The dunes
Above the ocean.
Deensel — CC BY 2.0 · Julian Moggia — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Julian Moggia — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Julian Moggia — CC BY-SA 3.0
Huge golden sand dunes on a coastal plateau right above the Pacific, between Reñaca and Concón north of Viña del Mar, their sand sloping towards the cliffs and waves amid apartment towers, a strange contrast of desert and city. The dunes are a nature sanctuary protecting their ancient formations and plants. Visitors walk the soft crests, seeing the ocean on one side and the long bay and the city's towers on the other. Sandboarding is restricted in many parts to protect them. The best time to visit is sunset, when the sun sinks into the ocean and the sand turns orange, as people gather on the crests to watch. Along the coast road nearby, Concón has seafood restaurants. The wind is strong and sand flies, so protect your eyes and camera, keep to permitted routes and stay away from the cliff edges.
Above the ocean.
Orange sand.
Seafood.
Between Reñaca and Concón, about 15 minutes north of Viña del Mar
It is restricted in many parts because the dunes are a nature sanctuary, so keep to permitted routes and ask locally.