Viña del Mar is one of Chile's most fashionable beach resorts and a great place to take a vacation if you want go to the beach and relax. The town was founded in 1874 as a weekend retreat and garden residence for the wealthy elite from Valparaíso and Santiago, and it has remained a top beach destination for Santiaguinos ever since. Most simply call the city "Viña."

The sight of Viña del Mar's attractive homes, manicured lawns, and golden beaches dotted with colourful surfboards is something of a contrast to the ramshackle streets of Valparaíso. There are plenty of fine beaches here. The city is divided into two sectors: the downtown and the beach-front several downtown locations are desirable for their proximity to the lush Quinta Vergara Park and shops, but it's about a 15-minute walk to the beach from here. The beach area is better suited for tourists, with plenty of hotels and restaurants.

Valparaíso is Chile's principal port and second-largest city. Despite its size, it is Chile's most distinctive city and one of South America's most intriguing. Occupying a narrow strip of land between the waterfront and the nearby hills, its convoluted centre has distinctive, sinuous cobbled streets, and is overlooked by precipitous cliffs and hilltop suburbs which are accessed by funicular railways and stairway footpaths. It is conducive to maze-like strolls and rides on the funicular, and its natural history, fine arts and maritime museums are justly famed.

Muelle Prat, the recently redeveloped pier, is a lively market area. The most interesting part of Valparaiso is the old section, where you will find colonial buildings, churches, and museums. Also worth seeing is Pablo Neruda's favourite house, a few minutes from town. A colourful, sunlit mansion overlooking the water, the house is now a museum, a visit to which, can pleasantly occupy an afternoon.