VINA DEL MAR, CHILE

Like many other Chilean coastal towns and cities, Viña del Mar consists of two areas: one of winding streets and houses clinging precariously to the hills, while the other, lying between the hills and the sea, is built along the strict formality of the colonial era grid plan. Viña, often called the tourism capital of Chile, has an area of 172 square kilometers and just over 300 thousand inhabitants.

Cerro Castillo (Castle Hill)

The Cerro Castillo (Castle Hill) of Viña del Mar has been the home of the Presidential summer residence since 1931. Today, in this area, you can find the dramatic, seaside Castillo Wulff, now the Museum of Maritime Culture. Cerro Castillo is also where you can find the headquarters of the Chilean uniformed police. Also in the area is one of the city’s main beaches, Playa Caleta Abarca.

Quinta Vergara

Quinta Vergara is where the city’s main square, Plaza Vergara, is located, and where you will find the Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) and the quaint Victorias, or horse drawn... more