Ten minutes north of central Viña del Mar along the coast road, Reñaca is the beach that Chilean teenagers dream about all winter. The long golden strand, divided into numbered sectors, is backed by the famous terraced apartment blocks that climb the hillside like giant staircases.
In January and February it is the coast’s summer hot spot — beach bars, volleyball, surf schools and a nightlife that runs late. The rest of the year it is a calm residential beach suburb with good restaurants, strong surf and, just to the north, the rocky coves of Cochoa on the road to Concón.
Top things to do at Reñaca
Spend a day on the sand
Pick a sector: families tend to gather at one end, the young crowd at the other. Beach umbrellas and loungers can be rented in summer.
Try surfing or bodyboarding
Surf schools operate in season. Wear a wetsuit — the water is cold.
Drive the coast road to Concón
Continue north past Cochoa to the Concón dunes and the seafood restaurants of Concón — one of the best short drives on the coast.
How to get to Reñaca
- By bus: frequent buses run from central Viña del Mar along Avenida San Martín and the coast road (Avenida Borgoño) — around 15–25 minutes.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: about 10–15 minutes from the centre outside peak traffic.
- On a tour: several coast tours from Santiago include a stop in Reñaca.
Insider tips
- Summer weekend traffic on the coast road is heavy — go early.
- Swim only in lifeguarded sectors with a green flag.
- Out of season, Reñaca is quiet — nice for walks and seafood lunches, less so for nightlife.
Best tours & tickets for Reñaca
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Reñaca, from Viña del Mar or on a day trip from Santiago:
Day trip from €34 Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Casablanca, Reñaca & Oceanic Rock
The widest-ranging day trip from Santiago, adding the north coast — Reñaca and the dramatic Roca Oceánica near Concón — to the usual Valparaíso and Viña del Mar programme. Big groups and a full schedule, but a lot of coast for the price.
- The most-booked coast tour, with thousands of reviews
- Reñaca beach and the Roca Oceánica headland
- Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and a Casablanca wine stop
Day trip from €35 Santiago: Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour
A well-priced, well-reviewed full-day circuit of the coast from Santiago, including time at Reñaca beach — a good alternative if the most popular dates are sold out.
- Viña del Mar’s seafront and Flower Clock
- Reñaca beach
- Valparaíso and a Casablanca Valley wine stop
