Viña del Mar is one of Chile's most fashionable beach resorts and a great place relax. The town was founded in 1874 as a weekend retreat for the wealthy from Valparaíso and Santiago, and it has remained a top beach destination for Santiaguinos ever since.
Viña de Mar's attractive homes, manicured lawns, and golden beaches dotted with colourful surfboards is something of a contrast to the ramshackle streets of Valparaíso.
The older part of Vina del Mar is situated on the banks of a lagoon, the Marga Marga, which is crossed by bridges. Around Plaza Vergara and the smaller Plaza Sucre are the Theatre and the Palacio Vergara, as well as the Fine Arts Museum and the Academy of Fine Arts.
Overlooking the sea is Cerro Castillo, the summer palace of the President of the Republic, and the gardens are open to the public. There are one or two small museums in the city, as well as Botanical Gardens housing a fine collection of plant species from all over the world. The main beaches of Acapulco and Mirasol are located to the north of the palace, while to the south you will find the beach of La Grúa, an area full of bars and clubs.
Valporaiso is Chile's principal port and second-largest city. It is Chile's most distinctive city, positioned on a narrow strip of land between the waterfront and the nearby hills. It convoluted centre has sinuous cobbled streets, and is overlooked by precipitous cliffs and hilltop suburbs which are accessed by funicular railways and stairway footpaths.
A few museums can be found in Valporaiso, and the Muelle Prat, the recently redeveloped pier, is a lively market area. However, the most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums.
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Quinta Vergara ~ Beautiful park, with part of the grounds containing a playground, outdoor auditorium.
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Museo des Bellas Artes and Academia de Bellas Artes ~ Both museums displaying fine art are located in the grounds of the Quinta Vergara.
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Jardín Botánico Nacional ~ This 405 hectare site contains over 3,000 species from all over the world, and a collection of Chilean cacti.
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Museo de la Cultura del Mar ~ Portraying the life and work of the novelist and maritime historian, Salvado Reyes.
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Palacio Rioja ~ Built in 1906 by a prominent local family and now used for official functions, the building has been preserved in its original state and is highly recommended.
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Museo Sociedad Fonck ~ An archeological museum with objects from Easter Island and the Chilean mainland, include Mapuche Silver.
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Estadio Sausolito ~ An excellent sporting complex with swimming, pools, boating, tennis, beaches and watersports.
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Valparaiso ~ 8 kms from Vina del Mar, 'Valpo', has narrow cobbled streets, accessed by funicular railways and stairway footpaths, but is an interesting place to spend a little time.
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Reñaca Beach ~ One of the country's most popular beached is visited by people from all over the world, especially in the Chilean summer months of November to March.
