Viña del Mar
Chile
Summer in Chile has one name: Viña del Mar. What was once a quiet and upscale seaside suburb of Valparaíso has grown to be the country’s fourth-largest city. And in the summer, Viña —as locals call it— overflows with Chileans scaping the heat in Santiago, artists attracted by its festivals, and beach lovers. Thus, Viña is the place to be in Chile between November and March.
Viña del Mar originated at the turn of the twentieth century as a port, independent from Chile’s main industrial port, Valparaíso. However, decades of decay of the later pushed those that could afford it to Viña del Mar, which then became Chile’s elite’s favorite beach resort. Industrialists and even the president built large villas with landscaped gardens, some of them surviving until today as some of the city’s main attractions. Since the later years of the twentieth century, Viña del Mar has grown exponentially to become the center of a much larger beach area which now encompasses several upscale suburbs along the coast.
For Latin Americans, Viña del Mar means something else though: the Viña del Mar International Song Festival. Any musical act that wants to achieve something in Latin America must sing in the oldest, most important, and most influential musical competition of the region. Tens of thousands of people come to Viña for the event during the third week of February, ensuring any visitor a truly unforgettable experience.
Why learn Spanish in Viña del Mar?
Super multicultural, with visitors from all over Latin America —and the world!
Great starting point for discovering Chile’s outstandingly scenic Pacific coast, including picturesque Valparaíso.
More relaxed vibe than in Santiago but still with an exciting nightlife.
Truly mesmerizing artistic and cultural scene.
Language Schools in Viña del Mar:
ECELA Viña del Mar, perfectly located just two blocks from the beach, offers students a multicultural crowd, tailored immersive courses, and lots of activities to soak up the best from Chile’s main summer resort.
Travel
tips
When
Best time to go is late November to March.
FYI
Despite Viña del Mar’s latitude, the summer temperature of the ocean averages around 16°C (61°F), so be mindful that some bravery is needed before heading for the waves!
Meet
Obviously, get tickets (in advance!) for the International Song Festival and meet not only Latin America’s current and future music stars but also non-Spanish speaking artists, like Sting or Elton John.
Since Viña and its environs are where anybody who is somebody must be every summer, it is likely you’ll spot a celebrity or two, from local showbiz personalities to politicians.
See
Many of the city’s landmarks are former palaces, mansions, landscaped gardens, and fountains. The eclectic variety and grandeur of such places transform Viña into an open-air museum!
Scenic beaches north of Viña del Mar include beautiful Reñaca and Concón, with the later featuring over 50 sand dunes.
Head over to Valparaíso, known for its magnificent street art, hills with multicolored houses, and its famous ascensores (funiculars). The old town was declared a World Heritage Site and is definitely a must see when visiting Chile’s coast.
Do
The Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar (Viña del Mar International Song Festival) is the main event for which the city is famous. Tens of thousands are drawn every night during the third week of February to the Quinta Vergara, Viña’s main park, to enjoy Latin America’s most important present and future musical artists.
In nearby Valparaíso, the last week of the year brings thousands to the streets to celebrate the carnival, with live performances of all sorts throughout the city.
Carnival celebrations culminate with the Año Nuevo by the Sea (“New Year's by the Sea”) fireworks show along the coasts of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Concón. It is the largest fireworks display in Latin America and millions of people gather to see it!
Eat
Chile is famous for its seafood and Viña del Mar, as a coastal city next to the country’s main port, is no exception: in particular, look for machas (clams) and reineta (a local fish).
Buy
Downtown Viña del Mar is known for the maze of galleries and shopping arcades that, in many cases, are impossible to see from the sidewalk but hide great gems that are worth exploring.