Picture this; detailed graffiti murals on every building, brightly coloured terraces, steep hills, and rickety funiculars (like a very steep train carriage). This is what defines the quirky coastal port town of Valparaiso.

It’s winding narrow streets and steep staircases make for the perfect place to explore, get lost in and find something artistically inspiring down a side street or alley.

Here’s a few pieces of interesting artwork, vistas and architecture we stumbled across.

A visit to the grittier side of Valparaiso lead us to the port, the bread and butter for the town and the main port of entry for goods into the country. The boardwalk smelt strong of seafood and rickety fishing boats lined the wharf.

There was one particular reason we came to the port and that was to catch a glimpse of the local sea lions. A 45 minute boat ride on an little wooden boat (which cost us a mere total of $5 AUS) took us right up to the sea lions, almost close enough to touch!

After that is was a freshly caught seafood lunch at one of the popular local haunts, the king crab empanada (a sort of filled savory pastry) was a crowd favourite, as well as the familiar fish and chips (a must for us both whenever we are near the seaside).

Valparaiso harbour by night Valparaiso harbour by night