Port of Valparaiso Chile ~ Travel Pictures
The Port of Valparaiso was Chile's main port; These days, though it still a very busy port with a cruise ship dock, San Antonio, further south on the coast, takes much of the shipping traffic. Valparaiso is the port for cruise ships and the Chilean Navy. These pictures were taken at sea level and from the hillside above the port, near near Plaza Sotomayor and Ascensor Concepcion in Valapraiso, Chile.
Port in Valparaiso Chile ~ Navy, Cruise Ship Terminal 
On this sunny summer evening, there were no cruise ships in port, just sleek gray navy vessels out in the harbour and fishing boats in dock.
The port area is well worth a walkabout to see the ships, fishermen, the historic Plaza Sotomayor and nearby parks and shops.
You can walk to the port from much of Valparaiso's lower areas.
If you are in the hills, look for a funicular or transport, or plan on a long walk. By train, it's Estacion Puerto (Port Station).
|
Port of Valparaiso, Chile Summer Evening Views
The cruise ship pier (Agunsa) is to the rear, in this view, behind the ship middle left.
See this google map for location; the letter A is the cruise ship pier -- Agunsa -- and the green arrow is about where I was standing in front of Plaza Sotomayor.
Sometimes googlemaps in street view can bring in details perfectly, and other times it seems to have trouble translating street names.
If you have some time, play around with Street View to get really good images.
|
Valparaiso Ships in Port, Fishing Boats Docked: Chile Travel 
Here's another view of the ships and fishing boats in port this day. The colors were just so pretty!
While Valparaiso is obviously still a working port, these days it's not as crowded, making it a lot more enjoyable to visit.
If you have a day or two in Valparaiso, consider a drive to the Pablo Neruda house at Isla Negra, just down the coast or check for wineries, like Indomita Winery to tour.
Looking for a beach? Try El Quisco Beaches near the Neruda house or closer to Valparaiso, at Renaca in Vina Del Mar.
|
View Port of Valparaiso, Chile ~ Tankers, Ships from Cerro Concepcion 
The top terminal of the funicular (cable car) at Cerro Concepcion offers great views of Bahia de Valparaiso (Bay of Valparaiso).
Chilean navy ships (gray) and merchant ships were in dock or at anchor.
On an earlier trip, this port area was piled high with shipping containers, and not at all inviting.
Now that San Antonio takes much of the container traffic, the port seems much more manageable.
Valparaiso is a few hours drive west of Santiago. There are lots of hotels along the waterfront and more on the hills, so ask for a room with a view.
|