Cartagena

Cartagena is a coastal town of approximately 20,000 in the Valparaíso Region, 35 km south of Valparaíso. It is one of the oldest beach resorts on the Chilean coast, popular since the 19th century. The town has a long beach, a picturesque pier, and several historic buildings from its early resort era.

By Plane

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) in Santiago is 105 km east. Buses from Valparaíso run hourly (1 hr, CLP 2,000).

By Car / Road

From Valparaíso, take the coastal road south through El Quisco (35 km, 35 min). Paved road.

The compact centre and beachfront are walkable. Local micro-buses and taxis cover the residential areas.

• Playa Cartagena: a wide, dark-sand beach, very popular in summer.

• Muelle de Cartagena: the old wooden pier, a National Monument.

• Plaza de Armas: the main square with a bandstand and church.

• Isla de los Pájaros: visible from the beach.

• Beach activities: swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.

• Pier walking: the historic pier is good for photography and fishing.

• Seaside dining: the costanera has numerous seafood restaurants.

• Restaurante El Muelle (mid-range): seafood. Mains CLP 7,000–14,000.
• Cocinería La Playa (budget): empanadas and fried fish. Mains CLP 3,000–6,000.

Tap water is safe. Several seafront bars serve pisco sours, beer, and cocktails with ocean views.

• Budget: Hostal Cartagena (shared CLP 12,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Costanera (private CLP 35,000–55,000).

• Mercado de Artesanías: a craft market near the pier selling seashell jewellery and souvenirs.
• Almacenes de la Costanera: general stores along the seafront for basics.

• El Quisco (8 km north, 10 min): beach town.
• Isla Negra (10 km north, 15 min): Neruda's house.
• Valparaíso (35 km north, 35 min): historic port.
• San Antonio (15 km southeast, 20 min): port city.