2 Best Sights in The Central Coast, Chile

Just offshore from the Cofradía Náutica, this tiny island and penguin sanctuary shelters 20 species of marine birds, including some 60 Humboldt penguins. The upper crags of the island are dotted with hundreds of little caves dug by the penguins using their legs and beaks. Though only members are allowed in the marina, a path leads to the top of a nearby hill from which you can watch the flightless birds through binoculars.

This 4.5-hectare protected island off the coast of Cachagua, a few miles south of Zapallar, is one of the world's most important Humboldt penguin breeding grounds. No one is allowed on the island, but you can see it from the beach below Cachagua, though you need binoculars to watch the penguins wobble around. For a closer look, hire a boat at the Caleta de Zapallar.