The Central Valley: Places to Explore

Curicó, which means "black water" in Mapudungún, the native Mapuche language, was founded in 1743. Today this agro-industrial center is the provincial capital and the gateway to the Curicó... Read more

An hour's drive from Curicó, the lake is a popular place for water sports such as sailing and water-skiing. The town itself, about 8 km (5 mi) away, is worth a visit for its museum, but has little... Read more

In 1814, the hills around Rancagua were the site of a battle in the War of Independence known as the Desastre de Rancagua (Disaster of Rancagua). Chilean independence fighters, including Bernardo O'Higgins... Read more

This once sleepy village has become the height of rural chic in recent years, due, in large part, to the booming Colchagua Valley wine industry, which produces many of Chile's award-winning red wines... Read more

Straddling the banks of the Río Claro, Talca is not only Maule's most important industrial center; it is also one of the most appealing towns in the Central Valley. It was founded in 1692 and intelligently... Read more