Tourist Attractions in Central Chile

The capital, Santiago, with the snow-capped Andes in the background

Chile is administratively divided into 16 regions, but Central Chile represents a natural division rather than an official one. This area includes the Metropolitan Region, home to the capital Santiago, as well as the southern part of Valparaíso, O’Higgins, and Maule regions.

While the northern part of Biobío is sometimes considered part of Central Chile, most people associate it with southern Chile due to its climate, culture, and unique identity. For this reason, it will be covered separately in the section on Attractions in Biobío and Ñuble Regions.

Characteristics of Central Chile

Central Chile is known for its lush vegetation, agriculture, and wine production, but there are growing concerns about desertification spreading from the north, which could impact the region in the coming years. This area is the most populated and economically active in the country, home to major cities such as Valparaíso, a historic port that, along with Viña del Mar, Concón, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana, forms a metropolitan area of over one million residents.

Just 120 km southeast of Valparaíso, near the Andes foothills, lies Santiago, also known as Santiago de Chile, with a population of around 6 million. The Chilean capital stands out as a leader in quality of life, environmental initiatives, economic growth, and personal development in Latin America. Its surroundings feature renowned ski resorts and natural attractions, making it one of South America's top tourist destinations.

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are two of Central Chile’s most iconic coastal cities, each offering a unique charm. Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its colorful hillside neighborhoods, historic funiculars, and vibrant arts scene. Just next door, Viña del Mar contrasts with its elegant gardens, beautiful beaches, and lively cultural events. Together, they create a perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation.

Rancagua and the Cachapoal Valley

Located 87 km south of Santiago, Rancagua, the capital of the O’Higgins Region, holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of Rancagua, a crucial event in Chile’s fight for independence. The city is also a gateway to the Cachapoal Valley, where visitors can experience traditional rural life and wine tourism.

Talca: Gateway to the Maule Region

Further south along Ruta 5 Sur, the Chilean section of the Pan-American Highway, is Talca, the capital of the Maule Region, with a population of about 220,000. Talca offers a mix of Andean landscapes, beautiful beaches, and wine tours that include visits to world-renowned vineyards.

Hidden Gems Near Santiago

While Chile’s most famous tourist attractions are in the north and south, Central Chile boasts picturesque Andean landscapes, vibrant urban life, countryside scenery, and coastal beauty. Some must-visit spots include the beaches of the central coast, as well as the cities of San Felipe and Los Andes, located in the Aconcagua Valley of the Valparaíso Region. This valley, surrounded by towering mountains, is famous for its vineyards and fruit production. 

 

A view of La Parva Sky Resort, near Santiago
Image: laparva.cl

Central Chile boasts a wealth of must-visit destinations. Among them, the Winter Resorts in the Andean foothills—Portillo, Valle Nevado, Farellones, El Colorado, and La Parva—stand out. The dynamic capital, Santiago, offers a mix of modernity and cultural attractions, while nearby Viña del Mar, known as the garden city, enchants visitors. Every February, Viña del Mar hosts the prestigious 'Festival Internacional de la Canción' (Viña del Mar International Song Festival), where world-renowned artists perform. The festival’s final night unofficially signals the end of the high tourist season. 

Beaches and other places of interest  

Due to its proximity and easy accessibility from the capital of Chile, the beaches of the central coast are among tourists' favorite destinations during the summer season. 

• In Viña del Mar, Reñaca stands out as one of the most popular and exclusive beach resorts in Chile, located in the northern area of Viña del Mar. This beach is a preferred destination for young people seeking entertainment, fine dining, and water sports. The beach spans 1.3 km, surrounded by dunes and terraced buildings on the hillsides. 

• Other famous beaches and places in Viña del Mar are: Caleta Abarca, very close to the downtown, Cerro Castillo Palace and the Flower Clock; Acapulco, central and accessible beach, with a great hotel and commercial infrastructure; Cochoa, a quieter and more relaxed beach, with restaurants serving seafood specialties; Las Salinas, a small beach, with the best waves in Viña del Mar, as to practice water sports such as surfing and scuba diving, with a neat, beautiful pedestrian promenade.

