Where to Explore Viña & Valparaíso in Spring on a Budget

Just a one or two-hour drive from Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile, Viña Del Mar (aptly named “Vineyard by the Sea”) is a pristine and elegant modern city, boasting excellent security and stunning beaches. The nearby sand dunes, known as Dunas de Concón, are a perfect spot for picnics, especially on weekdays when they are almost deserted. On my first visit, the dunes were bare, just endless stretches of sand, but a few years later, they were adorned with small, cheerful yellow flowers.

Adjacent to Viña Del Mar, Valparaíso is a kaleidoscopic city perched on a hill, brimming with vibrant street art and charming artisan shops, making it a photographer’s paradise. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pablo Neruda’s former residence, a place steeped in history and creativity. If you have more time, venture further south to Isla Negra, where you can explore Neruda’s largest former home, a rustic stone house set on a picturesque headland.

This is also the final resting place of Neruda and his wife.

While at the Isla Negra residence, I couldn’t resist purchasing a mug emblazoned with my favorite line of poetry: “Quiero hacer contigo lo que la primavera hace con los cerezos.” (I want to do to you what spring does to cherry trees.) It’s incredibly bold, passionate, and quintessentially Latin American [Laughing R]