Travel Guide to Barrio Puerto

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeChao
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/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-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• 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 médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah 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 expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh 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 (10)
  [meh-dyah]
• 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
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

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

Founded in 1536 by Spanish explorer Juan Bautista Pastene, the area that is now Barrio Puerto was initially recognized for its strategic coastal location. As the first significant port city in Chile, Valparaíso became a crucial point for maritime trade and a gateway for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Throughout the 19th century, Barrio Puerto emerged as the heart of Valparaíso's bustling trade. The neighborhood was dotted with warehouses, shipyards, and bustling markets, reflecting the city's role as a major commercial hub. This period saw the arrival of European immigrants, particularly from Britain, who contributed to the city’s architectural styles and cultural landscape.

On April 12, 2015, a devastating fire swept through parts of Barrio Puerto, destroying numerous homes and businesses. The incident highlighted the area's vulnerability and led to significant discussions about urban planning, disaster management, and the preservation of Valparaíso's historical buildings.

Barrio Puerto has long been a melting pot of cultures. It was home to various immigrant communities, including Germans, Italians, and Spaniards. This blend is evident in the neighborhood's architecture, gastronomy, and festivals, making it a vibrant area that showcases the multicultural identity of Valparaíso.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Barrio Puerto became a focal point for artistic expression. The neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant street art, which reflects both local culture and global political themes. This artistic revival has attracted tourists and artists alike, further enhancing the area’s reputation as a cultural hotspot within Valparaíso.

Barrio Puerto is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Valparaíso. If you're coming from the city center, you can take a short walk or hop on a local micro (minibus) heading towards the port area. For those arriving from Viña del Mar, you can take a metro or bus to Valparaíso and then transfer to a micro or taxi to reach Barrio Puerto.

Barrio Puerto is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Local buses and micros operate frequently, providing access to nearby areas. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport; many locals use them to navigate the hilly terrain. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk.

While Barrio Puerto is generally safe for tourists, it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in areas with fewer people. The streets near the port can be less secure at night, and travelers should avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Be cautious around the Plaza Victoria and the waterfront, where petty crimes such as pickpocketing may occur.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for police, 132 for fire, or 131 for medical assistance. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies and clinics are available throughout Barrio Puerto for minor health concerns. Always have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and be prepared for variable weather. Don't wear excessive jewelry that could attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Always dress modestly. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and be courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Don't be overly formal; a casual approach is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood dishes and enjoy a glass of wine. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Barrio Puerto like a local, visit the Mercado Puerto for fresh seafood and local produce. Engage with local artisans in the area, as they often sell handmade crafts and souvenirs. Explore the street art that decorates many buildings, reflecting the neighborhood's vibrant culture. Lastly, try to catch a local music performance in one of the plazas for an authentic taste of Valparaíso's artistic spirit.