10 Best Things to Do in Tunquen, Chile

1. Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary

Located at the northern end of Tunquen Beach, at the mouth of the Estero Casablanca River, the Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary protects an amazing wealth of local flora and fauna.

The preserve was established between 2002 and 2014, when local residents and conservationists united to prevent further urbanization of this remarkable natural asset.

The particular topography of the area, which includes dunes, ravines, cliffs and beach results in unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the area.

This rare ecosystem attracts a wide variety of birds and is home to many endemic plants which are threatened elsewhere.

The sanctuary currently protects 96 hectares and its founders are working hard to increase the size of the sanctuary. Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary, (closest town Vina del Mar), Tunquen, Chile.

2. Tunquen Magico

Located in Fundo La Boca, just 90 minutes from Santiago, Tunquen Magico is the ideal base for couples wishing to explore all the beauty of the Tunquen area.

The complex boasts 3 apartments and two cabins, directly overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific.

Accommodations at Tunquen Magico are suitable for two people and provide a kitchenette, beachfront terrace with BBQ, bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi and all you need in the way of linen and towels. There is also a bungalow duplex unit with dishwasher and living room. The complex has 24-hour security and you can walk to two local beaches in just 10 minutes. In the evening, watch a colorful sunset with a bottle of wine. Tunquen Magico consistently receives great reviews.

Address: Tunquen Magico, Los Quebrachos 1C, Funda la Boca, Tunquen Casablanca, Chile

If you are arriving at Santiago Airport, the sister property Chena Magica can accommodate you as well.

3. Tunquen Beach

Locally known as Playa Tunquen, Tunquen Beach is a relatively undeveloped stretch of soft white sand, which retains a rather wild atmosphere, unlike the majority of other beaches in the region.

The 2 km long beach, which is completely un-commercialized and never gets over-crowded, is the ideal spot to soak up some sun without having to jostle for your spot.

The beach is backed by large sand dunes behind which there are some very sumptuous holiday homes.

Visitors can rent one of the beachfront apartments or cottages at Tunquen Magico offering romantic sunset and charming ambiance.

At the northern end of the beach you will find a large area of wetlands at the mouth of the Estero Casablanca River, which is teeming with birdlife and rare plants – a great find for nature lovers.

Tunquén Beach, (closest town Vina del Mar), Tunquen, Chile.

This beautiful documentary details the biodiversity of the Tunquén Wetland Nature Sanctuary.

4. Tunquen Bird Watching

The wetlands and other unique ecosystems which exist near Tunquen (especially those in the Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary) are home to a treasure-trove of land and shore birds, several of which are threatened or in danger of becoming threatened due to losing their habitats.

For this reason, birding in Tunquen is a very popular activity. Some of the resident birds you could expect to spot include the Trile, Oyster Catcher, the Huairavos, the Taguas and Hualas, as well as both large and small herons.

These are joined by many migratory birds including sand pipers, Franklin’s Gull, Curlews, White Herons and Collared Plover.

5. Casa Tunquen Restaurant

If you are visiting Tunquen, Casa Tunquen Restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy wonderful Chilean fresh seafood and superb meat dishes. In fact, the restaurant has such a great reputation that diners are prepared to travel some distance to enjoy a delicious dinner here. Fresher-than-fresh sea food and fish form the core of the menu and these are accompanied by freshly harvest salad and vegetables from their own garden. There are also some mouth-watering Chilean meat dishes to savor. The restaurant has a good wine list and they also make delicious cocktails. You can choose to dine indoors or alfresco on one of the terraces.

Casa Tunquen, Route F-818, Hijuela 1A, Tunquen, Chile, +56 8429 1298

6. Tunquen Wildlife

The extensive areas protected within the Tunquen Wetland Nature Sanctuary are also home to a fascinating variety of wildlife, some of which are rare and/or endangered. Besides all the resident and migratory birds which call Tunquen home, you will also find many terrestrial vertebrates which are in need of conservation. These include Long-tailed snake and the Screaming Lizard. Other indigenous animals you may come across include the chungungo (a type of seal which is still hunted for its fur), the culpeo fox and the Long-haired laucha. In addition, there are many species of fish including small catfish, pocha and the small-scaled silverside.

7. Tunquen Flora

The area around Tunquen is practically an island of biodiversity, surrounded by densely developed holiday resorts and residential properties. Tunquen remains one of the very last undeveloped beach areas in Chile, which means that one can still find indigenous and endemic plant species here, which have all but disappeared elsewhere in the country. Nature lovers will find some original thickets of arboreal, shrubby and herbaceous plants including indigenous gems like molle, peumo, boldo, litre and quillay, which love to grow in the shady ravines. In the undergrowth you are likely to find coast or sand lilies and violets, both of which are considered to be vulnerable.