VALPARAISO
CHILE
WE FAILED TO SEE VERY MUCH
Of the six visits made to Santiago over th years we had never been to Valparaiso. Some had said it was too dangerous and others said avoid it because of the risks.This time we had a day to spare and took a tour (driver and guide) from the hotel in Santiago.
the hotel was
The tour operator was a private organization and it was not part of Marriott or Four Points by Sheraton which was a pleasant and enjoyable hotel. The woman who operated the desk was pleasant and professional.The tour guide and driver was where it all fell apart.The driver had poor English which may have been the excuse for providing little information. The major issue was the time we spent driving through the streets of the adjacent city Vina del Mar which was quite modern and interesting enough and a surprise as it was large and glitzy. We however went on the tour to see Valparaiso, and old port city with some character. The morning went by and then we went to a seaside restaurant for lunch which two 1.5 hours (the driver and guide had a wonderful long free lunch while we waited patiently outside wanting to get to Valparaiso.) i pointed out iour need and we headed to Valparaiso and slipped right through the city (yes there was a small demonstration but peaceful and not an issue) . We went to an area that looked over the port and saw what was a typical container port. Fro that point you could see the town down below and some of the colorful old buildings, a feature of Valparaiso. We then went to a historic building to find, bcause of the long lunch was about to close. So we headed back to Santiago and arrived back around five.. our recollection of Valparaiso is set out in the photo's below.
CAUTION
IF YOU PLAN TO TAKE A TOUR OF VALPARAISO , AVOID THE TOUR DESK AT FOUR POINTS OR GET A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE--OR FIND A BETTER ONE.
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