Ascensor Cordillera, Historical funicular in Valparaíso, Chile.
Ascensor Cordillera is a historic funicular in Valparaíso that links a street at the foot of the hill to a residential area above. The system uses two white cabins that travel up and down steel rails, transporting people over the steep slope.
The system was built in 1886 and opened in 1887, originally powered by steam. It was only the second transport system of this kind in Valparaiso and represented an important advance for the growing city.
The funicular is woven into daily life for residents who rely on it to avoid climbing the steep hillside. You see locals using it regularly, treating it as an essential part of how the neighborhood moves and connects its different levels.
The funicular is easy to access, starting right at street level and simple to locate. Visitors should know that there is also a stairway with many steps available if they prefer to walk instead.
After years of closure for extensive repairs, the funicular resumed operations in 2019. This long hiatus made it a symbol of resilience and renewal for many in the community.
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