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Valparaíso’s Incredible Street Art

The harbor city of Valparaíso in Central Chile is a place of many charms. Its layout is unique, with steep hills lined by picturesque houses. Its character is special for the artsy feel it conveys and it’s therefore no wonder many artists have fallen for the city, including Chile’s Nobel Prize winner for literature, Pablo Neruda.

Valparaíso, how absurd you are.. you haven’t combed your hair, you’ve never had time to get dressed, life has always surprised you.

– Pablo Neruda

In Valparaiso, any wall is a canvas. Café owners have their facades painted to attract visitors, hostels wouldn’t prosper without graffiti-covered walls and any house is an ideal target for an artistic mural. The variety of art that can be seen when wandering the streets is just incredible.

The local authorities actually support street art, as long as it contributes to the artistic aspect of the city. Local and foreign artists are free to express their opinion via splashes of color.

Make sure your camera is fully charged because it won’t get a break in Valparaíso.

In case you only have a few hours in Valpo, head to the hills Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción. Specifically, Templeman street on Cerro Alegre rewards visitors with the highest concentration of whole walls covered with colorful graffiti.

The entire city is just a one big exhibition. Come on a virtual walk with me and see for yourself!

And, if you get hungry, here’s a great overview of restaurants in Valparaíso.

Valparaiso street art

Beautiful big artwork by a group Vidaingravita

Valparaiso street art

Another creation by local group Un Kolor Distinto, this time near the ascensor La Reina Victoria

Valparaiso street art

One eye candy after another..!

Valparaiso street art

A piece by local group Un Kolor Distinto, on Cerro Carcel

Valparaiso street art

An unknown piece on one of the hills in Valparaíso

Valparaiso street art

In perspective: street art on Valparaíso’s houses

Valparaiso street art

Top of Cerro Alegre is covered in big artworks like this one by an Argentinean artist Martin Ron

Valparaiso street art

More by Martin Ron on Cerro Alegre

Valparaiso street art

Cerro Alegre.. probably Martin Ron’s work again

Valparaiso street art

Work by Saile, Chilean artist belonging to the group Stgo Under Crew

 

Valparaiso street art

Many of the graffitis just blend one into another..

Valparaiso street art

As a local business, if you don’t have any street art on your wall, you don’t exist

Valparaiso street art

On the left: Stink fish from Colombia
On the right: Local artist LRM

Valparaiso street art

One of many sleepy old people by French artists Ella y Pitr

Valparaiso street art

If anybody knows the artist behind this piece, I’ll be happy to add it!

Valparaiso street art

One of the more subtle creations

Valparaiso street art

One of many graffitis in Tempelman street on Cerro Alegre

It doesn’t matter if you’re a street art freak or just like to go to a gallery every now and then. In Valparaíso you’ll be amazed at every corner, coming across unique street art pieces whose life might be as temporary as that of the many stray dogs. Valparaíso might as well be the world’s graffiti capital and if you’re visiting Chile, you definitely shouldn’t leave it out!

If you decide to go explore Valparaíso, I strongly recommend you stay at an Airbnb apartment. I did it and felt so much more as if I were local! The apartment I stayed at is no longer listed, but you can still find some awesome ones. Check them out here.

In case you’re much more into hotels, see the current deals here:



Booking.com

Have you been to Valpo or any other city infused with street art?

And here’s a pin for you to pin for later:

Valparaiso street art - a virtual photo walk covering all major Valparaiso's murals and graffiti. See this gem of a city where artists thrive!

 

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Dave Cole

Wednesday 29th of October 2014

Love this creativity! I visited Valpo several years ago and recall the brightly colored buildings, but missed any street art. These creative works are reason alone to return! I especially like the one of the old lady on the corner of the building.

paper boat sailor

Wednesday 29th of October 2014

Such a visual treat! Can't wait to go to Chile--always always wanted!

kami

Monday 27th of October 2014

OMG, this looks incredible! I really need to think of a trip to Chile, this looks like my kind of place! Thank you for sharing!!

Juergen | dare2go

Friday 24th of October 2014

I can't wait to go there, it WILL HAPPEN sometime before year's end! I've documented some of Santiago's street art, and looking through your amazing pictures I believe here and there I recognise the style of particular artists, who probably work in both cities...

Kirsty

Thursday 16th of October 2014

Beautiful! I want to pin it all! ;-)

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