Valparaiso or Vina del Mar

[diane.in.ny]

We are looking for a hotel for 3 nights pre-cruise. We've already toured Santiago so are planning on heading straight to the coast after our morning flight arrival.

 

We need transportation from the airport and also recommendations for hotels. Have no idea whether it is better to stay in Valparaiso or Vina del Mar although we do plan on touring both

 

We are two seniors and on a good day, walking OK. On a bad day ....

 

Any help would be appreciated.

[TayanaLorna]

Vina del Mar and Valparaiso are right next to each other.  Vina del Mar is the local summer and weekend holiday place to go. Traffic could be bad especially on weekends.  Other then the Fronck Museum, the Flower Clock, the Casino there is not much to see.  Its a town of beachfront condos and wide boulvards of shopping.  The Viking included gave a good overview but only stop was the Museum.

 

Valparaiso is very very hilly but there are funiculars running up and down the levels.  Its more historic with narrow streets opening into charming quiet plazas.  Grafitti here is taken to new levels and is considered street art.  There is lots to do and see.  Two of the Pablo Neruda homes are here to tour.  Some people commented that Valparaiso is run down.  It depends not what you look at but the way that you see.  There are walking tours by locals that people have loved.  We didn't take one because i was afraid i couldn't keep up.

 

I did a journal with lots of photographs of most of our Santiago to Buenas Aires Around Cape Horn cruise ports.  It can be found at www.Tomko2Travel.blogspot.com.  If you are interested you will need to keep clicking on More Posts to get to the beginning for the posts in and around Valpo.

[carlmm]

Do you want to relaxt in a sea side resort? Vina del Mar

Do you want to do more sightseeing and experience a town of a unique kind? Valparaiso.

[wrk2cruise]

Anybody have recommendations for private airport transportation for 4 people?

[iancal]

We stayed in Valparaiso.  We intended to go to Vina for a day but enjoyed Valparaiso so much we did not.  We stayed at the IBIS.  Harbor view room.   Good location.  

 

There are very comfortable highway buses running every hour to Santiago.  As i recall the fare was $4. No reservations required.