Viña del Mar: Day Trips and Tours from Santiago

No trip to Santiago would be complete without a day tour to Viña del Mar, a picturesque coastal city steeped in history. The city derives its name, literally the “Vineyard of the Sea,” from the resource-rich Pacific Ocean — but it’s also known as “The Garden City” due to the number of public gardens it boasts.

A day trip from Santiago is perfect to explore Viña del Mar’s many landmarks while getting a feel for this idiosyncratic city and its surroundings.

From the Fonck Archeological Museum with its iconic Easter Island statue — to the city’s lush gardens, impressive presidential palaces and iconic flower clock, Viña del Mar is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Here's everything you need to know about Viña del Mar, one of the most captivating day trips from Santiago.

How to get to Viña del Mar from Santiago?

Viña del Mar is a port city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, 120 kilometers northwest of Santiago. From Santiago, the city is easily accessible by car, public transport or through guided tours and day trips.

From Santiago to Viña del Mar by car

Viña del Mar is an hour and a half away from Santiago by car. Leaving the city center, head west on Highway 68. Follow this route as it cuts through the scenic Casablanca Valley and towards the Pacific Ocean.

From Santiago to Viña del Mar by bus

It’s easy to travel to Viña del Mar by public transport, with a bus departing from central Santiago every 20 minutes, every day of the week. The bus terminal is a one-minute walk from San Alberto Hurtado Station in central Santiago. The journey takes approximately two hours to complete and terminates in Viña del Mar.

Guided tours to Viña del Mar from Santiago

A guided day trip from Santiago to Viña del Mar is an ideal way to explore what the “Garden City” has to offer.

Not only don't you have to worry about directions or a long, monotonous bus journey — you’ll also have a qualified guide available to tell you more about this beautiful part of Chile.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Viña del Mar starts with a pickup service from your hotel in Santiago. From there, an air-conditioned van will take you to Viña del Mar. Sit back and watch the landscape change from mountains to vineyard-covered hills and finally to the Mediterranean landscape that Viña del Mar is famous for.

Your journey will take you through the Casablanca Valley, a region famous for its wines and striking vistas. Typically, your tour will stop at one of the vineyards, either on the way to or from Viña del Mar.

Here you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, experiencing first-hand why Chilean wines are so sought after. A day trip to the Casablanca valley is perfect to explore this beautiful region, while tasting some of its most famous wines.

Once you arrive in Viña del Mar, you’ll start your tour at the Flower Clock, an intricate garden exhibition that also doubles as a working clock. Take a stroll through one of the immaculate parks, and discover why Viña del Mar is also called “The Garden City.”

From here, the tour will take on a more ad hoc structure, as you’ll be free to explore the city at your own pace or follow your guide for a more structured approach.

Some of the landmarks you should look out for are the Wulff Castle, the Presidential Palace and Fonck’s Archeological museum — where you’ll get to see an Easter Island statue.

Finally, you’ll enjoy lunch at one of Viña del Mar's popular restaurants before getting in your van and heading back to Santiago.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Viña del Mar?

You have a variety of choices when it comes to tours to Viña del Mar from Santiago, each fitting into a different category and budget.

There’s something for everyone — from day trips focusing exclusively on Viña del Mar to full-day expeditions that aim to explore a couple of destinations.

Guided Viña del Mar tour from Santiago

A guided tour to Viña del Mar remains the gold standard when it comes to expeditions from Santiago, and it’s easy to see why — this ever-popular option is accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English.

The tour company takes care of all the logistics for you, allowing you to sit back and immerse yourself in the irenic Chilean countryside as you head to “The Vineyard of the Sea.”

Once you arrive, you’ll explore the city’s atmospheric streets and neighborhoods for yourself, or stroll through the beautiful gardens.

This day trip to Viña del Mar is ideal for travelers with limited time in the area that want to experience all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Small group Viña del Mar tour from Santiago

A Viña del Mar small group tour offers a more intimate tour experience without costing too much. The excursion is usually limited to a maximum of 14 participants, allowing a better tour experience and interaction with your guide.

Your tour will start in Santiago with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van. From there, you’ll make your way to Viña del Mar and immediately understand why it’s referred to as “The Garden City.”

Take in the peaceful gardens and the iconic Flower Clock before visiting a local sea lion colony and a traditional Chilean restaurant.

As you head back home, you’ll make one last stop at one of the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, where you can enjoy a wine tasting tour and learn more about the area’s history.

