As a passionate lover of the ocean, on the last day of 2023, Maodan, after returning to Chile, decided to embark on a solo adventure by bus to the beach closest to SantiagoβViΓ±a del Mar. There, he found a serene spot by the cliff, basking in the sea breeze, enjoying his music, and reflecting on the year gone by, while welcoming the new one with open arms β¨β¨ Below is the detailed solo travel guide Maodan has prepared for you. [Smack R] Don’t forget to save it!
πγTransportationγπ
Santiago boasts a well-developed public transportation system. You can easily reach the University of Santiago station via the subway or take a taxi straight to the Turbus Bus Terminal. At the terminal, you have two bus companies to choose from (see Figure 9: Pullman Bus and Turbus) that will get you to your destination.
Maodan opted for Pullman, which offers a bus to ViΓ±a del Mar approximately every 15 minutes. For the specific bus station’s official website, I’ll share the link in the comments section later, so stay tuned.
βββ¨γBus Seat Selection Tipsγβ¨ββ A quick tip: Maodan chose the Pullman bus, which is a double-decker. Itβs highly recommended to select seats 1-12, as they are less likely to cause motion sickness. If you’re traveling solo, seat 12, the last single seat on the first floor (see Figure 3), is a great choice. You can stretch out and enjoy a comfortable two-hour nap ππ
Upon arriving in ViΓ±a del Mar, you can use Uber or DiDi; DiDi is more budget-friendly but requires cash. Once in the city, set your location to ReΓ±aca Beach and take a leisurely walk along the coastline. The views are absolutely breathtaking.
βγFinal Precautionsγβ
1οΈβ£ Even though this is a tourist area, safety should always be a priority. Recently, there has been an influx of refugees in Santiago, so keep a close eye on your belongings and avoid displaying any signs of wealth.
2οΈβ£ While the bus does have USD charging ports, the return trip might not.
So, remember to bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
3οΈβ£ Oxxo stores here do not allow top-ups, but surprisingly, the ticket office at the bus station does. When Maodan’s phone was out of service, he asked the convenience store owner and discovered this helpful tip.
4οΈβ£ Every year, there are spectacular New Year’s fireworks on the beach.
This year, Maodan couldn’t book accommodation, so he made a round trip on the same day. He hopes to experience the full magic next New Year [Laughing Cry R]
