Viña Del Mar

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.

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