alongside them create a stark contrast to the area near the bus station. The clean, picturesque streets make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale 🫅.
Sometimes, I wonder if people living in such a magical place ever have any worries at all 😂.
Following the main road straight out, without taking the elevator back, and using the map, visit all the spots marked with a camera logo. As you climb over the hills, you can fully experience the enchanting Rainbow City 🌈 Valparaíso (Valparaiso) as described by Neruda:
“You are so absurd, so crazy, so irrational, you never even comb your hair properly, or dress properly.”
Continuing along, you’ll reach Mirador Paseo Yugoslavo, where another small cable car awaits. From there, you can walk to Plaza Sotomayor (picture 8).
After completing your tour, take a taxi to Playa Caleta Portales. When you arrive, follow the direction where the boats are parked, and you’ll see herds of sea lions, yes, sea lions as big as two of me [笑哭R][笑哭R]. But be careful, the waves here are extremely powerful, and it’s not safe to climb around casually (see picture 9).
In summary, Valparaíso is reminiscent of Guanajuato in Mexico, a colorful seaside town. While there isn’t much to see in the city, it’s definitely worth spending a day or two exploring @薯管家 @薯条小助手.
