Experience the best of Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar grew in the 19th century as a seaside retreat for the families of nearby Valparaíso, and its avenues still hold villas and palaces set in gardens. The Reloj de Flores, a clock whose face is planted with flowers, stands by the sea close to the Castillo Wulff, a small castle on a rock above the surf. The Quinta Vergara, a park with an amphitheatre, hosts the Viña del Mar International Song Festival each February.

Wide beaches run north towards Reñaca and Concón, where the coastline turns to dunes and rocky headlands, and the Museo Palacio Rioja shows how the city's wealthy families once lived. Valparaíso, with its steep hills, colourful houses and old funiculars, is a short ride along the coast, and the Casablanca Valley, a wine region known for white wines, lies inland.

Seafood empanadas, ceviche and the completo, a hot dog loaded with avocado and tomato, are eaten along the avenues and beaches, and a pisco sour is the usual drink. The sea is cold all year because of the Humboldt Current, so the beaches fill from December to March while the rest of the year is mild and often cloudy in the mornings.