The colorful and merry city of Valparaíso in Chile offers a lot to tourists. It’s a cheery paradise of street art and bohemian life, and it is the perfect place for people who love to explore a city on foot.
There’s a reason this beautiful hillside port is called the “Jewel of the Pacific.” Lively architecture and bustling streets offer a lot to see and do in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valparaíso Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Traveling is expensive enough as it is, but here’s something that can make it even more so: medical issues. Huge bills can occur if you need to go to the hospital without insurance. And guess what? Your domestic health insurance will not cover you in Chile. The only solution is travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Valparaíso?
Travel medical insurance is no longer a legal requirement to visit Chile. However, you should still purchase it. Chilean officials recommend all foreign visitors have travel insurance that can cover COVID-19.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Valparaíso?
Healthcare can prove expensive in a foreign country. After all, you don’t have your health insurance to take care of your medical bills. This is where travel medical insurance saves the day.
If you buy travel medical insurance, you can have financial support if a medical emergency strikes.
Valparaíso Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
If you think taking an international trip is expensive, then you might be surprised to find out that cancelling an international trip can cost just as much. Your big-ticket prepaid travel expenses like flights and hotels are usually nonrefundable. If you don’t have trip cancellation insurance, you could be stuck paying for a Chilean vacation while you sit at home.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Valparaíso?
Remember the last time you got sick or broke a bone? You probably didn’t have much advanced warning, and you had to change your plans while you recovered. However, if those upcoming plans include an international trip, you could have a lot of money on the line tied up in prepaid bookings.
Thankfully, trip cancellation insurance allows you to be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason. It’s something that no prepared traveler should go without.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Valparaíso?
Most travel insurance plans can cover:
- Trip cancellation
- Travel/flight delay
- Trip interruption
- Emergency medical care
- Lost or delayed baggage
Travel mishaps happen, no matter how prepared you are. The wise decision would be to buy travel insurance and let the insurance company take the hit, rather than your wallet.
Things to Do for Travelers in Valparaíso
Museo de Historia Natural de Valparaíso
Rated on TripAdvisor as the top place to visit in Valparaíso, the Museo de Historia Natural is a great place to start exploring the city.
This museum does a brilliant job of portraying the natural history of Chile. The exhibits are not only educational, but also fun.
Another reason to visit the museum is that it’s free. There is no admission fee.
Viña del Mar Botanical Garden
Spread out over 395 hectares, Viña del Mar Botanical Garden is an amazing place to relax. It has diverse plants and trees. These gardens entrance tourists by surrounding them in a serene atmosphere of nature.
Activities here include picnic facilities, environmental interpretation trails, and birdwatching.
Baburizza Palace
Be sure to stop by Baburizza Palace to admire its many exhibits and Art Deco style of architecture.
It is one of the best fine arts museums in the country, as well as a historical monument with a rich past. This palace should definitely be on your list of things to do in Valparaíso.
Artillería
A trip to Valparaíso would be incomplete without riding on its iconic funiculars.
The Artillería is almost 100 years old, but still charms tourists and citizens alike. It’s an activity you cannot miss out on. Riding the Artillería affords terrific panoramic views of the downtown area and the ocean nearby, letting tourists glimpse the colorful rooftops of Valparaíso houses.
Reñaca beach
One of the region’s most popular beaches, Reñaca beach is a half-an-hour’s drive from the main city.
The wonderful waves and white sand make it a popular weekend getaway for residents of Santiago and Valparaíso alike.
Surfing and beach volleyball are common activities tourists can partake in.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Valparaíso
Crime
Valparaíso is a relatively safe city. But, like many other tourist cities, it faces petty crimes such as handbag-snatching and pickpocketing.
Avoid carrying handbags and keep your valuables on you at all times. Only carry small amounts of cash for the day. Jewelry might catch some offender’s eye, so abstain from wearing any showy and glittery items.
Traffic
Valparaíso is a tough city to drive in. The roads are narrow and the traffic is aggressive, with drivers rarely following traffic signs and speed limits.
Tourists who are renting their own car should practice caution while driving. Even if you see traffic rules being broken, don’t break any yourself.
Smog
Chile is notorious for its high levels of pollution. Households here create energy by burning wood, and as a result, smoke and smog are typical and usual around here.
While you’re outdoors and exploring the city, wear an N-95 mask. This will help block harmful particulate matter from entering your lungs.
Dogs
You’ll find stray dogs everywhere. Though they may look cute, these are not pets. Dogs will rarely attack unless they feel threatened, so it’s best to simply back away, and never make an animal feel like it is cornered.
Steep paths
Valparaíso is a hilly area. All the roads, pathways, and even stairs here are sheer and sharp.
Be careful while you’re exploring the city on foot. Wear comfortable shoes with a strong grip, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking up and down hills. If you have trouble with balance, a walking stick or cane is highly recommended.
Before You Travel to Valparaíso — Do This
Pack the following
- High-grip, comfortable shoes to navigate the steep slopes
- An N-95 mask for the pollution
- Binoculars for birdwatching at Viña del Mar Botanical Garden
Buy a slash-proof purse
Buying a slash-proof purse and an RFID wallet will help you stay safe from pickpockets.
Get insurance
travel medical insurance or travel insurance is a necessity when you’re traveling. It can protect your finances from the many risks involved with international travel, and allow you to wander abroad with confidence.