Viña del Mar's Floral Timepiece: The Flower Clock
Viña del Mar's iconic Flower Clock: A timeless masterpiece where horticulture and Swiss engineering create a vibrant, ever-changing floral spectacle.
Viña del Mar's Flower Clock, or Reloj de Flores, is a captivating landmark that blends horticulture and engineering. Created in 1962 to commemorate Chile hosting the World Cup, this working clock features a face meticulously crafted from colorful flowers that change with the seasons. Located on a sloping lawn at the foot of Cerro Castillo, near Caleta Abarca beach, the clock offers a picturesque scene with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. The clock's hands, originally driven by a Swiss mechanism, keep accurate time, while the floral arrangements that form the numbers and spell out 'Viña del Mar' are carefully maintained. The clock face is replanted every three months. Over the years, the Flower Clock has become a beloved symbol of Viña del Mar, drawing tourists who seek to capture its beauty in photographs. The surrounding area provides benches for relaxation and is conveniently close to other attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the park surrounding the clock to fully appreciate the floral arrangements.
- Check the seasonal flower arrangements for unique displays throughout the year.
A brief summary to Flower clock
- Alamos 590, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, CL
- +56322184402
Getting There
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Walking
If you are staying near the beach or in one of the hotels along the coastline, you can take a leisurely walk to the Flower Clock. Starting from Playa Acapulco, walk towards the north along the beach promenade. Follow the signs towards Parque Mocha Dick. The Flower Clock is located within the park, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from Playa Acapulco. Enjoy the scenic views along the way !
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Public Transport
From the city center of Viña del Mar, head to the nearest bus stop. You can take any bus heading towards Reñaca or Aguas Marinas. Make sure to ask the bus driver to drop you off at 'Av. San Martín' near the Quinta Vergara. Once you get off the bus, walk towards the coast along Av. San Martín for about 10 minutes until you reach the beautiful coastline. Continue walking along the promenade until you reach the entrance of Parque Mocha Dick. The Flower Clock is located inside this park, just a short walk from the entrance.
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Taxi/Rideshare
You can easily hail a taxi or use a rideshare app like Uber. Simply input the destination as 'Flower Clock, Alamos 590, Viña del Mar'. The driver will take you directly to the location. This option is recommended if you are carrying heavy bags or want to save time. The ride should take about 10 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 6,000 to 10,000 CLP from central Valparaíso.
