Valparaíso (Valpo as the locals call it) is a World Heritage city built on several steep hills around the harbour.  The mansions and brightly coloured corrugated iron houses all seem to have been built on top of each other.

.

To access the top there are many twisting stairways and a maze of alleys but the best way is to ride one of the more than 100 year old funiculars that rattle up and down the hillsides for as little as 60 cents.  It is first necessary to enter through a heavy, old fashioned turnstile operated by a foot pedal.

.

Sadly, many of the old ascensores no longer operate and lie abandoned with their carriages still attached to the cable, one at the top of the hill and the other at the bottom.

.