Valparaiso

History

What today constitutes Valparaiso was originally inhabited by native Indians, who saw the potential of the bay of Valparaiso for fishing and established a settlement lining the seafront. Historians disagree as to whether the area was colonized by the Changos, seafaring nomads or the Picunches Indians, who grew crops on inland from the bay. What we do know is that native Indians lived and prospered for thousands of years in Chile and Valparaiso thrived as a settlement and important fishing village.

The native Indians’ peaceful existence was shattered by the arrival of the Spanish conquistador in the 16th century. Over the course of the century, the Spanish took control over most of South America, including Chile. History records that in 1536, the Spanish invaders first landed in the bay of Valparaiso, led by Diego de Almagro. He would subsequently become famous for being the first European explorer of Chile and wasted no time in claiming the settlement in the name of the Spanish Empire. It was named after the ship’s captain, Juan de Saavedra, native village back home.

The Spanish controlled Chile for several centuries, establishing several ports and settlements along the Pacific coast and the countries capital, Santiago in particular, prospered from trade with neighboring countries and Europe. However, Valparaiso, or simply Valpo as it was affectionately known, was largely sidelined by the Spanish. Despite its great potential for sea trade and development, it remained largely ignored by its rulers and was basically a provincial fishing village, with very few inhabitants in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Salvation came in the form of Chile’s Independence from Spain in the 19th century. People all over the country rejoiced when Chile was proclaimed an independent republic on February 12th, 1818. The transition occurred with relative ease and during the mid-19th century, Valparaiso became an area of increasing importance to the new Chilean government. They needed a central base from which to operate their new navy fleet and so Valparaiso became the Navy harbor of Chile.

In the late 19th century, the city really got into its stride, this ‘golden era’ was fueled largely by the opening up of international trade, which prior to 1818 had been limited to Spain and her colonies. Its population grew, as immigrants from poorer regions of Chile and abroad came to Valparaiso to take advantage of this new found prosperity. New buildings, including hospitals, civic centers, and parks were constructed; the city had never had it so good. It also became an important port for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Valparaiso changed considerably during this period, not only was the image and importance of the city transformed but great cultural changes occurred as well. No longer a provincial Chilean backwater, its wealth and sea trade attracted a large number of immigrants from Europe who brought their language and culture with them. A vibrant melting pot of different cultures emerged, exemplified by the various language newspapers being printed all over the city!

Gastronomy & Wine

Valparaiso is justly famed through-out Chile for its nightlife, a large collection of bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants where students, poets, office workers and yes tourists socialize until the small hours. Closing time is not a well-understood word here! Visitors can expect a fantastic selection of seafood and should start their search in the Muelle (Wharf) district of the city. When not enjoying fish, locals like to munch a Chorillana, French fries topped with onions, eggs, and a steak. It hits the spot after a hard night spent partying.

Local cuisine, as we have highlighted, revolves around high quality, local ingredients in season and an abundance of fresh seafood. Discerning locals head to Vina del Mar part of town for a selection of high-class restaurants and a smattering of international ones, Argentina beef and Mexican food being in good supply. If you are ready for a glass of wine, then look no further. Chile has an astonishing variety of diverse wine regions and styles, light aromatic whites and full, intense delicious reds are in abundance. Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in Rapel, equals the best in the world, Chile’s signature grape variety Carmenere works very well with their hearty stews and meat dishes.