Petorca

Petorca is a town of approximately 10,000 in the Valparaíso Region, 90 km north of Quillota in the Petorca Valley. It is an agricultural centre for avocados and citrus. The town made international news in the 2010s due to severe water shortages caused by the avocado industry, leading to the slogan "Petorca no se rinde" (Petorca does not give up).

By Plane

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) in Santiago is 140 km south. Buses from La Ligua run 3–4 times daily (45 min, CLP 2,000).

By Car / Road

From La Ligua, take Route E-35 north-east for 30 km (30 min). Paved road.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local taxis and colectivos cover the residential areas.

• Plaza de Armas: the central square.

• Iglesia de Petorca: a 19th-century church.

• Avocado route: visit orchards and learn about the controversial avocado industry.

• Hiking: the Petorca Valley has short trails.

• Cocinería Petorca (budget): empanadas. Mains CLP 3,000–5,000.

Tap water is safe to drink. There are a few simple bars and cafés on the main square.

• Budget: Hospedaje Petorca (shared CLP 10,000).

• Mercado local: a small market selling fresh produce and basic goods.
• Almacenes de la plaza: grocery stores for daily needs.

• La Ligua (30 km southwest, 30 min): textile and sweet centre.
• Cabildo (15 km north, 15 min): valley town.
• Valparaíso (100 km south, 1.5 hr): port city.