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Vina del Mar

Travel Guide South America Chile Vina del Mar

Introduction

Vina Del Mar

Vina del Mar is Chile's premier beach resort and is located along the coast of the Pacific Ocean in central Chile. It's part of Greater Valparaiso which is the third biggest metropolitan area in the country. Vina del Mar itself, after Valparaiso, is the fourth largest city in Chile with around 300,000 inhabitants. It's popularly known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City).

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Sights and Activities

In general, many people like the clean nature of Vina del Mar, compared to many other cities in the country, including big neighbour Valparaiso. Among the attractions are:

Beaches including Reñaca, Las Salinas, Miramar, Casino etc.
Treelined boulevards
Parks and fountains
The casino, the oldest, biggest and most visited of Chile, designed in art deco style.
Quinta Vergara, this amphiteatre is the site of the world-famous Vina del Mar International Song Festival held during 6 nights every Fabruary.
Jardin Botanico: a natural reserve.

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Events and Festivals

Viña del Mar International Song Festival
Movistart Open International ATP (men) tennis tournament.

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Weather

Vina del Mar has a subtropical climate. Summers last from November to March, when it's mostly between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius during the day and pleasantly warm nights. Winters last from June to September when it's still mild, 14 to 18 degrees Celsius or even more, but nights become rather chilly with around 10 degrees Celsius. This is also the wettest time of year (with around 100mm a month in June and July!), summers are almost completely dry.

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Getting There

By Plane

Valparaiso doesn't have commercial flights, the nearest option is the airport of Santiago de Chile, about 2 hours away.

By Train

Metro Valparaiso offers commuter trains to neighbouring municipalities like Valparaiso.

By Car

With a rental car you can drive easily between Santiago and Vina del Mar, via Valparaiso along Ruta 68 in about an hour or a little more during busy traffic times.

By Bus

Regular buses connect Vina del mar with Santiago (1,5 hours), Valparaiso and many other cities in the country. To Valparaiso, you can also take a shared taxi. It's just a short drive away.
La Serena is about 7 hours away, while travelling to Mendoza in Argentina takes about 12 hours (roads might be closed in winter).

By Boat

There are no passenger services, though you might be able to catch a berth on a cruiseliner or cargoship from neighbouring Valparaiso. Cruises are mainly during the summer season.

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Getting Around

By Foot

Most of Vina del Mar is easily explored on foot and beaches are not far away either. If not, take a bike or taxi.

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Eat

Cafe Journal is highly recommended for its lunch menu. Good value.

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Drink

Cafe Journal is very popular among university students and young travellers.

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Sleep

Budget

Property	Address	Type	Popularity
Casa del Sol Bed and Breakfast	Romero 375	Guesthouse	86
Che Lagarto Hostel Viña del Mar	Diego Portales 131	Hostel	79
Gisela & Carlos house	Entrar Por Avenida Las Mercedes 203	Guesthouse	92
Hostal Reloj de Flores B&B	Los Banos 70, Caleta Abarca	Guesthouse	87
Hotel Rokamar	Viana 107, with Von Schroeders	Hotel	85
Little Castle	Vista Hermosa 166 Cerro Castillo	Guesthouse	89
Kalagen Hostel	Valparaiso 618	HOSTEL	78
Hostal Vista Hermosa 26	Vista hermosa 26	Guesthouse	89
Hospedajes Mirta	San Miguel 242 Las Colinas	Guesthouse	90
Hostal Limonares	Av. Limonares 105	Guesthouse	-
Hostal Bastos	Diego Portales 23	HOSTEL	84
Hostal Magnolio	Avda San Martin Psje Montt 6	Guesthouse	-
Posada BellaMare	Bellavista 740	Hotel	-
Casoina de Chorrillos	Pasaje Portugal 75	Guesthouse	85
Residencial Jaguar Hostal	Calle Dos Poniente 333 Casa 12	GUESTHOUSE	91

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Learn

Adolfo Ibáñez University

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Keep Connected

Phone

Post

Correos de Chile is the national postal service, and although relatively slow it is reliable with post offices throughout the country. On the website you can find more information about prices to send letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally. Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday until 2:00pm, although there are sometimes longer opening hours in the bigger central post offices and shorter ones in small places. Ask around.