City of Chillán: The Best of its Tourist Attractions

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.

The Catholic Cathedral, one of the city´s landmarks

Chillán, a city full of culture and history, is located 413 kilometers south of Santiago, the Chilean capital, in the beautiful Ñuble region.

With an estimated population of 180,000 by 2024, Chillán was deeply affected by a devastating earthquake in 1939 that completely destroyed the city. Despite this, today Chillán is a place where modernity and tradition converge. Founded in 1580, it has witnessed important historical events and is known as the birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, the father of the Chilean nation. 

The city also stands out for its rich cultural tradition, home to great artists such as Claudio Arrau or the murals of Escuela Mexico and the San Francisco Museum. And, as is typical for the south of Chile, the area is also rich in natural beauty, which we will describe here.

 

Climate

Chillán's climate is Mediterranean, with a marked difference between the seasons. Summers are warm and dry, ideal for enjoying its parks and outdoor activities, while winters are cold and wet, perfect for visiting the famous Termas de Chillán hot springs and practicing winter sports.

How to get to Chillán 

Getting to the capital of the Ñuble region is easy, either by road or rail. From Santiago, you can take a bus or a train, both offering a comfortable and scenic journey through the agricultural heart of Chile.

Fast Train to Chillan

It is worth mentioning that from April 2024, the fastest and most modern train in South America reaches Chillán, which is currently the only long-distance service (400 km) available on a regular basis. This service is scheduled to operate every day of the year, departing from Estación Central in Santiago de Chile.

Tourist Attractions in Chillán:

The Catholic Cathedral 

The Cathedral is one of the most important architectural symbols of the city. Built after the devastating earthquake of 1939, it stands out for its modern design and impressive bell tower. The Monumental Cross, separate from the Cathedral, was built in memory of the victims of the 1939 earthquake and serves as the bell tower for the imposing temple.

Address: 505 Arauco Street.

Plaza de Armas

Chillán's main square, also known as Plaza de la Independencia, is the civic and social heart of the city, located on the site of the fourth and last foundation of the city.

The Plaza de Armas is a historical and cultural meeting point, surrounded by important buildings and monuments that reflect the rich heritage of the city. These include the monument to national hero Bernardo O'Higgins, several ornamental statues, the Cathedral, the Regional Government building, municipal buildings, the Civic Center, banks, and hotels.

Mercado de Chillán

Address: Calle Maipón, between 5 de Abril and Isabel Riquelme. The Chillán Market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and is an excellent place to experience the local culture. Here you can find fresh produce, handicrafts, and typical foods such as the Longanizas de Chillán (spicy, long pork sausage), a tasty and distinctive product of this part of Chile.

Feria Artesanal

Located in front of the Market, features thousands of typical products from the Chilean countryside, from this region and other parts of the country. It is the perfect place to choose a souvenir, whether in wicker, wood, leather, ceramics, warm handmade ponchos, and much more.

Parque Monumental Bernardo O'Higgins 

Monument to Bernardo O'Higgins, Father of the Nation
Image: prensa.presidencia.cl

Located in the municipality of Chillán Viejo, this park is a tribute to Bernardo O'Higgins, the father of the country, and offers a panoramic view of the city. It is the perfect place to learn about Chilean history, take walks, and enjoy nature. The park was created in 2015 on the site of the former mansion where Bernardo O'Higgins was born and raised, which was demolished in 1930.

Inside the park, you can find several points of interest:

• The monument of Bernardo O'Higgins on horseback
• A stone mural depicting the life of O'Higgins
• The mausoleum of Bernardo O'Higgins' mother and sister
• A cultural center

Museo Interactivo Claudio Arrau

Address: 558 Claudio Arrau Street. This cultural space is dedicated to the life and work of the famous pianist Claudio Arrau León, a native of this city and considered one of the most important pianists of the 20th century.

It is devoted to celebrating the legacy of Claudio Arrau León by preserving and exhibiting his most precious belongings and his contributions to the arts. Sheet music, a silent piano, books, clothing and various objects related to the pianist are among the museum's collections.

The art gallery functions as a cultural center for the province and the region, offering services such as guided tours, educational activities, and multilingual accessibility services.

Museo San Francisco

Address 265, Sargento Aldea Street, telephone 56 422211634. The San Francisco de Chillán Museum features an array of ancient and valuable pieces from the temple's history, including sacred and historical objects belonging to the Convent and School of San Alfonso, founded in 1585.

Noteworthy items in the collection include a book printed in Venice in 1495 and a Tanagra, a piece of Greek clay from before Christ. The museum also holds religious objects and liturgical books from the 18th century, colonial furniture, a large collection of carved wooden images, reliquaries, indigenous artifacts, and Italian Mannerist paintings. Additionally, it preserves letters from Bernardo O'Higgins, who was a pupil of the Franciscan Fathers during his childhood. (Source: guianuble.cl)

 

Murales de la Escuela Mexico

Address: 250, Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Ave. The Mexico School Murals are a series of paintings by Mexican artists David Alfaro Siqueiros and Xavier Guerrero. These murals are collectively considered a National Monument of Chile in the Historic Monument category.

