Top Things to do in Vina del Mar
What to do and see in Vina del Mar, Chile: The Best Places and Tips
The most popular beach resort in the country, Vina del Mar is within reach of both Santiago and Valparaiso. Vina teems with tourists during peak months December, January and February, despite Antarctic currents that make swimming a formidable prospect. Renaca is the hippest spot to sink onto the sands. The Fonck Museum and Quinta Vergara provide insights into the area's recent and ancient history, archaeology and natural history. Stroll along Avenida Peru and take in stunning ocean views.
Restaurants in Vina del Mar
1. Jardin Botanico Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 961 reviews
Reviewed By SeanRafter - Wiscasset, Maine, USA
The glories of the past are in view as is the failure to maintain this gem. Hundreds of specimens present for admiration, but none are labled. All identification has gone away. Heavy utilization is apparent, and some efforts and new plantings are in view. The formal Gardens benefit from good care, but much is closed.
2. Villa Victoria
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Valparaiso heritage interpretation center. New attraction in the only UNESCO Heritage Port of the Pacific Coast of America. Join us for a guided tour inside an antique building, experiencing why Valparaiso is an exceptional testimony to the early phase of globalisation in the late 19th century, when it became the leading commercial port on the sea routes of the Pacific coast of South America. Visits by Appointment only, minimum 10 people. Reservation Required. Tour in English at 09:30am, from Monday to Saturday.
Reviewed By meierleo - Frankfurt, Germany
I visited Villa Victoria a couple of days ago, it was a birthday present for my mother, and Kenneth warmly welcomed us and gave us a private tour with such enthusiasm and insight it completely blew our mind. At the end we sat down in...MoreThanks for your kind words and for introducing your family in a very special occasion for your mother. We are glad to hear you liked it. Hope to see you soon for a next visit.
3. Dunas de Concon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By brianwB3302KO - Reading, United Kingdom
From Valparaiso Errazuriz street, orange/white buses 601,602,605 run to Concon via Vina del Mar ( libertad ) to the dunes & on to Concon town & beach. (1 usd) . The Dunes are between the coast road & a higher inland road & the buses use the 2 routes, (601 coast road) . The dunes are nicest on the coast side. where the sea breeze smooths the sand. From the inland road it would only take 30 mins to walk to the coast road. On the coast there is a little headland (with a big Concon sign) which has nice sea views. Here is the path up the dunes. BUT Best to go at busy times, eg. late afternoon (5pm) when locals come. If alone it might not be safe, 2 cops were posted to the headland to prevent crime there!
Concon beach has Surfing, food , showers, trinket shops.
4. Palacio Rioja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A Chilean mansion restored as a museum and movie theater.
Reviewed By Michael T - Leeds, United Kingdom
Museum has free admission.
Ground floor has a few period exhibits such as old irons, vinyl singles, but is not that interesting.
The chief attraction is the period rooms on the second floor in Louis XVI style, their decoration and furniture.
To my mind the star exhibit is a carved elephant's tusk of exquisite detail and workmanship. Of course, totally unacceptable nowadays.
5. Moai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By ashish p - India
Moai or statue which is the replica of the one found on Easter Island. It was actually removed from it's original place in Easter Island and brought here. The statue is situated right outside Fonck museum.
6. Cerro Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The amazing eastern views provided by this magnificent hilltop are some of the best in the country.
Reviewed By rosannabertolini - Temecula, California
Cerro Concepcion and around is beautiful, but could be unique just if it was clean and careful. It is a shame that authorities and governors keep this beautiful place so neglected. In the other hand it is save and you can walk and enjoy the sightseeing!
7. Corporacion Museo de Arqueologia e Historia Francisco Fonck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
Originally the home of the wealthy Délano family in the early 20th century, this impressive building was acquired by the local Municipal Authorities in 1985, and converted into a museum. Focus in two principal collections is a natural history department dedicated to Chile's native fauna and flora; and an archaeological department offering a permanent display related to the indigenous peoples of Northern Chile, the Aconcagua region and the Mapuche in the south of the country. The museum also houses one of the most important collections in the world related to Easter Island, including the only genuine Moai statue in the whole of continental Chile, outside in the museum garden. Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English.
Reviewed By Dan L - Bunbury, Australia
Now this is a marvel of a museum. Beautifully displayed archaeological finds from Easter Island, Mapuche silverwork and Moche ceramics. Upstairs are examples of taxidermy and an explanation of how head shrinking works (with examples). All these treasures are housed in this building thanks to the philanthropy of Francisco Fonck.
Our tour guide had an encyclopedic knowledge of the exhibits but there are also very good English translation for the ground floor exhibits. Visit this museum, avail of a once in a lifetime opportunity to see many of the exhibits.
You can use camera without use of flash.
8. Costanera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This 12km ocean drive is speckled with Lighthouses and sea lions.
Reviewed By docntx - Texas
Our ever gracious chauffeur and guide took us down this glorious highway, with views of the Pacific to the West, the Mountains to the East.
9. Playa Renaca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
The biggest and most popular beach in Vina del Mar.
10. Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Viewed best from high above, this working clock is made entirely of live flowers and plants.
Reviewed By SoloTraveler999 - Tacoma, Washington
Located near Caleta Abarca beach, the Flower Clock was built in conjunction with the 1962 World Cup of Soccer. It's original mechanism came from Switzerland, but now works via satellite. It has different bells and or music, on each hour.
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