Only two hours northwest from the Chilean capital of Santiago sits the eccentric port city of Valparaíso. Some consider it the San Francisco of South America. Valpo, as the locals like to call it, has all the charms of a hillside town overlooking the sea.
It is here I fell in love with the street art in Valparaíso!
Not to mention a picturesque port near white sand beaches.
I was content seeing just those sites. It wasn’t until our serendipitous art walk that I realized why this city of more than 284,000 inhabitants was so remarkable.
Street Art in Valparaíso surging with vibrant cultural displays, and quirky graffiti done by intriguing imaginations unleashed with cans of spray paint.
Here is some of my favorite artwork.
I left my mark on Valparaíso, as it did on me.To see the rest of my photos of Valparaíso on Flickr, click here.This city is really worth more days to wander aimlessly about and partake in a unique cultural pastime (without getting arrested, of course).
…and then, she paused for thought.
Cathy, how is it that you got your own spray paint and didn’t get arrested…or did you?
These photos are an amazingly wild ride through the street art. Loved this.
LOL Susan, They have areas where tourists can try their hand at graffiti. I can now cross that off my bucket list. 🙂
Wow! You musta’ been in your element with all these amazing photographs of the street art! I especially love your Flickr pic of the Columbina Restaurant sign. All are just amazing with their vibrant colors and designs! So glad we got a chance to armchair travel with you.
So glad you enjoyed them Leslie, there was so much art everywhere it was so hard to choose what photos to post.
What gorgeous photos, Cathy! It does look like a very cool place, very similar vibes to San Francisco. Loved hearing about this!
Thanks Sue, it was a very unique place that I hope to get back to someday.
Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you!!! You saved me a trip because I know you showed me the best parts!!! Awesome!!!
I think I only showed a small sampling of all the intriguing sights to see. The experience of being there is what is so special. I recommend this one for the bucket list.
I’ve been living vicariously through your incredible posts. It’s as though I’ve been traveling with you. After seeing this post, I now must book a ticket. I love seeing street art and you’ve captured the sensation so well. Thanks.
Thanks Judy. I am glad you are along for the ride. You will love Chile.
Wow, wow, wow. Those are amazing photos! What a gorgeous city. The colors are so vibrant and yes, I get the South American feel with old European charm. I must go! Thanks for taking me there!
Thanks Kelly. It was a great mix of architecture, culture, food and street art.
Que fantastico! I really have only heard the name of this place but have never seen pics. Amazing photos! This is my kinda town! Got any more shots of that market? 😉
Valparaiso has been in the news quite frequently because of the huge fires it has had. They day after we left they had another one. So sad. Everything about this town is intriquing. It is a bucket-list destination in my book.
Thank you Cathy for sharing your travel-to-Valparaíso inspiring post.
Thank Yakir! So glad you enjoyed it.
So impressive. This is a must visit destination. I’m sorry I missed it on my recent SoAm trip. GREG
Thanks Greg, you would have really love it. Next time…
I like that the great street art has not been graffitied over, like so many in LA. Such a great travel post. Thanks.
Thanks Lynne! So sad about LA, I agree with you.
What great street art. Hope to make it there sometime.
Christy it is bucket-list material. You will love it.