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Valpariso or Vina del Mar for sr citizens - two nights

Valpariso or Vina del Mar for sr citizens - two nights

Old Aug 21st, 2014, 01:52 PM
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Valpariso or Vina del Mar for sr citizens - two nights

We are two US senior citizens ending a cruise in Valparaiso. We would like to spend two days and two nights there. Would Valpo or Vina del Mar be the better choice?

We all have difficulty walking, and the hills of Valpo concern me. And we need two hotel rooms with a of one flight of stairs (preferably none). We would want to be within walking distance of some bars and restaurants, but do not feel a need to stay in a touristy section of town (we usually don't, preferring to stay in a more off the beaten track but safe location).

Budget for hotel per night, per room, would be $125 or less, if possible. We are quite comfortable with B&B with private bathrooms, assuming the stairs and neighborhood will work for us.

I'm really struggling to figure this one out. Can anyone help, please?
jkgourmet1 is offline  
Old Aug 21st, 2014, 08:24 PM
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If it were not for the difficulty walking I would say Valparaiso every time. Vino del Mar is just a beach resort, Valpo is an interesting city. However, while it certainly well provided with hills, it is also well provided with transport, both taxis and buses and funiculars. You con't have to walk if you don't want to.

WRT lodging, I don't think I would recommend the B&B I tayed at, it wasn't very convenient for eating. But I see that the Ibis that was under construction when I was there is now finished, and seems to be charging around $50/night. It won't have character, but it will almost certainly be clean and comfortable, and it is right on the waterfront. However, if you are willing to pay more, there is plenty of choice.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2014, 02:46 PM
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I would look for a hotel or B&B in Viña del Mar, which is mainly flat, and try to arrange a tour (in a van or car) of Valparaiso. Or stay in the Ibis but arrange a tour of Valparaiso, not a walking tour, for one of the days. The Ibis is just not well placed for exploring Valparaiso on your own. It is very handy for getting on/off a cruise.

There is a commuter train between Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, so you could also go to Viña.
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Old Aug 24th, 2014, 08:59 AM
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We decided to stay in Valpo and utilize the taxis when necessary. Booked into the Da Vinci Hotel - they were able to give us two rooms on the first floor. Breakfast is served on the third floor (no elevator), but if it proves to be a problem, they will bring breakfast to our rooms.

Looking forward to this trip very much.

any recommendations for what we must see while we are there?
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Old Aug 24th, 2014, 09:36 AM
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There is some good street art, you might want to arrange for a tour guide with a car. (I went on a walking tour, so can't recommend my guide. But avoid the "German pirate".)

Also, do not miss Neruda's house: http://www.fundacionneruda.org/en/la...rs-information

For my visit see http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...aiso-the-good/ and the following post.
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Old Sep 3rd, 2014, 01:23 PM
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With your difficulty walking, Viña del Mar will be best. However, you should experience the hills of Valparaiso. A private guide with driver would be best. We hired one for a day through our hotel which was in the hills. I imagine your hotel can arrange a guide/driver for you.
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