Discover Arauco

Arauco combines the city’s history and Mapuche culture with striking coastal scenery. If you are looking for a hotel in Arauco, the local attractions can give you an idea of the destination’s different highlights. Cerro Colo Colo brings together historical and ceremonial associations; Playa de Arauco and the Humedal Arauco–Carampangue wetland offer two further perspectives on the coastal area.

Cerro Colo Colo: Monument and ceremonial site

In 2008, Cerro Colo Colo was declared a national monument in the Historic Monument category under Exempt Decree No. 2360. It is part of the Coastal Range and has lush vegetation. At the same time, it serves as a ceremonial and religious center for the Mapuche. Among the most important ceremonies held at the hill’s rehue is We Tripantu, celebrated at the winter solstice. The same hill thus carries both formal monument status and religious and cultural significance.

At the foot of Cerro Colo Colo is a grotto built from concrete and stones, with a statue of the Virgin Mary. A waterfall also flows from inside the hill. The entrance to the grotto is at the end of Esmeralda Street. Check local access before visiting.

City history and the Ruta Patrimonial

The city of Arauco was founded on the slopes of Cerro Colo Colo. Another historical connection is the Spanish fort of San Felipe de Arauco, founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1552. These details refer to different events: the first describes the founding of the city on the hill, while the year 1552 refers to the founding of the fort.

Cerro Colo Colo is also included as Hito 7, “Ciudad de Arauco,” on Ruta Patrimonial No. 36, “Nahuelbuta. Cordillera, Costa, Cultura.” The Spanish terms in the name refer to mountains, coast, and culture; the Hito identifies the hill as “Ciudad de Arauco.” If you plan to include the Ruta Patrimonial in your itinerary, check the latest conditions in advance, as route conditions may change.

Playa de Arauco and the wetland

Playa de Arauco is a local coastal beach and bathing area in the town of Arauco, in the commune of Arauco. It is approximately ten kilometers long and is known for its fine white sand. Length and sand describe two different aspects: the beach’s extent and the texture of its surface.

In central Arauco lies the Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedal Arauco–Carampangue. It provides habitat and feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds, and has hygrophilous vegetation typical of coastal wetlands. The wetland thus combines bird habitat with characteristic coastal vegetation.

If you are choosing a nature-focused visit, the beach and the wetland offer distinct options: at Playa, the main features are its approximate length and fine sand; at the Humedal, they are bird habitat and typical coastal wetland vegetation. Those interested in cultural connections can find them at the hill, in its Mapuche ceremonial role and its status as a national monument.

Discover more destinations: Cañete, Tirúa, Contulmo, Frutillar, Curanilahue

Return to the overview of the region: Arauco Province.