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Museo Mineralógico
This must-see museum literally dazzles. A tribute to the raw materials to which the city owes its existence, it displays a kaleidoscopic collection of more than 2300 samples, some as delicate as coral, others bright as neon under fluorescent light.
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Club de la Unión
Facing the north side of the Plaza Muñoz Gamero is the Club de la Unión, the former Sara Braun mansion, some rooms of which are open for public visits. Just east is the former Sociedad Menéndez Behety, now housing the Turismo Comapa offices.
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Museo Artequín
Education and entertainment also come together at the Museo Artequín, a museum of copies of famous artworks hung at kiddy height in a striking cast iron and glass structure used as Chile’s pavilion in the 1889 Paris Exhibition (think Eiffel Tower).
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Paseo Patrimonial
Many notable constructions in town are private houses from the early 20th century. Grab a city map at the tourist information office, which highlights the Paseo Patrimonial, a suggested walking tour of historic homes listed as Monumentos Nacionales.
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La Vega Central
Raspberries, quinces, figs, peaches, persimmons, custard apples…if it grows in Chile you’ll find it at La Vega Central, which is bordered by Dávila Baeza, Nueva Rengifo, López de Bello and Salas. Go early to see the hollering vendors in full swing.
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Cavas del Valle Winery
At Km14.5, on the road to Monte Grande, is the Cavas del Valle winery. Started in 2003, this little boutique bucks the trend by serving actual wine, rather than pisco. The cosecha otoñal dessert wine alone is worth the stop. And tastings are free.
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Cuevas de los Patriotas
Up a short footpath from Larraín Alcalde and illuminated at night, these damp caverns sheltered Juan Egaña, Manuel de Salas and 40 other patriots exiled for several years during Chiles independence movement after their defeat in the Battle of Rancagua in 1814.
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Pukará de Copaquilla
Teetering on the brink of a spectacular chasm near Copaquilla, the partially restored 12th-century fortress Pukará de Copaquilla was built to protect pre-Columbian farmlands below. Peering over the canyon’s edge will reward with views of the abandoned terraces.
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Patio Bellavista
Upmarket eateries and posh souvenir shops ranged around a huge courtyard make up Patio Bellavista, a clear attempt by developers to spruce up the barrio’s tattered charm. True, it’s very ‘for export,’ but they’ve kept things classy enough to make it worth a wander.
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Historical Homes
A visit to Puerto Octay is really about appreciating the beautiful historic German architecture around town. Some of our favorite buildings include Casa Wulf No 2 (1926), Hotel Haase (1894) and Casa Werner (1910). A map is available from the tourist office.
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Castillo Wulff
Pretty Castillo Wulff, built by a prominent Valparaíso businessman in the early 20th century, hangs out over the sea: pass through the art exhibitions to the tower at the back, where you can peer through the thick glass floor at the rocks and waves below.
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Casa Colorada
Few colonial houses are still standing in Santiago, but the simple, oxblood-colored Casa Colorada is a happy exception, although only the front half of the original 18th-century building has survived. The building was set to re-open after renovations in November 2015.
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Museo O’Higginiano y de Bellas Artes
Talca’s one and only sight is the 1762 house where Bernardo O’Higgins signed Chile’s declaration of independence in 1818. Known as the Museo O’Higginiano y de Bellas Artes ; at the time of research it was closed for a total overhaul and isn’t due to reopen until late 2009.
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Casa de la Cultura
Features works by regional artists and a 2nd-floor assemblage of local artifacts, including minerals and fossils. Outside, the restored El Andes was built in Glasgow, Scotland, to navigate the Thames, but was brought here to transport passengers and freight around the lake.
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Aldea de Tulor
Circular adobe structures huddle together like muddy bubble-wrap in the ruins of Tulor, the oldest excavated village in the region. It’s an interesting diversion 11km west of San Pedro; however, you’ll have to take a tour, drive along sandy tracks or mountain-bike it.
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Reserva Nacional Río de los Cipreses
Set in the Andean foothills 40km east of Rancagua, this little-visited 370 sq km park contains a variety of volcanic landforms, hanging glacial valleys, waterfalls and fluvial landscapes. The park ranges in altitude from 900m to the 4900m summit of Volcán El Palomo .
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Centro Cultural Estación Caldera
Built in 1850, this distinctive building on the north side of the jetty was the terminus for South Americas first railroad. Today it houses a gorgeously airy exhibition space with wooden beams, sometimes used for festivals and various events, and a paleontology museum.
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Fuerte Santa Bárbara
Built in 1749 to discourage incursions by pirates, these Spanish fortifications were reconstructed in 1974. To get there, follow the path from Cuevas de los Patriotas, or climb directly from the plaza via Subida El Castillo. The track continues to Mirador de Selkirk.
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Parque Quinta Normal
Strolls, picnics, pedal-boating, soccer kickabouts and soapbox rants are all popular activities at the 40-hectare Parque Quinta Normal, just west of Barrio Brasil. Several museums are also located here, though theyre not up to the standard of the offerings elsewhere in the city.
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Barrio El Puerto
In the west of El Plan, Barrio El Puerto (the port neighborhood) has the twin honors of being the oldest part of Valparaíso and the most run-down. Crumbling stone facades hint of times gone by – such as the Mercado Puerto , a defunct food market now home to a pack of street cats.
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