I woke up just before 9:00 AM, had breakfast, and walked into Santiago. My first task was to withdraw cash to cover transport costs around the city. I managed to get some money from Western Union and then found a metro station to top up my travel card with just over 6,000 pesos.
After returning to the hostel, I decided to take a trip to Valparaíso. I took the metro to Pajaritos, a bus terminal where you can catch transport to other destinations. From there, I boarded a FlixBus to Valparaíso, a journey that took just over 1.5 hours.
The bus ride was incredible, cutting straight through the mountains to the other side of the country. I arrived in Valparaíso around 3:00 PM. It took me about 45 minutes to find my hostel, but the walk was a pleasant one. I passed through a lively street market, where I picked up some fresh strawberries.
Once at the hostel, situated halfway up a hill in one of the city’s safest neighborhoods, I checked in and dropped off my belongings.
I spent the afternoon wandering around the neighborhood, marveling at Valparaíso’s renowned street art. There were three staircases adorned with vibrant paintings, and I climbed to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city. On my way back down, I discovered a mountain railway, which made the descent quick and scenic.
Afterward, I treated myself to a coffee and explored a nearby supermarket. Feeling settled and hungry, I grabbed a double burger and a beer for dinner.
I ended the day playing cards with fellow travelers at the hostel, a perfect way to relax after a day full of exploration and new experiences.
