Zapallar

Zapallar was founded as a resort in 1893 by Olegario Ovalle, who owned the land and gave plots to families on condition they built houses in keeping with the setting, and the result is a cove of large timber and stone summer houses set among native bosque esclerofilo on the slopes above, with the forest kept rather than cleared - unusual on a coast where most resorts are apartment blocks. It has stayed the preserve of a small and wealthy circle of Santiago families for over a century. The beach is small and sheltered, there is a coastal path around the headland, and the caleta below serves fish.

What you actually see

• A resort founded in 1893 - with building conditions from the start.
• Native forest kept on the slopes - rather than cleared for building.
• Large old summer houses - timber and stone among the trees.
• A small sheltered cove - with a coastal path round the headland.

When to go

December to March; out of season it is largely shut. Half a day.

Honest expectations

This is a private-feeling place and much of what you see is behind gates. The beach is small and fills quickly in January. Prices are the highest on the coast. Parking is very limited.

Nearby

Papudo is north; Cachagua and its penguin island are just south.