Valparaíso: The Jewel of the Pacific

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl preh-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (diez)
  [meh-dee-ah (d-yehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [d-yehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksih-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Valparaíso was officially founded on September 13, 1536, by the Spanish conquistador Juan de Saavedra. He named the area after his home village in Spain. The city quickly became a vital port for Spanish ships traveling between the Americas and Europe.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Valparaíso was frequently targeted by pirates and privateers. Notable attacks include the raid by Francis Drake in 1578 and the assault by Dutch pirate Joris van Spilbergen in 1615. These events prompted the construction of fortifications to protect the city.

The city experienced significant growth in the 19th century, particularly after Chile gained independence from Spain in 1818. Valparaíso became one of the most important ports on the Pacific coast, serving as a key stopover for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Straits of Magellan.

Valparaíso developed a rich cultural tapestry due to the influx of immigrants from Europe, particularly Britain, Germany, and Italy, during the 19th century. These communities brought with them their architecture, customs, and traditions, which have left a lasting imprint on the city’s character.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries are often referred to as Valparaíso's Golden Age. However, the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 significantly reduced maritime traffic to the port, leading to an economic decline that lasted for much of the 20th century.

On August 16, 1906, Valparaíso was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. The city was rebuilt in the following years, and this event is a key chapter in its history, reflecting the resilience of its inhabitants.

In 2003, Valparaíso's historic quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is renowned for its unique urban fabric, including colorful hillside houses, cobblestone streets, and vintage funiculars. This recognition has helped revive interest in preserving the city's cultural heritage.

Today, Valparaíso is known for its vibrant arts scene, including street art and music festivals. The city continues to attract tourists from around the world who come to experience its bohemian atmosphere, historical significance, and stunning coastal views.

Valparaíso is located on the central coast of Chile, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Santiago. The nearest international airport is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. From Santiago, you can take a bus from Terminal Alameda or Terminal Pajaritos, which travel frequently to Valparaíso and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car or arrange for a private transfer.

Valparaíso is well-connected by public transportation. The city has an extensive bus network and a metro system (Merval) that connects Valparaíso with nearby cities like Viña del Mar. Taxis and 'colectivos' (shared taxis) are also widely available. For a unique experience, don't miss riding the historic funiculars, which provide easy access to the city's steep hills. Walking is another great way to explore the city's colorful streets and murals.

The official currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Valparaíso. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller establishments or markets. Currency exchange services are available in Santiago and Valparaíso, but using ATMs to withdraw local currency is often the most convenient option.

While Valparaíso is generally safe for tourists, it is important to stay vigilant. Areas around the port and certain neighborhoods like Cerro Cordillera and Cerro Carcel are known for higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night in these areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and use taxis or registered transportation services after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for police assistance, 131 for an ambulance, and 132 for the fire department. Valparaíso has several hospitals and clinics, including Hospital Carlos Van Buren. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Layers are recommended due to the variable coastal weather. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Modest attire is advised. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly passengers on buses and the metro. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a 'Hola' (hello). A kiss on the right cheek is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional dishes like 'chorrillana' and 'empanadas'. Don't refuse an offer of food or drink, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Valparaíso like a local, explore the city's vibrant street art and murals, especially in neighborhoods like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. Visit the local markets, such as Mercado Cardonal, for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals in cafes and bars to learn about the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss a visit to La Sebastiana, the house of poet Pablo Neruda, which offers stunning views of the city and bay.