Introducing Viña Del Mar
Viña del Mar (Viña for short) is popularly known as the Ciudad Jardín (Garden City) for its manicured subtropical boulevards lined with palm trees and beautiful expansive parks. Visitors are greeted with the colorful, blooming Av Marina's Reloj de Flores (Clock of Flowers). The cleanliness is in sharp contrast to the jumble of neighboring Valparaíso.
Advertisement
Colonial Viña was the hacienda of the prominent Carrera family, who sold it to a Portuguese businessman named Alvares in the mid-19th century. Alvares' daughter and sole heir later married into the Vergara family, who have bestowed their name upon many city landmarks. Soon, Viña became the playground of Chile's well-to-do. Many wealthy Valparaíso residents built grand houses and mansions here, away from the cramped harbor city, and Viña remains a popular weekend and summer destination for Santiaguinos.
Viña's beaches can get very crowded during holidays and are sometimes subject to cool morning fogs. The chilly Humboldt Current can also put off any would-be swimmers.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Itinerary Advice Please...
by vnrose 10 September 2011
Just as a historical footnote, NorthAmerican, the soldiers goose step because the Chilean army was trained by the Germans (Prussians really)…
-
RE: Itinerary Advice Please...
by NorthAmerican 10 September 2011
What are your particular interests? To my mind, that should affect your itinerary. First, Santiago. I was there for just a few days,…
-
RE: Chile interesting itinerary from Santiago for 10 days during early January
by mendocinateacher 09 September 2011
Car rental is great if you can afford it (and cheaper than in most of South America), especially to do the coast drives (such as north…
Hotels & Hostels in Viña Del Mar
-
Hotel Rokamar
Viña Del Mar
Book now
-
Book now
-
Make Out
Viña Del Mar
Book now
Advertisement