Created in 1940, the works were made as a gesture of solidarity following the Chillán Earthquake of 1939, which caused significant destruction in Chile. The Mexican government donated the school building to Chile, and it was inaugurated on March 25, 1942. Museo Marta Colvin

Address: 720, Andrés Bello Ave., on the campus of the Universidad del Bío-Bío. The gallery is dedicated to honoring the work of this outstanding Chilean sculptor, a native of this city. Marta Colvin was an important figure in the art world, recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to sculpture. The exhibition also features the sculpture park and the artist's house, which complement the ensemble.

Reserva Nacional Ñuble

One of the country's most biodiverse Protected Wild Areas, is situated between the municipalities of Pinto and Antuco. The distance between the Ñuble National Reserve and the city of Chillán is approximately 70 to 90 kilometers, depending on the route you take.

Established in 1978, this National Reserve spans over 75,000 hectares, with a primary focus on protecting the Huemul, a deer species native to Chile and Argentina. The diverse fauna also includes Pumas, Vizcachas, Condors, Black Woodpeckers, Black-Necked Swans, among others. The vegetation features the shrub known as Radal Enano, Hazel Trees, Coigües, Lleuques, and Mountain Cypress.

Open to visitors from September to April, the Reserve offers extensive trails, picnic and camping areas, viewpoints, horse rentals, and thermal waters. To reach the protected area, take Route 5 south to Chillán, then follow Route N-55 to San Fabián de Alico. From there, head east, following the signs to the entrance of the natural reserve. Note that access is challenging and requires 4WD vehicles.

You should also consider that there are no supply services within the area. In the town of Recinto-Los Lleuques, located 22 kilometers away, there are stores available.

Valle Las Trancas

Las Trancas Valley is a unique tourist destination located 71 kilometers southeast of Chillán and 476 kilometers south of Santiago. Stretching approximately 6 km along Route 55, the valley offers a variety of lodging, dining, sports, and gastronomic enterprises.

Las Trancas is renowned for its natural surroundings, nestled in the Andes Mountains, featuring dense native forests and watercourses. Temperatures range from an average of 20°C in summer to 3°C in winter, making it an ideal location for year-round activities. Some of the main attractions and activities in Las Trancas Valley include:

• Nevados de Chillán, a ski resort with the longest ski run in South America, offering winter sports such as snowboarding, climbing, snowmobile rides, and snowshoeing.
• Natural trails, paths that traverse volcanic vents, waterfalls, ancient forests, and the Laguna del Huemul Biosphere Reserve.
• Termas de Chillán, a thermal complex located on the slopes of the Chillán volcano, considered one of the best in Chile.

Termas de Chillán

A thermal complex situated 82 kilometers from the city of Chillán in the Andes Mountains. It features thermal pools with waters reaching 38°C, and pools enriched with elements such as sulfur and iron. Additionally, the complex includes a ski resort with diverse slopes. The combination of the ski center, hot springs, and various mountain activities makes this location a renowned international destination.

Nevados de Chillán

The Nevados de Chillán mountain resort is one of the most outstanding tourist destinations for mountain activities and winter sports in South America. Located approximately 80 kilometers east of the city of Chillán in the Andes Mountains, this area is renowned for its impressive mountain scenery and rich volcanic activity.

Comprehensive Services:

Nevados de Chillán offers a range of services to accommodate various needs and budgets:

• Accommodations: Options range from luxury hotels to cabins and lodges.
• Restaurants and Cafeterias: Various establishments serving both local and international cuisine.
• Spa and Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools ideal for relaxation after a day of outdoor activities.

Winter Activities: During the winter season, Nevados de Chillán is especially popular for:

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Featuring more than 35 slopes for all levels, including one of the longest slopes in South America (13 km).
• Off-Piste Skiing: Extensive off-piste areas offer exciting challenges for adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
• Snow park: A dedicated area for acrobatics and tricks in the snow.

Summer Activities: In the warmer months, the resort transforms into an adventure destination with activities such as:

• Hiking: Numerous trails through volcanic landscapes, forests, and panoramic views of the Andes.
• Mountain Biking: Trails specifically designed for mountain biking.
• Horseback Riding: Excursions through the mountain range.
• Hot Springs: The hot springs remain a major attraction year-round. 

Natural and Scenic Aspects: Nevados de Chillán is surrounded by impressive natural beauty. The active volcanoes, Nevados de Chillán and Chillán Viejo, provide a dramatic backdrop. Native forests and unique rock formations enrich the environment, and the region is home to diverse species of Andean flora and fauna.

Sustainability and Community: The resort is committed to sustainable practices and working in harmony with the local community, promoting responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.