• Concón is a charming coastal city located in the Valparaíso Region of Chile, renowned for its stunning beaches. Among the most popular are Playa Amarilla, a favorite spot for surfers, and Playa La Boca, known for its laid-back atmosphere. Concón is also famous for its vibrant seafood scene, offering a variety of restaurants with fresh seafood and breathtaking ocean views. With its perfect combination of relaxation, water sports, and excellent cuisine, Concón is an ideal destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility along Chile's coastline.

 

One of the the world's largest swimming pools,
San Alfonso del Mar Resort, Algarrobo, Chile

• Algarrobo, another of the favorite summer beaches, the city also stands out for having the largest swimming pool in the world, belonging to the San Alfonso del Mar private resort. Located in the province of San Antonio, Valparaiso region.

Algarrobo beach has an extension of about 20 kilometers and is divided into several areas, highlighting Mirasol, El Canelillo and El Pejerrey. Each of them has its own charm and attractions, such as La Cueva del Pirata (Pirate's Cave), the pine forest or the calm and crystal clear waters. Algarrobo beach is an ideal destination to enjoy the sun, sand and sea, various water sports such as sailing, surfing and others, as well as the local cuisine and coastal culture.

• Tunquen Beach, Playa Tunquen is a unique and lesser-known destination for tourists, so far, without further real estate development. With its impressive features, it offers a serene and picturesque experience for visitors. Some highlights of Tunquen include:

Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its beauty, Tunquen remains a relatively undiscovered destination, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil and peaceful beach experience.

Nearby Attractions: Tunquen is located just 20 km north of popular Algarrobo, which offers additional attractions, such as boat tours to see penguins, dolphins, and seals, as well as snowcapped volcanoes in the distance.

Length and Width: The beach is about 5 km. long and half a kilometer wide, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the surroundings.

Massive Dunes: Tunquen is known for its massive dunes, which add a striking visual element to the beach.

Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary: The Tunquen Wetlands is a protected area that offers a home to diverse flora and fauna, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the local ecosystem.

• Maitencillo, very popular beach because of its white sand and calm waters, surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees, located in the commune of Puchuncaví, Valparaíso region. A variety of services and activities are available for visitors, such as water sports, paragliding, hiking and bird watching. Maitencillo is the perfect mix of countryside and beach to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

• Just to mention a few other beaches in the area: Zapallar, an elegant and quiet seaside resort, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters; Matanzas, an ideal destination for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing, with a landscape of dunes and cliffs; Isla Negra, a place full of magic and poetry, where the house-museum of the Nobel Prize for Literature Pablo Neruda is located, there is a beach of rocks and black sand.

• In the O'Higgins Region you can visit the town of Pichilemu, without large apartment buildings or hotel complexes. However, due to the characteristics of its coast, this small tourist town is known as "The Chilean Capital of Surfing".  Its beaches and waves make it one of the most privileged places in the world for the practice of this and all related sports.

In Pichilemu, notable beaches include Punta de Lobos, Infiernillo, and La Puntilla. You can also enjoy the aristocratic architecture of the Agustin Ross Park and the old Casino, both National Monuments. In addition, you can visit the Salinas de Cahuil, saltwater ponds in which an ancestral technique of salt extraction is still used.

• Also a popular tourist destination for its beaches, historical heritage, gastronomy and ecotourism is Constitución, a coastal city located in the Maule region. Among its main attractions are the Los Ruiles National Reserve; the Piedra de la Iglesia, a rock formation with caves symbol of the city; the Municipal Museum; the Banco de Arena Bridge designed by Eiffel and the Putú dunes and wetlands, which is the largest dune field in the country, ideal for ecotourism.

• Good options to visit in this part of Chile are the interesting Museums in Santiago  (follow link) and the Wine Tours to the vineyards of the central valleys, available at local tourist agencies.

Central Chile on Google Map