The balcony of the capital

Many high-rise buildings and (luxury) apartments can be found in Viña del Mar, the weekend beach destination of Santiago. The beach is fine as long as you don't get blown away by the wind. However, swimming?? Not possible. At least now in spring, the water is only for the brave. Moreover, you are not allowed to swim at many beaches because the currents, especially at low tide, are very strong. Willem tested this for us and bravely plunged into the waves. The temperatures were no problem for the native Dutchman, but the currents were. But what would life be without a little thrill.

It is also nice to take a detour to Valpo (Valparaíso). Industrial port and boring-ugly center below, fortunately beautified by neat Chilean dancers at the harbor festival. But as soon as you find a working elevator up the hill, you feel like you are in a different city. Colorful houses made of wood and corrugated iron, artistic graffiti, small individual artist shops and cafes. The ride on the rickety and creaking mini cable car is also quite charming.

North of the hotel castles and residential towers of Viña there are pretty little fishing villages. One of them is Horcón, and it is like Valpo in miniature format with a mini beach. Fishing boats and colorful little houses on the hillside make the place quite attractive. You can also eat good fish. And there is a boat with the name Speyer on it. That can be mentioned, more than 12,000 km away.