The neighborhoods of Vina del Mar's northernmost sector have become part of the tradition of the Valparaiso coastal region. Located just 7 km from the "Garden City," Renaca is central Chile's most fashionable summer destination, with crowds of beautiful young people, countless outdoor activities, dozens of good restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a blend of sun and surf that makes it the perfect place to practice water sports.

Each summer, product promoters pass out free samples to the sun worshippers who flock here. Renaca has shopping centers, bank machines, exchange houses and restaurants to suit any budget. During the off-season you'll find that it is the perfect place to rest, with very few people on the streets and the beach all to yourself.

Traveling north towards Concon on Borgono avenue will bring you to a unique sand ecosystem that has been declared a Nature Sanctuary. Beyond it are Lilenes, Las Bahamas and Amarilla beaches, all of which offer good spots for swimming. Located just 17 km north of Vina del Mar, Concon is renowned for its many fish and seafood restaurants and wetlands, which have 70 resident and migratory bird species, thousands of which fly through here each spring and summer.

How to get there

By Bus. Busses depart Santiago from Alameda and Santiago terminals (Universidad de Santiago Metro Station, Line 1) and Pajaritos terminal (Pajaritos Metro Station, Line 1). There's one every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.

By Car. If you're traveling by car to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, take Route 68, which intersects with the capital's main thoroughfare (Alameda) and the Americo Vespucio beltway. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes. If you are heading to Isla Negra and Algarrobo, take Autopista Del Sol east.

Attractions y activities

If you are fortunate enough to visit central Chile, be sure to check out Vina del Mar's coastline, which runs from Caleta Abarca in south to Cochoa in north.

Start your tour at Caleta Abarca in front of the famous Flower Clock located on Marina avenue facing Cerro Recreo. This is one of the area's most popular beaches during the hot weather. From there, the waterfront continues to Marga Marga Estuary. As you cross Casino Bridge, you'll catch a glimpse of the historic 1930s building as well as Peru avenue, Vina del Mar's main thoroughfare.

At the end of the road is a series of white sandy beaches surrounded by large buildings, including Casino, Acapulco, El Sol, Blanca and Los Marineros, all of which are very popular during summer. The Vergara dock is the focal point of the coastal landscape, and you'll find a handicrafts fair along the walkway as well as a playground and the Army Canon Museum.

If you are looking for still more places to enjoy a swim or walk along the Pacific Ocean, check out Las Salinas, a smaller beach with gentler waves. Renaca, an exclusive neighborhood whose beaches and waves attract hundreds of tourists and surfers, is just a little further down. Cochoa, at Vina del Mar's northern limit, is a good place to end your tour over a well-deserved plate of fresh seafood or fish at one of the area's classic restaurants.