We assure you that your stay will be in a unique, exclusive, and unforgettable place. We offer peaceful, quiet lodgings with breakfast included at the hour of your choice, a privileged place where you will discover a different type of tourism and a true sense of Chile and Chilean culture: a place to feel at home.Located in a residential area with gated parking, a pool, a grill available for barbecue, and impressive panoramic views of the ocean and picturesque city.
Also visit www.myfathershouse.cl/en

VIÑA DEL MAR AND VALPARAÍSO TOURISM

Viña del Mar is without a doubt the most important city spa in Chile. It is also known as the "City of Gardens" because large green areas, parks and gardens surround it. It is located 120 kilometers from Santiago and it is right next to the City of Valparaiso, an UNESCO "World Heritage Site." In the center of the city, which is divided by Valparaiso Street, there are shopping galleries, movie theatres and restaurants that culminate at the Jose Francisco Vergara Plaza. Together they make up the most important meeting place for the population of Viña del Mar.

Viña del Mar possesses many tourist attractions. Whether night or day, spas such a Reñaca and a Casino bring life to an important tourist activity throughout the year.
Its closeness to the capital city, aside from having great infrastructure that varies from museums, to palaces, castles, art galleries, theatres, parks and sporting clubs; events such as the International Song Festival and the Derby, make it the main national and international tourist destination.

ACTIVITIES TO CARRY OUT IN THE LITTORAL ZONE

There are many activitíes to be carried out in this zone, among them there stands out the water sports such as fishing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, among others. All these activitíes can be carríed oüt in almost every part of the shore.

ALGARROBO RESORT

Is one of the most beautiful and important resorts of this sector; it is placed in a sheltered rada upon hillocks where the summerhouses are located. The sea is calm and all kinds of water sport can be practiced. In the North Algarrobo sector a beautiful vantage point is found, which was made by the neighbors of this sector. It is a beautiful ramble bordered by trees and blooming bushes. In its upper patio we find a vantage point, a most popular place to observe the dusk. Next to it there is a nursery of plants and a fountain with fishes and frogs, which is very popular among children.

ATTRACTIONS AND GREEN AREAS

As you begin the tour in the middle of the city, you will find the Quinta Vergara Park, with beautiful gardens, exotic vegetation and a spectacular amphitheatre where the International Song Festival of Vina del Mar takes place. Through Uno Norte Avenue, at Los Castanos Avenue, the Valparaiso Sporting Club, which provides space for riding, with the national Derby as the highlight. As you continue through Los Castanos Ave, you'll arrive to Sausalito Lagoon tourist complex, where you can enjoy motorboat riding and water sports. Continuing through Parque Sausalito Avenue you'll enter the Granadilla County Club, which has the best golf courses of the country, a swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. This tour ends at the Olivar Route, in El Salto area, at the Botanical Park National Park, which has leafy gardens, a beautiful lagoon and excursion paths where more than 3,000 vegetable species of special beauty can be appreciated.

CAU CAU BEACH

Cau-Cau Beach is located immediately to the west of Horcon cove, at the other extreme of the "Puntilla". It is of regular size and cliffs surround it. Its sand is fine and clear, the sea is calm with small waves and little slope on its shore. The absence of winds together with the beautiful forests that surround it, make of this one of the best beaches of the area. It is not very visited out of season, but it is one of the most popular in summer. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches of the zone, with a landscape of leafy trees and surrounded by cliffs that really make it spectacular, it is of the most visited beaches during the year. It can be entered by foot or by car though the Cau-Cau Street which has parking lot.

COASTLINE

Begin the tour at the Caleta Abarca Spa located on Marina Avenue in front of the Flower Clock. As you follow the coastal board and you cross the marsh, you will come across Peru Avenue: a beautiful walk by the sea. Parallel to it, San Martin Avenue stands out for its restaurants, lodgings, tea salons, and buildings with beautiful gardens and an excellent ocean view. Then you can find Acapuico Beach and later the Vergara Wharf. You continue this journey through Jorge Montt Avenue towards Las Salinas Spa where multiple installations of the Chilean Army are located, as well as the Naval Cannons Museum. As you follow this same route you can find the Mariano "Stella Maris" Sanctuary. A beautiful sidewalk, right in front of the sea, will bring you to the exclusive Reñaca spa, which is surrounded by hotels, discos and restaurants.

