Vina del mar Travel Guide

Viña del Mar is Chile's main resort close enough to the capital city Santiago to be the most popular destination for the holidays. It is locally known as the "garden city" for it's many well kept gardens. There are many apartment buildings by the seaside wich get full on weekends. It resembles some retirement town on the south coast of England but with more sunshine.

Don’t think about coming to Viña for a beach holiday; the water is incredibly cold, even in the middle of summer. In fact, if you're looking for caribbean warm waters you'll have to look further north to Antofagasta and northrernmost cities, otherwise it's a great place to sunbath, party and casino nights, if cold water is not your thing.

Viña is famous for the Musical Festival of Viña del Mar, which is held every year in the third week of february and lasts five days. It is very popular amongst nationals and is a kind of a blue ribbon for the end of the summer season. The city is home of one of the most renown gambling casinos you´ll find in the country and along the southern coast of the Pacific Ocean.

  Also important are the New Year Fireworks in Viña del Mar and nearby Valparaíso wich are a breathtaking unforgettable sight for tourists and nationals alike, You can rent one of the many apartments by the seaside and make a newyear's toast watching this marvelousdisplay of pyrotechnical virtuosity. Also while you're there never forget to take a city tour on the traditional "victorias" a horse driven cart that takes you through Viña's main streets and sights.