Valparaíso
A crazy place – extravagant, colourful, poetic, dilapidated – a bit chaotic, but also very charming!
Once the trading centre of the entire Pacific coast in the 19th century, Valpo fell into a slumber in the 20th century, from which it is now gradually awaking. Today it attracts countless tourists, young and old.
The division of the city is clearly visible on the map. The port and the lower town are built on land reclaimed from the sea and feature magnificent naval buildings, banks and administrative offices. This all against the magnificent backdrop of countless "Cerros" (hills), where colourful urban architecture provides homes for citizens of diverse cultural backgrounds.
At the centre of these hills are Cerro Alegre, once inhabited by the British upper classes, and Cerro Concepción with its German roots. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is where AYCA LA FLORA is situated.
Ascensores
The ascensores of Valparaíso are often referred to as lifts or escalators, as per their literal translation. In fact all bar one of them are actually short funiculars and a prime tourist attraction of the city. Originally, 30 of them were built to connect the business district in the lower city with the residential areas on the hills.
Built in the late 19th and early 20th century they have fallen into disrepair over time. But some have survived and are now recognised as an important part of the industrial heritage of the city and are currently being restored. They are quite unique in the world and UNESCO put them on the World Heritage List in 2003.
Jump onto one and take a trip back in time. An experience and adventure not to be missed.
Panoramic Boat Trip
Where better to count Valparaíso's 34 hills than from the sea?
Before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, all ships sailing along the west coast of America made a port of call at Valparaíso. Take a boat trip around the harbour and imagine those busy times.
Today, Valpo is still Chile's largest port and naval base.
See if you can spot our hotel AYCA LA FLORA from the sea.
Poetry with a View
Visit the house of Pablo Neruda, Chile's most well-known poet and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1971. It is said he employed his own carpenter to realize his constantly changing views on modern architecture.
Throughout his life the house, with the poetic name “La Sebastiana”, was in permanent reconstruction. His unusual ideas create an atmosphere still special, even today, half a century after his death.
Street Art and Bohemian Charm
Just let yourself drift through the streets. There is a surprise around every corner and definitely not what you would expect. The only thing you need is a map to find your way back.
History Valparaíso
A crazy place – extravagant, colourful, poetic, dilapidated – a bit chaotic, but also very charming!
Once the trading centre of the entire Pacific coast in the 19th century, Valpo fell into a slumber in the 20th century, from which it is now gradually awaking. Today it attracts countless tourists, young and old.
The division of the city is clearly visible on the map. The harbour and the lower town are built on land reclaimed from the sea and feature magnificent naval buildings, banks and administrative offices. This all against the magnificent backdrop of countless "Cerros" (hills), where colourful urban architecture provides homes for citizens of diverse cultural backgrounds.
At the centre of these hills are Cerro Alegre, once inhabited by the British upper classes, and Cerro Concepción with its German roots. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is where AYCA LA FLORA is situated.
