If you are looking for sun, sea, and an incredible international experience, look no further than Viña del Mar, Chile. With all the charm of a Chilean city but without the hustle and bustle of the capital, Santiago, Viña del Mar is perfect for those looking to make friends and connections, practice Spanish, and enjoy la vida Chilena.
While your internship in Viña del Mar may take up much of your day, you will always have free time to explore and get to know the surrounding area. Here are a few great ideas for spending your time outside of your internship placement!
Visit the Beach
Viña del Mar is a seaside town known for its beach resorts and playas, and there is no shortage of public space for you to relax with a beach towel and a good book. Check out the gorgeous Renaca or Costanera beaches, or the Playa Caleta Abarca! Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, and if you are a true beachgoer, it is best to opt for an internship during the Chilean summer, from December to February.
Get Lost in Nature
Beaches aren’t the only natural attractions in Viña del Mar — there are also a number of gardens and other protected areas that will help you step outside of the city life for a little bit and appreciate the natural world. Try out some sand boarding in the Dunas de Concon, or visit the Jardin Botanico National, the National Botanical Gardens, for an afternoon of peace, quiet, and tranquility. If getting outside is your thing, you’ll find that Viña del Mar, and all of Chile for that matter, has plenty of options.
Explore the History
In addition to the incredible nature and beach life in and around Viña del Mar, there is also quite a bit of history to experience, in the form of museums and national monuments. There is the Francisco Fonck Museum of Archeology and History, the Wulff Castle along the coast, and the Palacio Rioja to name a few. There are also a number of beautiful and ornate churches, such as the Iglesia las Carmelitas and the Kirche Nuestra Señora de Dolores. There is no shortage of history to explore in this picturesque city.
Participate in Chile’s Favorite Pastime
If there is one thing that they do well in Chile, it is fútbol. As the most popular sport in this South American country, it is difficult to spend an extended period of time here and not attend a match. In Viña del Mar, get dressed up in yellow and blue to cheer on your new favorite equipo — Everton de Viña del Mar! As the local team, they play in the Estadio Sausalito. This fantastic stadium has even hosted several World Cup and Copa América games!
Take a Walk
It’s no secret that Viña del Mar is a beautiful place, and that beauty is often best experienced on foot. Walk along the Agenda Peru, a coastal stretch that looks over the ocean as the city’s urban buildings tower over you. There is great shopping, and it is a perfect way to experience Chilean street life. You can also continue walking along to the Mirador Cochoa, a gorgeous rocky viewpoint with plenty of wildlife — if you’re lucky, you’ll even catch a view of some sea lions!
Are you ready to start interning in Chile with World Endeavors? Get started by applying today, or reach out to one of our knowledgeable advisors for more information!
Still want to learn more about Chile? Check out our article on weekend trips from Viña del Mar!
Posted by World Endeavors on October 27, 2016
World Endeavors believes that international travel has the power to change lives, broaden horizons, and deepen intercultural understanding. The world is undergoing rapid changes, with societies becoming more interconnected and environmentally aware; at the same time a more challenging global economy inspires in many a need to reach out and make a positive difference while seeking personal growth opportunities. There has never been a better time than now to travel abroad.
