Viña del Mar, a main beach resort that’s located nearby the capital city of Santiago, Chile. Locals often refer it as La Ciudad Jardín which is Spanish for “The Garden City” as it has many beautiful gardens in the areas. Vina del Mar resembles an English south coast retirement town with a tiny bit more of sunshine. As of latest count the city has 290 thousand people and is ranked Chile’s fourth largest city.
Vina del Mar is a couple of key attractions which include the yearly music festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, Spanish for “Viña del Mar International Song Festival” which is hosted in Quinta Vergara Amphitheater every third week of February lasting five days. Another popular attraction is the yearly hosted ATP Clay Court Tennis (Movistar open) tournament which promise some exciting matches on the grind. The casino is another good night spot, and one of the most renown gambling places you come across on the southern coast of the Pacific Ocean along with a couple of other small pubs and bars in town.
While in Vila del Mar don’t forget to take a city tour on the “Victorias” which are traditional horse driven carts taking you through the main streets and sights of the city. One more specialty of Vina del Mar includes the New Year Fireworks, it’s highly recommended to rent one of the many condominiums along the coast line for a unforgettable and breathtaking sight to make your new year’s toast at.
If you’re seeking a beach holiday in Vina del Mar you might want to reconsider, the water is freezing cold, in both the summer and winter season. When looking for warm and cozy Caribbean waters, head north.
Travelers to Vina del Mar are required to have a valid passport and visa, a return ticket must be presented to the immigration officer. By South American standards Vina del Mar is a safe city, but travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
The capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago is located in the country’s central valley at an elevation level of 520 meters. Santiago is the industrial and financial center of Chile, it generates 45% percent of the country’s gross domestic income. Due to the stability of the Chilean economy, many multinational companies have chosen Santiago as their headquarters for the region. The city has a population of 5 million people.
Approximately two decades of continues economic growth have transformed Santiago in one Latin America‘s most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive development, spacious shopping malls and impressive high-rise architecture. As the city booms economically, Santiago is improving its tourist, nightlife and restaurant scene incredibly fast. Pay a visit to the city’s historical attractions, cultural centers or take a day trip to the ski resorts and wineries.
In order to relax yourself from the Chilean city life, go wine tasting. The biggest and best (sworn by the Chilean’s) wine producer: Concha y Tora has a modern, Napa Valley style wine tasting room and gift shop right in the city. Discounts cards are given to travelers coming by the information center on Avenida Providencia. Tours are given in both Spanish and English and since its located easy accessed by public transportation.
Travelers to Santiago are required to have a valid passport and visa. The city is notoriously infamous for the smog and it’s worse during summer months (December through March), rain is appreciated by locals as it cleans air. By South American standards Santiago is a safe city, but travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
