How to Explore Viña del Mar in Spring on a Budget: Best Leisure Town Guide
The journey from Pucón to Viña del Mar by night bus takes approximately 12 hours. Despite it not being the peak tourist season, the fully reclining premium seats were already booked, so I opted for the SemiCama service offered by Pullman, which provides a semi-reclined position and is surprisingly comfortable with plenty of legroom.
The fare was 22,000 pesos. The bus was relatively empty, but upon reaching Santiago, we were transferred to another bus due to the reduced number of passengers, continuing our journey to the final destination.
Viña del Mar, a renowned coastal city on the central Pacific coast of Chile, translates to “sea vineyard” in Spanish and is affectionately known as the “Garden City.” It is celebrated for its pristine white sandy beaches and a picturesque seaside promenade, making it a favorite spot for water sports enthusiasts and sunset admirers.
The city seamlessly blends modern architecture with historical landmarks, including museums housed in former opulent castles and romantic beaches that inspired some of Neruda’s most evocative poetry.
Listed among the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Beaches” by National Geographic, Viña del Mar’s golden sands are truly unique and captivating.
Although Castillo Brunet castle was closed, the stone statue in front of the Francisco Fonck Archaeological and Historical Museum, reportedly transported from Easter Island, provided a glimpse of authentic Polynesian art without the need to travel all the way there.
To my delight, I was able to witness a breathtaking sunset on the very beach where Neruda spent his later years, adding a touch of poetic beauty to my visit.
