Valparaíso Travel Guide

Chile

The incredible Moai of Easter Island. These giant stone heads were located at "the Nursery", an extinct volcano that was used to carve all the Moai statues out of. From the nursery they were transported to every corner of the small volcanic island. #InStone
The incredible Moai of Easter Island. These giant stone heads were located at "the Nursery", an extinct volcano that was used to carve all the Moai statues out of. From the nursery they were transported to every corner of the small volcanic island. #InStone
Ahu Tongariki in Rapanui. Shot with GoPro. #StunningStructures
#TroveonTuesday #EasterIsland #chile #IlhaDaPascoa #GreatOutdoors #Culture #History

Moai with Rano Raraku volcano in the background.

What to say about this island full of mysteries, mysticism and unanswered questions? What could be said to define it completely? Something about the Moais, their orientation on the altars, the people who built them, the transportation used to take them to the altars? Or something about the rocks with magnetic properties? Or something about the altars with perfectly adjusted stones resembling those of Machu Pichu? Who knows anything about their writing, still totally undeciphered, Rongo-rongo? Its location, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 2000 km from any other piece of land?

Perhaps the best definition, for this island, is the one I read, I do not know where, nor written by who, saying that Easter Island is a place, far from everything and everyone, that somehow makes us closer to ourselves.

Moai com vulcão Rano Raraku ao fundo.

O que dizer desta ilha cheia de mistérios, misticismo e perguntas não respondidas? O que poderia ser dito que a definisse completamente? Algo sobre os Moais, a sua orientação sobre os altares, o povo que os construiu, o transporte utilizado para os levar até aos altares? Ou algo sobre as pedras com propriedades magnéticas? Ou ainda algo sobre os altares com pedras perfeitamente ajustadas lembrando as de Machu Pichu? Quem sabe algo sobre a escrita, ainda indecifrada totalmente, Rongo-rongo? A sua localização, no meio do Oceano Pacífico, a cerca de 2000 km de qualquer outro pedaço de terra? 

Talvez a melhor definição, para esta ilha, seja a que eu li, não sei aonde, nem escrita por quem, que dizia que a Ilha de Páscoa é um lugar, longe de tudo e de todos, que, de alguma forma, nos torna mais próximos de nós mesmos.
The Rano Kau crater is nearly a mile across and forms the southwestern tip of Easter island. The large crater lake is one of only three bodies of fresh water on the island. The inner slope of the crater was also the site of the last wild toromiro tree, an Easter Island endemic, until it was chopped down for firewood in 1960. Fortunately, Thor Heyerdahl's 1955 expedition collected toromiro seeds, from which trees have been grown and a project is underway to repopulate the island.

Popular cities in Valparaíso

Valparaiso which includes a city and landscape views
Valparaiso
Known for Walking, Tours and Cafes
Chile’s historic seaport city is famous for picturesque hilltop neighborhoods, colonial architecture, grand plazas and open-air art galleries.

Reasons to visit

  • Port of Valparaiso
  • La Sebastiana Museum
  • Plaza Sotomayor
Wulff Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and general coastal views
Vina del Mar
Known for Walking, Relaxing and Cafes
Visit Chile’s Garden City, which has beautiful parks, colonial architecture, surfing beaches and a famous music festival featuring international artists.

Reasons to visit

  • Flower Clock
  • Wulff Castle
  • Teatro Municipal
Anakena Beach featuring a beach as well as a small group of people
Hanga Roa
Known for Islands, Tours and Sea
Experience the markets, museums and bustle of the island’s principal town and see the mysterious ceremonial sites and volcanic wonders on its outskirts.

Reasons to visit

  • Rapa Nui National Park
  • Anakena Beach
  • Ahu Tongariki
Casablanca
Casablanca
Known for Wineries, Spas and Family-friendly
Romantic Casablanca awaits: its wineries, spas, dining and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Emiliana Organic Vineyards
  • Kingston Family Vineyards
El Quisco
El Quisco
Head to sights like Isla Negra Beach and Pablo Neruda Museum as you discover El Quisco.

Reasons to visit

  • Isla Negra House
Algarrobo
Algarrobo
Known for Sea, Wineries and Adventure
Secluded Algarrobo is calling! Discover its wineries, adventures, beaches and more.