Plateritos: Coast, Archaeology and Nature

Playa de Plateritos is located in the Plateritos sector of the district of Canoas de Punta Sal. Three themes can help guide your trip planning for Plateritos: beach fishing, archaeological evidence and nature. These include Playa de Plateritos, the Conchal Quebrada Plateritos Sector A archaeological site, and the Hualtaco Forest in Quebrada Plateritos.

Coast and shore fishing

In 2024, the Municipalidad Distrital de Canoas de Punta Sal held a second international shore-based sport fishing tournament at Playa de Plateritos. The third edition followed in 2025 as part of the Fishermen’s Day activities. The event brought together 185 participants on the beaches of Plateritos and Punta Mero. The events at Playa de Plateritos featured the disciplines of spinning and surfcasting.

For fishing enthusiasts, these disciplines are more specific than a general reference to beach fishing: they show the competitive nature of the event. The tournaments give the coastal theme a historical connection, while archaeological evidence and nature appeal to other interests. In 2024, the municipal government also carried out a cleanup at the beach in the Plateritos sector to promote tourism in the district of Canoas de Punta Sal.

Archaeological sites in the district

Conchal Quebrada Plateritos Sector A is located in the district of Canoas de Punta Sal, on gently sloping, flat terrain with guarango and other local vegetation. Pottery found on the surface appears to have been used domestically. It has a red slip and is made from a fine paste fired in an oxidizing atmosphere. Based on the pottery, the site was probably inhabited during the Late Intermediate Period. The site thus combines material features with a cautious historical interpretation.

Numerous mollusk remains are scattered across the site, with a concentration along the cut made by the passable road. They are bivalve shells about ten centimeters in diameter. For those interested in archaeological traces, both the pottery and the shell remains are of interest.

Conchal Quebrada Plateritos Sector A and Sector B were provisionally protected in 2025 for two years; this period may be extended for the same length of time. For Sector A, the Ministry of Culture’s decision is dated March 18, 2025. The protection details add a time-limited aspect to the two sites’ archaeological features.

Forest and nature

Bosques de Hualtacos de Plateritos is classified in the district of Canoas de Punta Sal as a natural site, scenic area and forest. The Hualtaco Forest is located in Quebrada Plateritos. In addition to hualtacos, Palo Santo and Sapote trees grow there, along with rare mammals such as pumas, armadillos and anteaters.

The themes differ in focus: the tournaments represent organized shore fishing, Sector A is notable for its archaeological finds, and the quebrada for its named plants and mammals. If you are planning a specific visit, check local visitor conditions in advance. This will help you shape your travel plans around the theme that interests you most before looking for a hotel for your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Province of Contralmirante Villar.