All told, the region of Valparaíso encompasses a 16,396 km2 area and 1,539,852 people, contributing a substantial 40% to national GDP. The port city of Valparaíso is the regional capital and seat of the National Legislator, and along with San Antonio the two are the largest deep-sea ports in the country.

Next to the capital is Viña del Mar, a preferred vacationer’s destination and the site for the renowned international Music Festival that bears the city’s name. A tradition since 1959, the event takes place every February. This multifaceted economy encompasses production and shipment of metalsagricultural and marine products, industrial products and services. As the country’s largest seaport, Valparaíso offers an extremely wide range of shipping and marine services. In addition, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar have the largest number of universities and university students anywhere in the country.

agricultural and marine products, industrial products and services. As the country’s largest seaport, Valparaíso offers an extremely wide range of shipping and marine services. In addition, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar have the largest number of universities and university students anywhere in the country. Valparaíso’s old city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its scenic architecture, picturesque cable cars and labyrinth pathways climbing up and down the city’s 33 hills.

A quintessential tourist destination, the region boasts everything from ski resorts,secluded beaches and green valleys to quaint rural zones, internationally-acclaimed wines, cultural festivals and colourful celebrations – not to mention La Campana National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve – all less than a 2 hour drive from Santiago.