Main Attractions

(*)Get cultural and pay a visit to the Fonck Museum, originally the home of the wealthy Delano famly but since converted into a museum featuring natural history and archaeology sections dedicated to the natural flora and fauna and indigenous peoples of Chile, along with one of the largest collections of Easter Island artifacts in the world.


(*)Take in the sun and enjoy views of the water and the beautiful Chilenos at Renaca, the biggest and most popular beach in Vina del Mar.


(*)Get in touch with your inner king or queen at Wulff Castle, a 19th century castle and National Monument that currently serves as a cultural center.


(*)For something quirky visit the Rock House, a unique dwelling carved from a single rock.


(*)Beauty and function meet when you go to see the Flower Clock, a working clock made entirely of live flowers and plants.

When to go

Temperatures are moderate and pleasant year-round in Vina del Mar, but April-August, the winter season, gets the most rainfall. To make the most of your vacation days outdoors, plan to arrive in the summer.

How to get there

(bus) (tram)Cheap buses can be caught from the Alameda terminal in Santiago to Vina del Mar. Buses leave every 15 minutes for the 1.5 hour trip and costs 3 or 4 dollars. There is also an inexpensive train that can be taken from Valparaiso to Vina del Mar, leaving every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 8 PM.

Visa information

Visas are not required for citizens of most countries,, with the exception of New Zealand, Cuba, most African and some Eastern European countries. Travelers from other countries will be granted a 90 day tourist visa when they enter the country. When crossing into Chile at the Santiago airport, a ?reciprocity fee? may be assessed depending on the country of origin. This fee varies based on what the country of origin charges Chilean citizens for entering their county, but is around US$100 for US citizens, US$132 for Canadians, and US$30 for Australians. This fee is normally not assessed when crossing into Chile by boat or land.

Tipping

At restaurants the normal tip is 10%, though 15% is always appreciated for excellent service. Slightly less is generally given in bars and cafes, and porters generally receive an amount corresponding to 50 cents per bag. Taxi drivers are not tipped.