VIÑA DEL MAR...
The city of gardens
One of Chile attractions you shouldn't miss is Viña del Mar.
It's Chile's top seaside resort, considered the capital of Chilean tourism and often called the Chile's Riviera.
Close to Santiago (120km/74 miles) and Valparaiso (a mere 8km/5 miles) away, it's the perfect introduction to Chile's most important tourist destinations you are just about to discover, being Easter Island (well into de Pacific ocean), Trorres del Paine (in the far South) and Atacama desert (in the far North), first and foremost places for nature and adventure lovers.
Acapulco Beach. Viña del Mar - © Luis Sandoval Mandujano/Istockphoto
Viña was developed back in the 1870s and soon became a favourite summer retreat for well-to-do Chileans. Today is Chile's most luxurious resort town- 4th. largest city in the country.
Traces of its colonial past are best enjoyed if you take a horese-drawn carriage for a romantic ride along Victoria street.
"Vineyard of the Sea" (Viña del Mar) is also known as "Garden City" (Ciudad Jardin) for its profusion of gardens and flowers everywhere benefited for its Mediterranean weather - visit the Clock of Flowers, for instance - a clock face created with seasonal flowers.
Viña del Mar Attractions:
- Fine Arts Museum
- Municipal Theater
- Museum of Archaeology and Natural History Francisco Fonck
- Cultural Center of Viña del Mar
- Botanic Garden
- Vergara Pier
- Municipal Casino
- Flower Clock
Viña del Mar. Chile - © Luis Sandoval Mandujano/Istockphoto
A long standing tradition is to watch the sunrise in the beaches of the city.
And talking about beaches, let's mention some of the most important ones...
- Acapulco
- Mirasol
- Los Marineros
- Las Salinas
- Mirasol
- Cochoa
- Caleta Abarca
- Negra and Amarilla beaches
Nearby beaches include...
- Zapallar
- Concon
- Cachagua
- Reñaca
Viña del Mar has a rich nighlife that caters for youngers as well as older people, from discos, piano bars and coffee places to cabarets and a world-class casino. Besides, nearby Valparaiso offers more options for bohemians and night lovers. Try some seafood restaurants by the old town as well.
Best time to visit is summertime - December to March - when you will witness to major yearly events...
- International Song Festival ( Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar), celebrated in February at Quinta Vergara amphitheater.
One of the most important song and music festivasl in Latin America. - Festival de Cine de Viña del Mar
- Derby Day
How to Get There:
Very easy access from Santiago through Route 68 (1,5 hours away). There are daily buses to/from Santiago and Antonio Benitez International Airport. You can reach Viña del Mar through the sea as there are a number of cruises stopping at Valparaiso, only 8 km away.
If coming from Argentina, "Los Libertadores" pass through the Andes mountains is only 213 km distance.
Where to Stay:
Viña offers a huge variety of hotels, from budget to 5 stars accommodation...
- Cap Ducal: Av. Marina 51. Phone: 32/262-6655
- Hotel Albamar: Av. San Martín 419. Phone: 32/975274
- Offenbacher-of: Balmaceda 102. Phone: 32/621483
- Hostal Reloj de las Flores B&B: Calle Los Baños 7. Phone: 32/248-5242
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