If you're looking for quiet beaches with soft sands and big rocks, fishing holes and a good selection of restaurants and accommodations, head north along the coast of Vina del Mar for about 57 km to the small town of Maitencillo.

The most stunning summer homes in the area sit atop the small hills that run into the wide beaches. The waterfront boasts several renowned restaurants and pubs that are very crowded in summer.

Maitencillo is located right next to Zapallar Lagoon, which is home to several species of birds. It also serves as the border with Cachagua, a more exclusive resort town where larger, more modern homes have been built in the hills that overlook a 5 km beach. There you will also find Penguins Island.

Zapallar is one of the region's most exclusive resorts and was once the land of indian chief Catapilco. Most visitors head to the two main beaches, Chica and Larga. The small bay and hills that protect Zapallar from the wind create an extraordinary microclimate. It is also famous for its tall trees, stunning summer residences, gorgeous gardens and stone church.

Situated 170 kilometers to the North of Santiago and 82 from Vina del Mar, Papudo features a vast placid coastline ideal to enjoy the beach, sand and the sea with the family. Its economy is based mainly on tourism, agriculture and fishing.

How to get there

By Bus. There are daily departures to Zapallar and Maitencillo from Santiago and Vina del Mar.

By Car. To Zapallar from Santiago (165 km), go north on Route 5 and then take the Nogales-Puchuncavi exit or the Catapilco-Laguna exit to the east.

From Vina del Mar, take coastal road F30-E north (64 km).

Papudo is immersed in a coast mountain area. It may be accessed through Road F 30-E, which connects it with Valparaiso and Viña del Mar cities, and N° 5 North Pan-American Road.

Activities and attractions

Surfers flock to El Abanico, Aguas Blancas and Playa Grande, enjoying the strong Pacific ocean tides at dawn while paragliders make the most of the strong winds.

In Cachagua is The Penguins island, a 5-hectare bird and marine animal reservoir. The town also has a golf club, equestrian club, rodeo arena and seafood restaurants.

In Zapallar take time out to walk the stone path that runs along the sea to Cachagua and Maitencillo.

A site of golden beaches, Papudo has an important infrastructure to please tourist. Its Yatch Club has increased its social and nautical activities year after year.

During the daytime, tourists gather at its two beaches: Playa Grande, to the north, with an abrupt slope and fine sand; and Playa Chica, with still waters, suitable for swimming and practicing nautical sports and scuba diving.

Furthermore, the large bay bathing the shores of Papudo, Zapallar, Cachagua and Maitencillo is dwelled by diverse wildlife specimens attractive for tourists: penguins, otters, sea lions, seals and dolphins.

Lovers of fishing may go on boat rides or fish from the coast to catch remarkable specimens of conger, corvina, sole and seafood.

The rest of the tourist offer can be found in the streets of Papudo, in the architecture of Chalet Recart, the noisy sounds of the fishermen’s cove, the church, the craftsmen, the horseback rides opposite the shore and the Pullally Salt Deposit, where a natural salt mine, dunes and vestiges of a primitive settlement may be appreciated.