What to do and see in Vina del Mar, Chile: The Best Places and Tips

November 28, 2017 Malia Yoakum

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

Camino El Olivar 305, El Salto, Vina del Mar, Chile +56 32 267 2566
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 961 reviews

Jardin Botanico Nacional

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

Avenida Jorge Washington 33 | Santos Ossa, Valparaiso 2350927, Chile +56 9 7374 9422
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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5 based on 98 reviews

Villa Victoria

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

Vina del Mar, Chile
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
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1%
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4.5 based on 438 reviews

Dunas de Concon

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

Pasaje Norte 3, Vina del Mar 2570812, Chile +56 32 218 4690
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
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1%
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4.5 based on 175 reviews

Palacio Rioja

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

Vina del Mar, Chile +56 32 268 6753
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 302 reviews

Moai

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

Valparaiso, Chile Papudo 541, Valparaiso 2370621, Chile +56 9 6868 6565
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Cerro Concepcion

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

Cuatro Norte 784, Vina del Mar 2520763, Chile +56 32 268 6753
Excellent
43%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 835 reviews

Corporacion Museo de Arqueologia e Historia Francisco Fonck

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.

Avda Costanera Ribera Norte, Vina del Mar, Chile +56 9 6517 9671
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
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1%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Costanera

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

Northern Vina, Vina del Mar 2529001, Chile
Excellent
41%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
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4 based on 2 reviews

Playa Renaca

The biggest and most popular beach in Vina del Mar.

Reviewed By Gonzalo_de_Berceo - Kortrijk, Belgium

This is an interesting place, even when it is almost deserted. Beautiful beach and dunes, many little restaurants and bars.

10. Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores)

Caleta Abarca, Vina del Mar, Chile +56 32 248 5242
Excellent
38%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
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4 based on 4 reviews

Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores)

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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