A resort town with almost 300,000 inhabitants close to Valparaíso and just two hours from Santiago, Viña del Mar was founded at the end of the 19th century and gained importance after an earthquake destroyed Valparaíso and killed around 4,000 people in 1906. The disaster led many families to move to the new city, about 10 kilometers away. Today, this is one of the country’s tourist capitals, due to the icy Pacific beaches and the beautiful promenade that accompanies them. But the city doesn’t live on waves alone. There is much more to do in Viña del Mar. Check it out!
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What to do in Viña del Mar
- Beach and Surf in Reñaca
- Stroll on the boardwalk
- Wulff Castle
- Flower clock
- Quinta Vergara
- Fonk Museum
Several kilometers long, Reñaca is the main beach in Viña, located at the mouth of a river that bears the same name. The place is perfect for those who want to sunbathe and take risks in the cold waters of the Pacific, but also for practicing water sports, such as surfing. On the promenade that runs along the beach, there are several kiosks. This avenue is also home to the best restaurants in the city, as well as bars that guarantee a lively nightlife, especially in the summer months.
And yes. As an attentive reader noticed, in addition to the beaches, Viña also offers visitors a castle, with a tower and everything, although it is not of the medieval type. O Wulff Castle It was built by a German, in the same year as the earthquake, and is right in front of the sea, in Reñaca. He lived in the building until he died. Later, the building was sold to the government of Viña, which transformed the place into an art gallery. It’s worth visiting, even if just to take photos of the view. After all, the Pacific Ocean and a German’s castle in the same photo isn’t something you’ll get just anywhere. Nearby is the Flower Clock, another famous postcard of the city.
Near Wulff Castle is the city’s famous flower clock and the building of a casino hotel which, in addition to having a charming facade, offers the opportunity to indulge in gambling.
A Quinta Vergara (Rua Errázuriz 563-596) is a beautiful public park located in the city, which has an amphitheater that serves as a stage for shows by Chilean and international artists, including the important Viña del Mar Song Festival; and with peaceful and very well wooded gardens. There is also the Vergara Palace, a building from 1910 that is currently closed to visitors. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free.
What to do in Viña del Mar: stroll along the beach and its shores
Viña is also rich in museums. What seems to be the most interesting of them is the Fonck Museum (784, 4 Norte, Viña del Mar), which has a collection of pre-Columbian art and, the best part, one of the few Moai statues that are outside of Easter Island (this is the only one on mainland Chile). Entrance to the museum costs $2500 Chilean pesos for adults and $500 for children. The place is open from Monday to Saturday (10am to 6pm) and Sundays (10am to 2pm).
Where to stay in Vinha del Mar
You can stay in Valparaíso and visit Viña del Mar on a day trip from the port city, and this is the option for most tourists in Chile. If you intend to go to the beach, however, Viña has good hotel options along its coast, which usually have comfortable accommodation. See more in our guide to where to stay in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
Find hotels in Viña del Mar
How long to stay in Viña del Mar?
The minimum is one day, that is, avoid doing Valparaíso and Viña Del Mar on the same day if you want to enjoy both cities. During the summer it may be worth staying more than a day in Viña, but keep in mind that the sea water is cold even at that time.
How to get to Viña del Mar?
Leaving Valparaíso, just take any bus to Peñablanca, Villa Alemana, Troncos Viejos, Belloto sur, Reñaca, Miraflores, El Salto, Gómez Carreño and Con Con. Ask the driver for help to know where to get off. Many people use the light rail that connects the two cities. It is also possible to go by bus or take a taxi.
For those leaving Santiago, buses heading to Viña leave the Alameda and Pajaritos terminals every 15 minutes. The journey takes around 2h20. The companies that make the route are Turbus, Condor and Pullman Bus and the ticket costs around 3 thousand Chilean pesos.
