How to Spend a Day in Viña del Mar- Chile’s Coastal Gem
Getting to Viña del Mar from Valparaíso
Viña del Mar is just 10 km from Valparaíso and is easily accessible by train or taxi. I chose the scenic route, taking the train from Valparaíso-Puerto Station to Viña del Mar Station. The journey lasted about 15 minutes and cost C$2,700 (approximately $3.50 USD) each way. I was impressed with the train’s cleanliness and enjoyed listening to a talented street musician who played guitar during the ride. Upon arriving at Viña del Mar, I headed straight for the city’s stunning Pacific Ocean beaches.
How to Spend a Day in Viña del Mar- Chile’s Coastal Gem - Table of Contents
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Exploring Viña del Mar’s Beautiful Beaches
When you visit Viña del Mar, the first thing to do is visit the beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast. Unlike the white sands of the Caribbean, the sand here is more rugged, and the water tends to be cooler. During my visit in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, temperatures were only in the mid-50s (°F), but the beaches were still lively. Many locals were playing in the sand or watching the impressive waves crash along the shore.
I crossed the Marga Marga River Bridge and followed Avenue Perú toward Playa Acapulco, a popular public beach with a long pier extending into the Pacific.
Walking Along Avenue Perú
Avenue Perú offered breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the luxury resorts that line the Viña del Mar coast. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and taking in the coastal scenery.
One tip for travelers: public bathrooms in Chile can be challenging to find, and when you do, they often lack toilet paper or cleanliness. However, I discovered that the bathrooms inside the Viña del Mar Casino were spotless, fully stocked with soap and toilet paper—a great pit stop if you need facilities while exploring the area.
Exploring Local Markets and Beaches
During my short visit to Viña del Mar, I spent most of my time walking the beaches and enjoying the Pacific views. From Playa Acapulco, I continued along the coast to Playa El Sol, passing by a lively outdoor market with rows of tents.
This market offered a wide variety of food and souvenirs, with prices open to negotiation—a challenge with my limited Spanish skills!
Discovering Viña del Mar’s Parks
On my way back to the Viña del Mar Station, I strolled through a local park that seemed to be a favorite hangout for local families. The park was well-designed, with plenty of green space for kids to play, and even featured pony rides for children.
Returning to Valparaíso and Beyond
After a few hours of exploring, I caught the train back to my hotel in Valparaíso. The next day, I would return to Santiago for my flight to Calama and the start of my adventure in the Atacama Desert.
Vina Del Mar Tours and Packages
If you’re planning a day tour to Viña del Mar, several options are available from Santiago. Below are three recommended tours. Keep in mind, as an affiliate of Viator, I receive a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you.
 Private Tour: Valparaiso and Vina del Mar from Santiago - $208.00 Enjoy the Chilean Pacific coastline, the garden city Vina del Mar, and the UNESCO World Heritage site - historic seaport city of Valparaiso, on this private, 8-hour tour from Santiago. See the famous Flower Clock embedded in a garden featuring arms greater than 9 feet (3 meters), and Chile's first casino in Vina del Mar. Explore the hills of Valparaiso on a 1-hour guided walking tour to see how locals live and the vibrant street art. Tours operate with no more than 10 people to ensure a personalized experience and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. |
 Private Day Tour to Concon, Vina del Mar, and Valparaiso Including Small-Group Surfing Lesson - $245.00 See a different side of the Pacific Ocean in this full-day tour of Chile's coastline. On this private 9-hour tour, you will visit the seaside resorts and cities of Viña del Mar, Concon, and Valparaiso, as well as participate in a small-group surfing class instructed by a local surfing school. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. |
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