Playa Las Torpederas (Las Torpederas Beach)

A view of Las Torpederas

 Las Torpederas is a small but well-known beach in Valparaíso, located at the foot of Playa Ancha hill, on the western end of the bay. The beach gets its name from the torpedo boats of the Chilean Navy that participated in the War of the Pacific in 1879 and used to anchor here around 1887.

In the past, it was a vacation spot for the Chilean aristocracy. By the mid-19th century, it boasted some of the first sea bathing facilities—a perforated box submerged until the water reached the bather's chest, designed to prevent drowning and protect swimmers from sharks and other creatures. By 1919, the emerging tourist destination featured a small hotel, a casino, and a dance hall where summer parties with live music were held.

Today, only one of the original balconies remains, now converted into a restaurant, while the others have vanished. Despite this, the beach retains its festive atmosphere and remains a hub of local culture. It has always been a favorite spot for residents of Playa Ancha, who come down to enjoy the sun and sea.

The beach itself is small but very inviting, with its waterfront, stairs, and viewpoints, all set within a lovely park that adds to its charm. It is known as the only beach in Valparaíso suitable for swimming, with calm waves that make it popular with families and ideal for learning to swim. The water is cold, and there are small stones, but the calm conditions make it comparable to a giant pool.

An interesting fact about Las Torpederas Beach today is that it is the landing point in Chile for the undersea cable known as Curie. It is a 10,476-kilometer submarine communication cable owned by Google that connects Los Angeles, California, with Valparaíso and the Google Data Center in Quilicura, Santiago, Chile.

Las Torpederas Beach is located in the urban area of Valparaíso, with good access by vehicle, public transportation, and nearby lodging. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from January to April. During this period, the temperatures are warm, making it ideal for beach activities, swimming, and exploring the surrounding area. 

Google Map