Pacific Coast Gardens

The Pacific Coast Gardens Tour combines two gentle hikes along Chile’s central coastline, where wildflowers, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins showcase the meeting of land and sea.

Our Pacific Coast Gardens program is designed around two short coastal walks that maximize opportunities for nature observation and scenic enjoyment. Just a couple of hours north of Santiago, Chile’s central coastline reveals a unique mix of biodiversity, endemic species, and stunning seascapes where land and sea meet

First stop

After a two-hour drive (116 mi / 187 km), we arrive at Bioparque Puquén, a pristine protected area recognized as a Priority Site for Conservation. On this two-hour hike, you’ll discover steppe shrubs, abundant wildflowers, and striking geological formations. Among the highlights are the famous Puquén blowhole, which sends powerful blasts of seawater skyward during high tide, and a rocky island known as a Lobera, home to a large colony of South American sea lions. Birdwatchers may also spot Peruvian boobies during nesting season (November to February), while nearby paleontological sites reveal fossil records from the Triassic period.

Second stop

In the afternoon, we continue south past the charming towns of Papudo and Zapallar to Cachagua. Here, a gentle 1.5-mile (2.5 km) coastal walk offers close encounters with marine wildlife and seabirds. From a respectful distance of about 100 m (300 ft), visitors can observe the Cachagua Island Natural Monument, a fragile ecosystem that shelters 14 bird species, including the charismatic Humboldt penguin, endemic to the Humboldt Current. With luck, we may also spot the elusive Chungungo, the world’s smallest marine otter.

This full-day excursion combines gentle walking with unique opportunities to experience the wild nature of Chile’s Pacific coast, making it an ideal option for families, bird lovers, and anyone seeking a deep connection with the coastal landscapes of central Chile.

Summary

Activity: Hike
Tour length: Full day
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year round
Distances:
- Bio-park: 2,3km (1.4mi)
- Cachagua: 2,3km (1.4mi)
Max elevation: 40m (131ft)

Price Per Person

PAX	USD
4 +	180
3	200
2	250
1	380

Initenary

07:30: Hotel pick up
09:30: Arrival in Los Molles. Beginning of the walk
10:00: Blowhole and Sea lion Island
12:30: Lunch time
14:00: Drive to Cachagua town
14:30: Beginning of the walk by the coastal trail
16:00: Returning to Santiago in our transport
18:00: Arrival at your hotel

Include

Guide ENG / ESP
Transport
Box lunch: one sandwich and a large salad; cereal bar; chocolate or cookies; tea and coffee; two fruits and water.
Tel. and internet signal
First aid kit
Park entrance fee

Not included:

Accident insurance
Personal clothing

Recommendations

Pre-hydration and good breakfast
Hiking shoes
Long sleeves shirt if possible
Hut and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Warm and windproof jacket

Map

Traveler Reviews

“For the whole time, we felt that they are doing their best to make sure we have great time. The Coast Garden Walk was a very easy walk, but the view was fantastic. The coast, trees, rocks, birds, sea lions... It's not challenging at all, but you can still be surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful nature. Thank you very much Nicolas and Mauro. We hope to come back.”
MizuhoTokyo, Japan

“Due to the change of weather conditons, Nicolás suggested a modified version of the Pacific Coast Gardens tour instead of the one we had planned. He picked me up at my hotel and we embarket on the drive to Cachagua. Nicolás is a fountain of knowladge about Chile, and he pointed out important information along an incredible stone trail on the Pacific coast. The day was foggy, but it gave the view a magical, ethereal feel. The trail is stunning, with many breathtaking views. We were able to see different types of native plants and animals, including a peek at a Chingungo (small marine mammal). The best part was that we had the trail all to ourselves.”
Carlos MTexas, USA

Photo gallery

Bio Park Puquén

This picture portrays one of the many little bays in the bio park.

Spring in the Puquén Bio-Park, Chilean Pacific Central Coast.

Shore Line

In the morning the central coast is usually covered in fog. Temperatures are milder than Santiago but it is windier and wetter.

Mariposa del campo - Alstroemeria pulchra

Inca Lily

Alluring set of Alstroemeria pulchra, called locally 'mariposa del campo' (country butterfly). The flowers of the Alstroemeria genre are used in ornamental gardening all over the world, and are commonly called the 'Inca lily'.

Humbodt Penguin

The Spheniscus humboldti is endemic to the current that bears its name; nests on the western coast of South America, from northern Peru to Chiloé, Chile

Sea otter

This sea otter (Lontra felina) feeds preferably on fish, mollusks and crustaceans, like this delicious blackberry crab that had just caught

Cachagua Island

Observing Humboldt penguins, endemic specie of the humboldt current

Cachagua trail

Walking by the shoreline

Lobera

Observing sea lions that inhabit this small island

The Biopark in bloom

Nolana paradoxa covering the landsape in spring season