COMMERCIAL ZONE

Beginning with Valparaiso Street, right in the heart of the city, we can find a great number of restaurants, stores, cafeterias, ice cream shops, commercial galleries and multistores. This street directly connects us to the Jose Francisco Vegara Plaza, a place for socializing. Behind this plaza there is a bridge over Libertad Avenue. This avenue is surrounded by buildings and leafy trees that cover this busy artery from beginning to end. Along this route, there are various architectonical heritage attractions. When the route ends through Libertad Avenue and when you arrive to 14 Norte Street, you can find the most important malls of Vina del Mar which are connected by a pedestrian crosswalk located over 15 Norte Avenue. These large comercial centres offer the most varied range of products and services including supermarkets, multistores, movies, bowling, restaurants, and stores in general.

HALF MOONS

Casablanca, an area strongly linked to the traditions of this land, offers the possibility of learning about the national sport of Chile: rodeo. That is why; in the district there are numerous "half moons", which are the spaces where this activity takes place and where the huasos show all their abilities while riding and controlling the animal. In this way, in Casablanca it is possible to visit the half moons of Los Perales de Tapihue, "Carpintero", "Casablanca", "Lagunilla", and the "Puro Caballo" Equestrian Club. In these typical spaces, it is possible to get close to the most profound rural Chilean traditions, which take place throughout the year, and which show its greater splendour during the month of September when the National Holidays are celebrated.

PARAGLIDING, GOLF AND CASINOS

Paragliding is without doubt an element of great attraction, being Maitencillo one of the main spots to carry out this discipline. Golf has also its space in this zone for there exist courts of international standards, which accompanied with the beautiful landscape offer, without a doubt, a unique touch to this sport. Casinos, restaurants, pubs, and entertainment.

WINE ROUTE

One of the emerging attractions of Casablanca can be found in the tourist activity related to the production of delicious wines. This attraction was strongly established over a decade ago. The positive characteristics of the land, the warm temperature, and the influence of the ocean breeze kept within mountain ranges, have allowed the creation of high quality wines given their unique character and taste. In this generous valley, where it is possible to find excellent wines that vary through the entire range of national production: from Sauvignon Blanc to Merlot, including Chardonnay and of course Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley invites visitors to come close to this world of wine production through guided visits, in order to learn about the characteristics of a dozen important vineyards, enjoy delicious wine tasting and learn more about this centenary activity that is currently undergoing a positive process in Casablanca.

SEASIDE ROAD (Av. San Martin -Av. Jorge Montt - Av. Borgono)

Traditional Walk from San Martin which is a sequence of high buildings with excellent view of the sea. They are surrounded by gardens, all of them built after 1975 when the section among 8 and 15 Norte was urbanized. Here there used to be industries that employed a railway branch line that crossed Viña by its behind and led to the Vergara wharf, where barges were loaded and unloaded with merchandises to be transported to the ships in the port. This avenue is endowed with restaurants, lodging and cafes.

VIÑA DEL MAR CASINO

This tremendous building located in the middle of Colombia Plaza, right next to the mouth of the Marga Marga, was inaugurated in 1932. Its game rooms, shows, hotel and restaurant constitute, throughout the year, the largest center of attraction in this city. It offers a variety of game salons, Roulette, Punto y Banca, Blackjack, Crap, Slot Machines, Bingo, American Roulette, Chemin de Per, Baccarat, Stud Poker, Boule, Big Six, Chuck-a-Luck, Crown and Anchor, Jocker Seven. Currently, the casino has three floors where, besides a spectacular hotel with an ocean view, a restaurant, event rooms, show rooms, exhibit rooms, a dance room and an international cabaret can be found. Along with the day and night activity, this complete infrastructure make it the most important casino in Chile.

ARCHITECTONIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Begin your tour at the Castillo Ross, just a few steps from the Flower Clock, and then continue until the Wulff Castle, a beautiful construction that goes into the sea. As you go up Castillo Hill, you will find the Presidential Palace. The Brunet Castle is located in this same area. As you go down the hill, through Alvarez Street you'll arrive to Our Lady of Pain Parish. Behind it is the Quinta Vergara Park, and inside it where the Vergara Palace is located, an Art Museum can be found today. As you return to the Sucre Plaza, you'll find the Vina del Mar Club. In front of the Jose Francisco Vergara Plaza is the Municipal Theatre. This is a place of recognized cultural prestige. As you cross the Puente Libertad, on 3 Norte Street, you will come across the Carrasco Palace, where the Cultural Center carries out its activities and where, in its gardens, Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Defense" can be found. Next to it is the Archeological Museum "Francisco Fonck." As you continue through 4 Norte Street until Quillota Street, you will come to the end of your tour at the Placio Rioja Museum.

Valparaíso: Heritage Site for Humanity

...I declare my love for you Valparaiso.., Year 2004 Centennial of Pablo Neruda's birthday

VALPARAISO, the Port City of Central Chile; an amphitheater that faces the Pacific Ocean is surrounded by 45 hills that, along with its ravines plunge down into the sea and whose beaches and rock formations form a narrow, coastal plane. Home of The National Congress headquarters; Valparafso also centers the cultural, naval and fishing institutions of the country. The city finds in its heritage in its traditions, in its art and in its relation to the sea, the basis for its development. Valparafso was designated "Heritage Site for Humanity" by UNESCO. Valparaiso's 15 funicular elevators, which are currently in use, are an important part of the city's identity, dating back a centennial, constitute a current and complete transportation system. They are fundamental for the vertical development of the city. The trolleys also give a distinctive seal to Valparaiso and they are a valuable and efficient transportation system for its citizens.The Port's bohemian lifestyle offers in its streets and hills an active nightlife, with its pubs and restaurants. Valparaiso has always had a great attraction, and it has been a source of inspiration for artists, musicians and great poets. Ruben Dario, Nicaraguan poet, from here published his main work "Azul", but without a doubt, the most prolific poet in this aspect is the Chilean Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Pablo Neruda, who lived in the city, and built his house there; which is today the Museum "La Sebastiana" on Cerro Florida. Neruda declared his love to this "crazy port" to this "adsurdity' of a city, indicating that, if we walk through all of Valparaiso's stairways "we will have traveled around the world"


1.- Walking tour Alegre and Concepción hill

Begin your walking tour in Plaza Sotomayor, in the rear to the left you' II find the Court Building and El Peral funicular elevator which take you to Baburizza Palace, Valparaíso 's Fine Arts Museum. Going up on Montealegre Street you will get to Leighton-Miramar córner and then go down through Bavestrello Passage to Urriola Street. Go up to Galvez passage and you will find some typical constructions restored as hotels ( Bed & Breakfast) and restaurants. Get to Gervasoni Promenade, to the Lukas Museum and Concepción funicular elevator, walk along Papudo Street to Atkinson Promenade, a beautiful look out point. In Papudo with Beethoven Street is the Lutheran Church and in Pilcomayo córner you will find St. Paul Anglican Church. In almirante Montt Street, go up to Dimalow Promenade, go down by Queen Victoria funicular elevator and you will get Aníbal Pinto Square.


2.- Walking tour 21 de Mayo promenade

Start your walking tour on Prat Pier, which offers a great variety of port and tourist activities, an attractive craft gallery and boat rides. Toward the hill is Sotomayor Square, the beautiful monument to the Héroes of the Iquique Naval Battle, the old Regional Government Building, which is currently Chilean Navy Headquarters. Turn right and walk along Serrano Street, half a block ahead is Cordillera funicular elevator which takes you to Lord Cochrane Museum, one of the oldest constructions which offers a vast panoramic view of the city. Continuing along Serrano Street you' II arrive to Echaurren Square. Through San Martin Street you 'II reach La Matriz Church. Behind it is Santo Domingo Square, where in 1828, the first Bicameral Congress of Chile was in session. Walking toward the sea, turn left and you'II see the Customs Building. Next to it is the Artillería funicular elevator that takes you to 21 de Mayo Promenade, offering ampie view of the port bay. There is the Naval and Maritime Museum.


