VALPARAISO
A drive of just a little over an hour on modern highways separates Santiago’s Andean walls from the mighty Pacific Ocean, and it will seem like you reach the sea and the pure salty air of the coast in no time. One by one, the main cities of the region start to appear in a jumble that has a single urban axis: the port of Valparaíso. Discover the maze of homes nestled snugly into dozens of hills with sea views and its historical downtown area, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its architectural and cultural importance. Next is Viña del Mar, with its modern buildings, groomed beaches and the Quinta Vergara, which hosts an international music festival each year.