The City at the shore of the Pacific Ocean was build on 17 small hills. But if you have a look in detail, you will fastly recognize that this city is a labyrinth of old colorful wooden buildings with corrugated iron roofs, small alleys, hidden plazas and lots of stairs. You get the feeling as if the time stopped some 80 years ago.

The special thing about the city is the way how to get to the hills. In Valparaíso exist 15 ascensores (elevators and funiculars) which link El Plan (the city center near the harbor) with all the hills. The oldest ascensor was build in 1883, the newest in 1919. In the beginning the ascensores were run by steam engines, nowadays electric engines do the job.

We wanted to see and of course take photos of every funicular. So it was obvious, that we had to walk through the whole city and especially had to climb all the hills. What else can you do, if you want to take pictures from outside the funiculars?

But not without problems: As said before all the alleys are narrow. And its difficult to know what is hidden behind the next corner. But you can imagine if you have a close look at the pavement. Every step must be placed right in between. The slightest mistake and the shoes have to stay outside your backpack and all because of the stench.
Mostly hidden behind corners they will approach you by seven or eight. They bare their teeths and suddenly stand in front of you barking like hell. Even I - and I really like dogs - became an enemy. In this city the dogs tell you what to do.
They decide what way to go and wether you are allowed to sleep at night.
Valparaíso - a paradise for dogs.