San Juan de la Costa: Coast, Culture and Nature

If you are planning a trip to San Juan de la Costa, the municipality offers a range of experiences: coastal life in Bahía Mansa, Mapuche-Huilliche culture, and protected natural areas. Each place also has its own character: Puaucho is the starting point for a cultural route, Parque Pichimallay is in Maicolpué, and river activities are described in Pucatrihue. Consider whether you are especially interested in the harbor and fishing, cultural history, or nature.

Coast and Fishing in Bahía Mansa

Bahía Mansa is rounded in shape and has a narrow inlet that makes it suitable as a harbor. Small-scale fishing boats arrive there daily and supply the coastal area with seafood; however, fishing and supply may vary. You can watch the activity in the harbor from a small beach. In Bahía Mansa, you can go sport fishing and fish from the shore along the coast or from the pier. Fishing from a boat is also possible. Local rules and conditions may apply to these activities.

Bahía Mansa is also a starting point for trips to Caleta Cóndor and the surrounding areas. If you are planning such a trip, check in advance whether it is offered on your travel dates. In addition to the harbor and fishing, trips to other destinations are another possible focus for your visit.

Mapuche-Huilliche Culture and History

Mapuche-Huilliche culture is strongly present in Bahía Mansa. One way to explore its history and worldview is the Ruta de los Lonkos y Miradores. It begins in Puaucho, the administrative capital of the municipality, and traces the history and worldview of the Mapuche-Huilliche, who have inhabited this area for more than 500 years.

In Puaucho, next to the municipal tourism information office, stands a statue of Toqui Ligkoy. The Huilliche military leader resisted the Spanish during the general Mapuche uprising at the end of the 16th century. Another regional monument is the sculpture of Lonko José del Tránsito Neipan Collipay. It stands on Ruta U-400, 20 kilometers from Puaucho toward the sea. The cacique is known for his dialogue with the Chilean state.

Nature and Activities in the Municipality

Parque Pichimallay is in Maicolpué, belongs to the Parques Mapu Lahual network, and is protected as a nature reserve. You can hike there and take part in other ecotourism activities. The municipality’s natural attractions also include the Lafken Mapu Lahual marine protected area, which protects a 30-kilometer stretch of coastline. An Indigenous park network protects the flora and fauna of the native forest.

Pucatrihue also adds to the range of activities: you can go boating on rivers or try canopy tours there. These options differ from hiking in Parque Pichimallay and fishing activities in Bahía Mansa. The place names can help you distinguish the different locations when planning your trip.

Día de San Pedro Celebrations

During a Día de San Pedro celebration in Bahía Mansa in 2022, there was a procession to the pier, floral offerings, and a public food presentation featuring seafood. The program for the June 2025 celebration included a Mass and a boat procession through Bahía Mansa Bay. Participants included Bishop Carlos Godoy and César Torres, parish priest of Bahía Mansa.

Día de San Pedro was also celebrated in Pucatrihue in 2025, with a Mass, procession, and traditional activities attended by fishers, residents, tourists, unions, and local authorities. These dates describe specific celebrations from 2022 and 2025. If you would like to plan your trip around Día de San Pedro, check the dates and program for your travel dates.

For the broader travel overview: Los Lagos Region.