Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Loading Current Weather

Valparaíso (pop. 284,000), and Viña del Mar (pop. 285,000) are sister cities located halfway down Chile's endless coastline and sixty-eight miles northwest of Santiago. A city of seafaring traditions and grand hilltop views, Valparaíso was once home to the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Valparaíso also functions as the primary commercial port, naval base, and seat of political power for the country, which creates a unique and modern dynamic in a city with roots in the colonial past. Together, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar offer something for each visitor, including spectacular beaches, museums, and architecture. Be sure not to miss the world famous music Festival de Viña each February at la Quinta Vergara!

Chile is also one of the most prosperous Latin American countries and the benefits of this prosperity include an excellent educational system and a multitude of distinguished universities. One of these universities, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, serves as the academic anchor of ISA's Chile study abroad programs. Students will be able to take courses in Spanish language and Latin American studies with international students, as well as many electives with local Chileans. The other school, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, is in Viña del Mar, just 15 minutes up the coast. Students will focus on international business courses in English or electives with locals.

More about Valparaíso and Viña del Mar