Metropolitana de Santiago is the central Chilean region built around the capital, Santiago, a city of about seven million set in a valley between the Andes and the Coastal Range. Beyond the capital it holds the Cajon del Maipo canyon, the pottery town of Pomaire, the Maipo Valley vineyards and the Andean ski centres of Farellones, La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Metropolitana de Santiago.
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- Changing rooms and showers
- Lockers
- Cafe and snack kiosk
- Shaded areas
- Lifeguards
Piscina Tupahue (Parque Metropolitano)
A large public swimming pool on the slopes of Cerro San Cristobal, open in the summer season only.
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- Changing rooms
- Showers
- Cafe kiosk
- Lifeguards
Piscina Antilen (Parque Metropolitano)
A smaller Parquemet pool on the Pedro de Valdivia Norte side of Cerro San Cristobal, with summer-only operation.
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- Thermal pools
- Changing area
- Cafe and picnic area
- Parking
- Trailhead nearby
Termas de Banos Morales Pools
Natural thermal pools in the high Cajon del Maipo at about 1,900 m, popular after a hike to Laguna El Morado.
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- Thermal pools
- Basic changing rooms
- Picnic and camping areas
- Parking
Termas Valle de Colina Thermal Pools
A hot-spring complex with several pools in a mountain valley, reached by dirt road.
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- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Information centre
- Parking
- Walking trails
Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo River Swimming
River pools in a CONAF reserve, used for summer bathing by Santiago families.
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- Viewpoints
- Picnic areas
- Parking
- Basic toilets
Embalse El Yeso (Scenery Only, No Swimming)
A turquoise reservoir that is often described as a beach-day trip, but is a drinking-water source where swimming is prohibited.
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- Restaurants
- Beach kiosks
- Public toilets
- Lifeguards in season
- Marina
Algarrobo (Closest Pacific Coast, Valparaiso Region)
A resort town on the central coast, roughly 100 km from Santiago, with sheltered beaches and the largest private marina in South America.
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- Restaurants
- Public toilets
- Lifeguards in season
- Beachfront promenade
Cartagena (Pacific Coast, Valparaiso Region)
A traditional summer town on the coast, about 115 km from Santiago.
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- Promenade
- Restaurants and cafes
- Public toilets
- Lifeguards in season
Vina del Mar - Playa Acapulco and Playa Los Marineros
The most developed urban beach near Santiago, about 120 km west and 1 hour 45 minutes by bus.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.