Private tour to Viña del Mar from Santiago

A private tour to Viña del Mar, while a bit more expensive, is the perfect way to avoid crowds. Your party will be the only persons on this trip, with nine as the maximum number of participants — making it perfect for a family with young children, a couple, or a group of friends.

An early morning pickup from your hotel in Santiago is followed by an air-conditioned drive to Viña del Mar. On your way, you’ll pass through the beautiful Casablanca Valley with its tableau of striking colors.

As you and your family or friends are the sole participants on this private Viña del Mar expedition, you can adapt the itinerary to suit your needs — adding a trip to Valparaiso or a tour of the Neruda Museum to see where the Nobel Prize-winning poet wrote much of his works.

Day trip to Viña del Mar plus Valparaiso from Santiago

Variety is the spice of life, and it’s certainly true of this full-day trip that combines the destinations of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. After leaving Santiago, you’ll head for the coast of Concón, famous for its sand dunes and panoramic view of Valparaiso’s harbor.

After taking in the stunning view, you’ll head for the town of Reñeca, where you can watch a colony of sea lions sunbathing — before heading to Viña del Mar to explore the city and its numerous landmarks.

Finally, you’ll head to Valparaiso to explore its architecture (the reason for its UNESCO World Heritage City designation), enjoy a delicious meal in one of its vaunted restaurants or simply climb one of its many hills and enjoy the view.

Full-day Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and the Casablanca Valley tour from Santiago

Can’t choose between the many different destinations on Chile’s central east coast? No problem — this full-day tour to Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and Casablanca combines all the region's attractions into one seamless experience.

Apart from visiting the cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, this excursion also includes a trip to the Neruda Museum, a wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley and a hike into the hills outside Valparaiso.

This bumper-packed tour offers great value for money and is perfect for anyone who wants to see as much of the area in as little time as possible.

How much does a tour to Viña del Mar from Santiago cost?

A standard tour to Viña del Mar from Santiago costs between US$40 and US$70 per person, but this greatly depends on the number of people on the trip and the attractions visited.

A guided Viña del Mar tour from Santiago costs about US$40 per person, which is the most affordable option. A full-day trip to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso costs US$60 per person.

A full-day tour to Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and Casablanca costs US$65 per person, which is a bargain when you consider it features a third destination for US$5 more.

Small group Viña del Mar tour from Santiago costs US$100 per person, mainly due to the limited number of participants.

Finally, a private tour to Viña del Mar from Santiago costs US$220 per person, and the price is usually negotiable, with a discount offered for larger groups.

What will you see and do on a Viña del Mar day trip from Santiago?

There’s a host of activities to do and a number of landmarks to visit on a day trip to Viña del Mar. The journey to and from Santiago offers ample opportunities for wine tasting and hiking tours, and there’s even the chance to get up close and personal with a colony of sea lions.

Valparaiso

With its striking architecture, winding alleyways and stunning panoramic views, it’s easy to see why Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Nestled in the Concepción and Alegre hills, this picturesque city has been inspiring poets and artists for generations. Valparaiso has a distinct Bohemian flavor to it, further adding to its allure.

Casablanca Valley

The Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s most important wine regions, and the area features many of Santiago’s wine tours and tastings.

Due to the region’s semi Mediterranean climate, it also offers sublime scenes — especially in Summer and Autumn, when the green and golden vineyards offer striking contrasts against the arid backdrop.

Pablo Neruda Museum

In a country with such a complicated history as Chile, it’s challenging to find a universally loved figure — except, maybe, for Pablo Neruda. This Nobel Prize-winning poet wrote about love, food and his homeland.

When visiting the Pablo Neruda Museum in Valparaiso, it’s easy to understand why his poetry is so celebrated, as it’s inspired by such a unique landscape.

When is the best time to visit Viña del Mar?

The best time Viña del Mar is during the warmest months of the year, with January through March, being exceptionally well suited for swimming. Due to the area’s microclimate, the weather in Viña del Mar is great most of the year.

June to August are the coldest and wettest months, and you should expect a couple of consecutive overcast days.

What are the other day trips from Santiago?

• Day trips to Cajón del Maipo from Santiago
• El Yeso Dam day trips from Santiago
• Maipo Valley day tours from Santiago
• Day Tours Concha y Toro Winery from Santiago
• Valle Nevado and Farellones day trips from Santiago

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not advised when the tour includes hiking.
• Always wear sunscreen when exploring outdoors.
• Take extra water and snacks.
• Ensure your valuables are secured.
• Take a poncho or umbrella during the rainy months.