For many people, vacations are synonymous with sun, sand and sea. A perfect combination to relax from the work routine and enjoy the outdoors, nature, peace and the company of loved ones.
For those who choose these characteristics as priorities of the destination they are going to choose for their days of rest, Civitatis, the online distribution platform for guided tours, excursions and activities in Spanish in more than 160 countries, listed the three beach cities most chosen by its users from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay to travel during these summer months and selected a series of new and original experiences to enjoy in each of them.
Mar del Plata (Argentina)
Mar del Plata is the summer destination par excellence in Argentina. Its almost 50 kilometers of coastline provide it with countless beaches for all tastes. You can choose from the most central and popular ones such as La Bristol and La Perla, to the more familiar ones such as Varese, Playa Grande and Punta Mogotes.
The city also stands out for its wide and varied hotel and gastronomic offer and, mainly, for its lively nightlife featuring a large theater and show lineup.
For those who want to go for more, in the destination, Civitatis offers different experiences such as surf courses, a beer tour, boat trips, hiking along the coast and/or a visit to the Fangio Museum, in addition to the must-sees of the place such as the tour of the port and sea lion watching, the traditional Los Troncos neighborhood and the Nuestra Señora de Lourdes grotto.
Punta del Este (Uruguay)
Punta del Este is the most exclusive resort in South America and attracts countless vacationers for its natural landscapes of extensive and different beaches, and also for its particular glamor and sophistication.
Being a peninsula that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Río de la Plata, it offers the possibility of enjoying coastal areas with large waves ideal for surfing as well as others bathed by calm waters and colored by wonderful sunsets on the horizon.
For travelers who appreciate the unique experiences of each place, Civitatis proposes some original activities on site, such as a guided tour that includes in the itinerary Casapueblo, the luxurious hotel that houses the workshop of the renowned Uruguayan artist Páez Vilaró; a bike tour; and/or a cheese and wine excursion.
Vina del Mar (Chile)
Viña del Mar is also known as a garden city for its natural and cultural charm, and mainly for its beaches, which are one of its greatest attractions. Among them, Reñaca and Caleta stand out, both characterized by their unique landscapes framed between the sea and their terraced buildings.
Famous for its casino and hosting the song festival, one of the most important in the industry that takes place at the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, the city boasts other attractions worth visiting such as the Flower Clock, the Wulff Castle and the Moai brought of Easter Island. Furthermore, from there you can undertake unforgettable experiences such as those proposed by the Civitatis site, and include Sandboarding in the dunes of Concón; take the elevator tour in Valparaíso; visit the vineyards and wineries of the Casablanca Valley; spot the penguins on Cachagua Island; and/or learn the history of firefighters in first person.
Las Grutas (Argentina)
Las Grutas has the particularity of being a summer resort and at the same time being framed among the fabulous landscapes of northern Patagonia that extend along the Gulf of San Matías and are characterized by its extensive beaches, cliffs, caves and a surprising native fauna.
It is worth doing the following excursions proposed by Civitatis, such as: a visit to the Gualicho Salt Flats; city tour and snorkeling in Punta Perdices; and/or the tour to Valcheta and the Petrified Forest.
Piriapolis (Uruguay)
Piriápolis is the first spa city in Uruguay and is characterized by its family and relaxed atmosphere, as well as its landscape full of beaches and hills.
It is recommended to walk along the Rambla, the main avenue that runs through the entire bay, as well as take a city tour that includes Punta Colorada, La Cascada, the Museum of Fauna, the Piria Castle, the Sugar Loaf (the third hill highest in Uruguay) and its native fauna reserve, among other original tours such as the bicycle tour to Pueblo Gaucho.
Valparaiso (Chile)
In addition to being surrounded by twenty different beaches to enjoy the summer sun and sea, Valparaíso is a port city that surprises with its steep funiculars and the colorful houses that dress the hills.
It is also famous for being home to La Sebastiana, the extravagant former residence of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, which today functions as a museum.
Due to its history and cultural background, it is interesting to take a morning or afternoon to take the “free tour of the destination” proposed by Civitatis and get to know the Puerto neighborhood, Cerro Cordillera, Cerro Alegre, the Lord Cochrane viewpoint and the Puerto Market , among other attractive points.