Our family’s quest for unique travel experiences recently led us to Valparaíso, Chile, a city that’s as vibrant and spirited as the tales that weave through its steep streets and colourful murals.
As a lifestyle blogger who thrives on sharing our family’s adventures, and as someone deeply passionate about exploring new cultures, Valparaíso offered the perfect backdrop for our latest journey. Together with my husband, Steve, and our curious 1-year-old daughter, we discovered a city that captivated our hearts and ignited our wanderlust.
Why Valparaíso Beckoned Our Family
Valparaíso is a treasure trove of artistic expression and historical depth, where every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. As someone who appreciates the beauty in the details and the stories behind the sights, I found the city’s street art to be a mesmerising open-air gallery, offering insights into Chilean culture and creativity.
The ascensores, or funiculars, provided not just a novel means of navigating the city’s hilly terrain but also breathtaking views that we, as a family, could cherish together. The combination of Valparaíso’s cultural richness and the warm hospitality of its people made it an enlightening destination for us, blending adventure with the kind of meaningful self-empowerment that comes from immersive travel experiences.
Our Top 5 Family-Friendly Activities in Valparaíso
1. Wandering Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción: These neighbourhoods were a delight, with their colourful houses and panoramic views providing a feast for the eyes and endless exploration opportunities for our little one.
2. Riding the Historic Funiculars: A hit with the family, these ascensores offered a unique experience and a glimpse into the city’s past, making every ride an adventure in itself.
3. Exploring La Sebastiana: Visiting one of Pablo Neruda’s homes turned museums was not only culturally enriching but also offered stunning views that we captured in family photos to treasure forever.
4. Discovering Street Art: The city’s murals became the backdrop for our family’s exploration of art and expression, each piece telling a story that added depth to our visit.
5. Enjoying Sunset at Paseo 21 de Mayo: Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean was a serene family moment, reminding us of the beauty in nature and the joy of shared experiences.
Local Dishes to Try
Valparaíso’s culinary scene is as colourful as its streets, offering a taste of the sea and traditional Chilean flavours:
Chorrillana: A hearty dish perfect for sharing, consisting of fries topped with strips of beef, sausages, onions, and fried eggs.
Empanadas de Marisco: Savour these delicious seafood empanadas, a local favourite filled with shrimp, clam, or crab, seasoned with Chilean spices.
Congrio Frito: A traditional Chilean dish featuring fried conger eel, often served with a side of ensalada chilena (tomato and onion salad).
In Valparaíso, and Chile in general, while traditional cuisine leans heavily on meat and seafood, there has been a growing availability of vegetarian and vegan options, reflecting global trends towards more plant-based diets. Here are a few local dishes that are vegetarian or can be easily adapted for vegans (like our family):
Porotos Granados: This traditional Chilean stew is made from cranberry beans (porotos), corn, squash, onion, garlic, and basil. It’s hearty and naturally vegan, embodying the flavours of Chilean summer.
Humitas: Similar to Mexican tamales, humitas are made from fresh corn, onion, and basil, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are typically vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting any added butter or cheese.
Empanadas de Queso: While traditionally filled with cheese (making them vegetarian but not vegan), many places now offer vegan empanadas filled with a mixture of vegetables or vegan cheese, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences.
These dishes offer a taste of Chilean cuisine’s rich flavours without the need for animal products, making them perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking to explore Valparaíso’s culinary landscape.
Where to Stay in Valparaíso
Discovering the perfect place to stay is key to fully embracing the vibrant energy and artistic spirit of Valparaíso. Here are three accommodation options that promise comfort, charm, and a touch of local flair.
Casa Galos Hotel & Lofts: Nestled in Cerro Alegre, this boutique hotel offers stylish accommodation with spectacular city and sea views, close to many of the city’s attractions.
Hotel Fauna: Located in the heart of Valparaíso, Hotel Fauna features a modern design with a cosy atmosphere and a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views.
Palacio Astoreca Hotel: Situated in a beautifully restored national monument, this luxury hotel combines elegance with comfort, featuring a spa, gourmet restaurant, and wine cellar.
Conclusion
Valparaíso, with its blend of culture, art, and natural beauty, offered our family more than just a holiday, it provided an enriching experience that we’ll carry with us. As we navigated the city’s colourful streets and delved into its culinary delights, we found moments of connection, wonder, and joy.
This journey reaffirmed our love for travel and our belief in the power of exploring new places together as a family. Valparaíso is more than a destination; it’s a vibrant chapter in our family’s ongoing adventure story.
Author Bio
Micaela resides in the picturesque Kent countryside with her husband Steve, their cherished 1-year-old daughter, and a bustling menagerie of pets. She is a veteran in the digital marketing realm and the creative force behind the lifestyle blog Stylish London Living, it’s here that she seamlessly blends lifestyle inspiration with actionable insight, guiding her readers through the intricacies of creating a stylish, yet functional living space, nurturing well-being, and embracing the spontaneity of family adventures. Micaela’s approach to content creation is deeply rooted in her professional experiences in digital marketing.
Wonderful! I want to visit Valparaiso.