Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Twenty-Two: The Mountain Enchantment of Valparaíso, Chile

A riot of color sprawled across steep hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso is a city that dances to its own rhythm. Often overshadowed by Santiago or Patagonia, Valparaíso—known locally as "Valpo"—is a living mural of street art, winding staircases, and bohemian spirit. Once a major South American port, the city has reinvented itself as a haven for artists, writers, and travelers drawn to its layered charm. Each of Valpo’s cerros (hills) reveals a different personality: from Cerro Alegre’s boutique guesthouses and vibrant murals to Cerro Concepción’s labyrinth of colorful homes and quirky cafés. The city's historic funiculars creak up steep inclines, offering breathtaking views of the harbor and the city’s kaleidoscopic rooftops. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valparaíso is both gritty and beautiful, poetic and real. It's a place to wander with no agenda—letting each painted wall, echoing alley, and ocean breeze pull you deeper into its spell.