With a location that stretches along much of the coast of South America, Chile certainly covers some diverse ground. Whether it's the shoreline in the west or the deserts of Patagonia in the east, Chile has a wide range of destinations for such a narrow country. It is also home to Valparaiso, which stands out as a popular stop in a tour of South America.
Sometimes referred to as The Jewel of the Pacific, Valparaiso is famous in the region for a number of reasons, but among its most attractive features are its unique urban landscape and architecture. The seaside town is home to everything from centuries-old buildings, such as the Iglesia de la Matriz, to more luxurious lodging options.
Though Valparaiso's unique atmosphere draws a lot of visitors, one aspect in particular stands out - its 16 operational funiculars. An unusual mode of transportation, funiculars are a sort of cliff-side railway that can bring you up the city's coastal bluffs. Though some of them date as far back as 1883, there's nothing quite like viewing the city from above while riding in this unique vehicle.
