Vina del Mar
Travel Guide > South America > Chile > Vina del Mar
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
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).
Neighbourhoods
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.
Events and Festivals
- Viña del Mar International Song Festival
- Movistart Open International ATP (men) tennis tournament.
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.
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.
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
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.
By Bike
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa del Sol Bed and Breakfast | Romero 375 | Guesthouse | 78 |
| Che Lagarto Hostel Viña del Mar | Diego Portales 131 | Hostel | 83 |
| Gisela & Carlos house | Entrar Por Avenida Las Mercedes 203 | Guesthouse | 97 |
| Hostal Reloj de Flores B&B | Los Banos 70, Caleta Abarca | Guesthouse | 81 |
| Hotel Rokamar | Viana 107, with Von Schroeders | Hotel | 83 |
| Make Out | Viana 147 | Guesthouse | 73 |
| My Fathers House B | Gregorio Marañon 1210 | Guesthouse | 52 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
This is version 9. Last edited at 18:05 on Sep 6, 09 by Utrecht (+13). 4 articles link to this page.
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