Love: Weekend breaks away from Santiago

If you live in the city, you will know how clustrophobic it can be to spend all your time amongst the noise, the traffic and the pollution. Sometimes we just want a weekend away from it all and to relax in a different place, preferably close to a beach. So here are some suggestions for great places to visit by the beach and very close to Santiago.

Valparaíso

                 

    

With some of the best street art in South America, this quirky town is bursting with colour, great seafood, and picturesque views, especially from the tops of the hills (there's a funicular you can take). What's even better is that this bohemian paradise is only a short two hour bus ride from Santiago, which makes it perfect for an easy weekend getaway with no travelling hassle! 

Isla Negra

                   

If it's beaches you love, don't miss out on the beautiful golden sands of Isla Negra (warning: the sea in Chile is pretty cold). As it's only one/two hours away from Santiago it's a great place to spend the  weekend relaxing. It's also the location of one of the three houses of famous Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in Chilean history and culture!

El Cajon del Maipo

         

You don't particularly need a whole weekend for this, but the Cajon del Maipo is perfect for a day of trekking and then camping in the evening if you do want to make it into a weekend break. It has lots of beautiful trails to choose from, where you can walk amongst waterfalls, vaolcanoes and flowing rivers. Reach the end and you will find the stunning El elmbalse El Yeso (see photo). Surprisingly, you can find this natural oasis still in the city boundaries, as it's only an hours drive from the centre of Santiago!

Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar is a seaside city with all the charm of Santiago. It's the fourth biggest city in Chile and only one hour away from Valpariaso and three hours from Santiago. This makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a quieter city life. With lively nights out, good restaurants and some cute tourist attractions such as the flower clock and wulf castle, there's enough to see and do in a weekend here.