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 picturesque Ñuble Region. Known as the birthplace of Bernardo O'Higgins, the father of the Chilean nation, Chillán has played a key role in the country's history.

With an estimated population of 180,000 by 2024, Chillán was devastated by the 1939 earthquake, which led to its complete reconstruction. Today, the city blends modernity with tradition, offering visitors a rich cultural and historical experience.

Chillán is home to the renowned pianist Claudio Arrau, whose legacy remains alive in the city. Art lovers can admire the impressive murals of Escuela México and explore the San Francisco Museum, which showcases the region's history and artistic heritage.

Beyond its cultural attractions, Chillán is also a gateway to stunning natural landscapes. Just a short distance away, Termas de Chillán offers world-class hot springs, skiing, and outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

With its mix of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Chillán stands out as a must-visit destination in central-southern Chile.

 

Climate in Chillán

Chillán has a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring its parks. Winters are cold and wet, attracting visitors to the renowned Termas de Chillán for hot springs and winter sports.

How to get to Chillán 

Getting to Chillán, the capital of the Ñuble region, is easy by road or rail. From Santiago, you can travel by bus or train, both offering a comfortable and scenic journey through Chile’s agricultural heartland.

Fast Train to Chillan

Since April 2024, the fastest and most modern train in South America has been operating to Chillán. This 400 km long-distance rail service departs daily from Estación Central in Santiago, offering a fast and convenient travel option.

Tourist Attractions in Chillán:

Chillán Cathedral

One of the city's most iconic architectural landmarks, the Catholic Cathedral was built after the devastating 1939 earthquake. It stands out for its modern design and striking bell tower. The Monumental Cross, separate from the Cathedral, was erected in memory of the earthquake’s victims and also serves as the bell tower for this impressive temple.

Address: 505 Arauco Street

Plaza de Armas

Chillán's main square, also known as Plaza de la Independencia, is the civic and social hub of the city. It sits on the site of Chillán’s fourth and final foundation.

This historical and cultural gathering place is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the monument to national hero Bernardo O’Higgins, ornamental statues, the Cathedral, the Regional Government building, municipal offices, the Civic Center, banks, and hotels.

Chillán Market

Address: Maipón Street, between 5 de Abril and Isabel Riquelme

A must-visit for an authentic local experience, Chillán Market is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Chilean foods, including the renowned Longanizas de Chillán, a flavorful, spiced pork sausage that is a regional specialty.

Handicrafts Fair

Located right in front of the market, this bustling fair showcases thousands of handmade products from the Chilean countryside. Whether you're looking for wicker, wood, leather, ceramics, or warm handmade ponchos, this is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir from Chillán.

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 founding father of Chile, and offers a panoramic view of the city. It is an ideal place to explore Chilean history, go for walks, and enjoy nature. The park was created in 2015 on the site of the mansion where Bernardo O'Higgins was born and raised. The mansion was demolished in 1930.

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

• The equestrian statue of Bernardo O'Higgins
• A stone mural depicting his life
• The mausoleum of his 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 renowned pianist Claudio Arrau León, a native of this city and considered one of the most important pianists of the 20th century.

The museum celebrates Arrau's legacy by preserving and exhibiting his most treasured belongings and contributions to the arts. Its collections include sheet music, a silent piano, books, clothing, and various personal items related to the pianist.

The art gallery also serves as a cultural center for the province and the region, offering 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., Universidad del Bío-Bío campus.

This gallery honors the legacy of Marta Colvin, a renowned Chilean sculptor born in this city. Recognized for her exceptional talent and contributions to sculpture, Colvin remains an influential figure in the art world. The museum features a sculpture park and the artist's house, offering a comprehensive glimpse into her life and work. 

Reserva Nacional Ñuble

Located between the municipalities of Pinto and Antuco, Ñuble National Reserve is one of Chile's most biodiverse protected areas. It lies approximately 70 to 90 kilometers from the city of Chillán, depending on your chosen route.

Established in 1978, this expansive reserve covers over 75,000 hectares, with a primary focus on preserving the Huemul, a native deer species found in both Chile and Argentina. The reserve is also home to diverse wildlife, including Pumas, Vizcachas, Condors, Black Woodpeckers, and Black-Necked Swans. The vegetation is equally varied, featuring Radal Enano shrubs, Hazel Trees, Coigües, Lleuques, and Mountain Cypress.

The reserve is open to visitors from September to April and offers a variety of amenities, including extensive trails, picnic and camping areas, viewpoints, horseback riding rentals, and thermal waters. To access the reserve, take Route 5 south to Chillán, then follow Route N-55 to San Fabián de Alico. From there, head east and follow signs to the entrance. Note that access is challenging, requiring a 4WD vehicle.

Keep in mind that the reserve has no on-site supply services. However, stores are available in the town of Recinto-Los Lleuques, located just 22 kilometers away. 

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.