Discover Zapallar: Coast, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Zapallar offers several distinct themes to consider when planning your day: Playa de Zapallar and the coastal paths, the nature of Parque El Boldo, and historic buildings and sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Zapallar, these themes can help you decide what you want your stay to focus on. The destinations below range from a walk by the sea to trails in natural surroundings, while also offering insight into the town’s history.

Coast and walks

Playa de Zapallar is distinguished by its deep blue water and yellow sand. The Rambla Borde Costero runs along the beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk among rocks, the sea and beautiful houses. From the beach, visitors can walk to Isla Seca, a large rocky reef at the right-hand end of the main bay. The Rambla follows the coastline of the beach, while the path to Isla Seca leads to a specific destination. Another walking route, Paseo Los Duendes, runs along Germán Riesco Street among trees, nature and stone paths.

Nature and trails in Parque El Boldo

Cerro de la Cruz was declared a Santuario de la Naturaleza in 2023 and is distinguished by a very high degree of endemism in the coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. Cerro de la Cruz also has a network of signposted trails. They guide visitors and are intended to reduce damage to the soil and vegetation. Parque El Boldo has a daily visitor limit, and visits must be booked in advance. Check the booking arrangements before your trip. At the park entrance is Vivero El Boldo, which promotes the propagation of native species and environmental education.

Two routes with different durations

Parque El Boldo offers two trails of different lengths, each leading to a named destination. Sendero El Cristo is rated moderate to easy, takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, and leads to Mirador del Cristo, which overlooks Zapallar Bay. The more challenging Sendero El Morro takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and leads to Morro del Francés. The park’s second viewpoint is located there, offering views of the coast and the coastal and Andean mountain ranges. The stated durations differ by one hour; El Morro is also rated as more challenging. You can consider the time required and the stated difficulty together when choosing between the two routes.

History and buildings

Zapallar’s history can also be traced through different kinds of landmarks. The coastal sector was declared a National Monument in the Zona Típica category on December 1, 1989. The origins of Caleta de Zapallar date back to 1847, when the sector was designated a small port for trade and coastal shipping and formed part of Olegario Ovalle Vicuña’s Hacienda Catapilco. Iglesia de Zapallar was built of stone and concrete in 1927. The cemetery can be reached on foot from Zapallar along the coast. These landmarks differ in their function: the history of the port, the church building and the designation of a coastal sector as a Zona Típica.

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