7 Best Sights in Concon, The Central Coast

One of Chile's most important wetlands lies along the northern bank of the Aconcagua River, and a good place to explore it—especially for bird-watchers and photographers—is the Posada del Parque, 5 km (3 miles) north of Concón. This family-run lodge works hard to protect and educate visitors about the wetlands and offers guided or independent bird-watching, nature hikes, and kayaking, as well as simple but delicious home-cooked meals and a few very nice rooms to stay overnight.

Just north of the Mantagua Wetlands, a long stretch of enormous dunes and golden sands hugs the coastline for 7 km (4 miles) up to the small hamlet of Ritoque. Much of this beautiful beach is too open for safe swimming, though ideal for strolling, sunbathing, fishing, and in some areas, surfing. Watch out for all-terrain vehicles and the occasional horse cruising along the more secluded sections. To swim, head to the small cove in front of Ritoque where there are restaurants, kiosks, and a hotel. Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: solitude; sunset; surfing; walking.

This national park about 45 minutes east of Concón by car holds the largest remaining forests of Chilean wine palms, which tower above the arid peaks of the Cordillera de la Costa. To immerse yourself in these massive palms, head to the northern Palmas de Ocoa Sector. If you want to instead follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps to the top of the park's namesake peak, Cerro La Campana, head to the southern Granizo Sector near the village of Olmué (which is famous for its annual folk music festival). Note that the hike to this 1,880-meter summit is a 11.5km (7.1 mile) full day affair along the largely shade-less Sendero El Andinista.

One of Concón's most popular beaches, Playa Amarilla's yellow sand and relatively calm waters make it a favorite with families, many of whom own or rent apartments in the stair-stepped high-rise buildings across the street. The street-level promenade makes for a nice stroll and a beautiful spot to sit and watch people, or the sunset. There are plenty of options for eating, ranging from kiosk snacks to formal dining. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Best for: sunsets; swimming.

At the northern end of town is the sprawling gray-sand Playa La Boca, named for the boca (mouth) of the Aconcagua River, which flows into the Pacific here and sometimes makes the water murky. The long, regular curl to the waves makes it a favorite spot for paddleboarding and beginning surfers (there are numerous places to take lessons along the beach). The southern end has a large parking lot with prices that vary throughout the year, and the northern end has a children's park and horse and kayak rentals. There's a very long stretch of seafood restaurants in between. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; walking.

The westernmost beach in Concón, the tiny Playa Los Lilenes is set in a yellow-sand cove with calm waters. It's good for swimming and family outings. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.

This massive promontory covered with scrubby vegetation has footpaths winding throughout that afford excellent views of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and the sea churning against black volcanic rock below, as well as pelicans and other sea birds soaring and diving headlong into the sea.