On our way to Valpariso one of our friends wanted to stop at San Alfonso Del Mar. It currently holds the record of the largest swimming pool in the world. The guard wouldn’t let us in but that didn’t stop us from peaking over the fence to see this amazing pool. It is filled with over 66,043,013 gallons of sea water which is pumped, treated and filtered from the pacific ocean. This swimming pool is so huge as it is almost the size of eight football fields.
Valparaiso is known for its street art and it didn’t disappoint. Our guide told us that most of what we saw was fairly new, not more than 14 years old. Many tell a story as they cover walls, doorways, and stairways. The following three murals were my favorite. They were all painted by the artist, INTI who was born in Valparaiso, he also has worked all over the world.
This was one of my favorites. I loved the stenciled patchwork designs and the funny “doll” faces.
We learned that street art is illegal in Valparaiso. Yes, that’s true. Unless it has been commissioned or you have permission to work on the wall, it remains illegal. Many famous artist from around the world are commissioned and they come to work on their murals for months.
This monkey mural caught my eye.
The murals were everywhere and they weren’t just random spray painted tagging, they were detailed and meaningful.
Everyone who walked by this bright building had to take a photo.
Everywhere you walked there was something to see and photograph. I’d definitely go back to this town and spend days walking the streets.
Valparaiso was not only a maze of twisting cobbled, colorful streets, but there were long staircases and funiculars to take you to the top of this colorful town. I think they are called funiculars because they are fun to ride. (sorry bad pun)
Valparaiso gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2003 for its architectural value and importance as a port before the Panama Canal. It should be on everyone’s list of places to see. I would definitely go back.
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