3- Walking tour Financial District and Open Air Museum

Begin the walking tour at the oíd Regional Government Building, turning left on Prat Street, you'll find the bank buildings, on Urriola's córner, which is the first Stock Exchange Building of Chile. Then comes the Turri Clock. On Esmeralda Street, the featured attraction is El Mercurio Newspaper Building. Then you arrive to Aníbal Pinto Square. Continuing on Condell Street on the córner of Bellavista ¡s Ecuador High Road, Valparaíso's nightlife district. Continuing on Condell Street, you arrive to Victoria Square, the most beautiful of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral and Santiago Severin Library. Next to the square, on Edwards Street towards the hill, you arrive to Ferrari High Road, behind Colon Street. One block away "The Open Air Museum" begins, which gathers a collection of muráis painted on facades and concrete walls of houses: Roberto Matta, Mario Toral, Mario Carreño, etc....,follow indicated directions and the Espíritu Santo funicular elevator is located on Rudolph Street, which takes you down to the lower part of the city.


4.- Walking tour to La Sebastiana Museum

From Victoria Square, walk along Independencia Street up to Carrera Street, turn right and two blocks away is Florida funicular elevator that takes you to Prefecto Lazo Street, a place where yoy will find beautiful houses. Go up to Florida Street and at Mena Square take Ferrari Street and you arrive to La Sebastiana Museum, the last house of the poet Pablo Neruda, Nobel Prize Winner in 1971. He bought the bare bones structure and convinced the couple Francisco Velasco and María Martner to buy the first and second floor. Opened in 1961, Neruda filled it with angles and stairwell and painted it in the same colors as the port's houses. La Sebastian keep part of the poet's collection, it has an art gallery, a modern Cultural Center with diverse activities. Open from 10:30 to 18 hrs in summer and from 15:30 hrs to 18 hrs in winter (Tuesday to Friday). Continué along Camino La Cintura which is the only trail that horizontally connects all the surrounding hills of Valparaíso. All descendant streets will leave you down to the lower part of the city.

ACTIVITIES TO CARRY OUT THE HERITAGE ZONE

In this area of numerous heritage attractions, tourists can visit museums to know not only the history of the region, but also the country, from the earliest cultures up to our days.
(Photo: British Arch)

LUKAS MUSEUM HOUSE VANTAGE POINT

The Museum is devoted to the life and work of the famous Valparaiso's sketcher and cartoonist Lukas. It is a center where cultural activities are developed during the whole year. It holds a great artistic value and a beautiful view of the Ocean, what makes it unique. One of the events carried out in this museum are the "Tertulias", or Literary Circles, whose function is to discuss upon subjects related to Valparafso and Lukas work.

THE POETS'LITTORAL

The littoral was named after Vicente Huidobro, Pablo Neruda and Nicanor Parra, poets who established their residence and inspiration in this area. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy poetry, which along with the beautiful landscape creates a unique and stirring experience. The circuit is made up of the Cartagena, Isla Negra and Las Cruces localities and it includes visits to the house of Pablo Neruda in Isla Negra, Vicente Huidobro's grave, among others.

THE POLANCO FUNICULAR

Inaugurated in 1916, it is the most picturesque funicular of Valparaiso. It accesses Polanco Hill. It is not the typical funicular of Valparaiso because from its inferior access in the Simpson Street it enters a 150 meters long, 2,50 meters high tunnel that passes under tens of houses. Getting inside it is remembering the mine galleries, subterranean water and leaky walls. This funicular was named National Monument in 1976.

SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH AND CONVENT OF THE "ALMENDRAL"

It was inaugurated in 1876 and is the most authentic identity expression of the area. Inside there is a wide variety of religious images, furniture, and figures attired with clothing from the colonial epoque. The bells and the clock are of German origin. The tower and the facade were designed by the Italian architect Eduardo Provasoli, who also supervised the Franciscan constructions in other regions of the country.