Valparaiso, the most important southern Pacific port during the 18th and 19th centuries, is regarded by international visitors as one of the most attractive ports in the world, due to its quaint hilly landscape and colorful houses perched on the many hills where its residents ride the 19th century cable cars which serve as their everyday transport; recently this city received the honor of becoming a candidate to be declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Valparaiso is joined harmoniously by its neighboring city, Vina del Mar (vineyard of the sea), known as the City of Gardens and the most important beach resort area of Chile; together they offer their visitors great beaches, beautiful sights, and many entertainment possibilities. Amongst the interesting places which you can visit in this area are the modern National Congress; the Muelle Prat, the port's main dock; La Sebastiana, house of inspiration of the deceased Chilean Nobel Prize poet, Pablo Neruda; the 21 de Mayo, pedestrian walkway and look-out point; and the beautiful gardens of the Quinta Vergara.
		© Intrans, 2010