The day the plane landed in Santiago, Chile,
my knuckles were white from gripping the straps of my backpack,
in this city with a high street crime rate,
robberies and thefts are rampant,
before arriving in this city,
I had heard too many tragic stories,
making us hesitant to approach this city,
we didn’t dare to take out our phones, cameras, or wallets.

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Checking into a hotel near the airport with strict security measures,
the iron gate as thick as three fingers was clanging down
My survival mode in Chile was thus activated
.
Santiago’s Plaza de Armas is known as a place of crime,
my friends got up early to walk around before the criminals woke up,
only to find out they never really sleep
Homeless people are everywhere on the streets,
even buying a hot dog requires the “three-second transaction method”:
take out money – receive the goods – hide the bag, all in one go,
blood pressure and adrenaline both soaring
.

The drive from Santiago to Valparaíso takes about 1.5 hours,
this mountain city, where God spilled the palette, is truly beautiful~
The densely packed sea-view houses on the hills here are actually slums
It must be said that the view from these slums is really good,
of course, you need to stay alert at all times, beware of pickpockets
.

Classic graffiti route: Start at Plaza Sotomayor-Valparaíso —— Ascensor El Peral —— Cerro Concepción Valparaíso viewpoint, a better-looking viewpoint is Mirador Paseo Atkinson, which offers a panoramic view of the seaside and the sunset over the Pacific
then follow the Piano Staircase, all the way to the Ascensor Reina Victoria, which has been operating since 1902, quite historical.

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Travel essentials
eSIM global internet card (fast network, always connected)
locker/backpack lock (anti-theft for bags)
phone lanyard (anti-theft for phones)
waist pack (for cash and documents)
adapter plug (two round pins)

Key points
Cash! Cash! Cash! The elevators here only accept coins
You can take out your phone, but please maintain a “flash” rhythm: tap the screen – snap – put it back in your pocket within three seconds
Camera anti-theft technique: neck strap + cross-body bag double protection, when shooting, companions should form a 360° human alert circle
Getting lost is the best way to explore Valparaíso (but please return to the main street before dark)
Dressing philosophy: wear frayed jeans and pilled sweatshirts, carry a shopping bag, the homeless style is the best amulet


