Getting There
By Car -- Viña is reached by the highway Ruta 68. Driving to Viña from Santiago is quite easy: Simply hop onto the Costanera Norte headed west, and follow it all the way to the coast (the Costanera turns into Ruta 68). There are two tolls along the way that each cost 1,200 pesos ($2.30/£1.15) from Monday to 5pm on Friday, and 1,900 pesos ($3.65/£1.85) from 5pm Friday to Sunday.
By Bus -- Tur Bus (tel. 600/660-6600; www.turbus.cl) and Pullman (tel. 600/320-3200; www.pullman.cl) leave from the Terminal Alameda in Santiago, located at Av. Alameda 3750 (Metro: Universidad de Santiago), every 15 minutes from 6:30am to 10:30pm (Tur Bus), and 6:10am to 10:10pm (Pullman); the cost is $6.75 (£3.40) one-way. During weekends, especially December through March, it is strongly recommended that you buy your ticket in advance from any Tur Bus or Pullman office in Santiago (your hotel can give you the address of the nearest office). The trip takes around 1 1/2 hours. The bus terminal in Viña is located at Avenida Valparaíso and Quilpué, near the main plaza, and there are taxis available.
By Train -- The Metrotren (also known as the "Merval"; tel. 32/238-1500) connects Viña with Valparaíso, leaving every 5 to 10 minutes from 7:30am to 10pm during weekdays, and every 15 to 20 minutes from 9:30am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. To ride the train, you must first make a one-time purchase: a rechargeable card for $1 (50p) that you then charge with enough money to cover the cost of your trip. If you're with friends or family, you need only purchase one card for your group.
Getting Around
All attractions in Viña can be reached on foot, but inexpensive taxis are available either by hailing one in the street or calling Taxi Alfonso (tel. 32/288-1870) or ABA Taxi (tel. 32/297-9399). A taxi to Valparaíso costs between $6 and $9 (£3-£4.50) one-way. Viña's long beachfront promenade and the Quinta Vergara Park are ideal for an afternoon stroll. If you have a rental vehicle, I recommended taking a drive north to Concón, for splendid coastal views and a chance to see fat sea lions sunning themselves on the rocky shore. Follow the coastal road Avenida San Martín until it becomes Avenida Jorge Montt, and continue along the winding, two-lane road as it hugs the shore. When you tire of the drive, simply turn around and head back the same way. Note that street parking in Viña is scarce in January and February.
Visitor Information
The Oficina de Turismo de Viña is located on Plaza Vergara, next to the post office near avenidas Libertad and Arlegui (tel. 800/800-830 toll-free in Chile; www.visitevinadelmar.cl). Summer hours are weekdays from 9am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 9pm; off-season hours are weekdays from 10am to 7pm (closed 2-3pm), and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm. The helpful staff speaks English and can provide visitors with maps, events details, and accommodations information, including private cabin rentals.
