During
2003 and early 2004, signs will be installed for sections 2
and 3 only. We have chosen to start with these stages, because
they represent the historic quarter of Valparaiso, recently
declared a UNESCO
world heritage site. This does not mean you cannot walk other
sections of the trail, nor does it mean that there aren’t
spectacular attractions in each section. You can and there are.
It only means that for the time being, on remaining sections,
you will need to depend 100% on the guidebook. You cannot expect
to see signs for all remaining sections until the first semester
of 2005.
Finding the Right Section for You
It is neither necessary nor recommendable to walk the entire
bicentennial trail in chronological order. For shorter visits,
we recommend combining sections, for example, stages 2, 3, and
14. You can do this by walking down two blocks from the Queen
Victoria Elevator (the end of section 3) to the Aníbal
Pinto Square (the beginning of section 14). The trail will then
return you naturally to the Artillery Elevator (the start of
Stage 2). Such a circular route will take about 3-3 1/2 hours.
You will see a high concentration of the most spectacular sights
that the city has to offer. Sections 4, 5, and 6, also make
a pleasant 3-4-hour-hike in their own right, including the upper
part of the Pleasant Hill Historic District, Avenida Alemania,
the historic cemeteries, the St. John’s Hill Historic
District, the Valparaiso
Foundation, the Open Air Museum, La Sebastiana,
and the renovated painted facades of Bellavista Hill.
To facilitate choosing the best section for you, we have organized
this book in 15 chapters, each chapter describing a different
section. Each chapter provides basic information, such as the
estimated walking time, the degree of difficulty (some sections
have steep up and downhill climbs), the availability of tourist
infrastructure, etc.
Safety and Common Sense
Although Valparaiso is a safe city, basic tourist’s common
sense dictates wearing simple attire and comfortable shoes.
Avoid ostentatious signs of wealth. Since some stages may take
you off the beaten path, one should generally be accompanied
and alert. The trail is designed to take urban hikers into the
heart of Valparaiso, at the city’s own pace and rhythm.
Ideally the route should be approached patiently, without haste
or hurry, taking one’s time to stroll, rest, photograph,
etc.
We hope you enjoy your stay in our historic city.
Todd Temkin
President Valparaiso Foundation |
