Located in central Chile's Bío Bío Region, this thermal springs destination houses the historic Universidad de Concepción and draws visitors to its warm mineral waters.
Chillán lies 400 kilometers south of Santiago in central Chile's agricultural heartland. Walk through the Feria de Chillán where farmers display giant pumpkins and corn, and craftsmen stitch leather saddles by hand. In the surrounding Andes Mountains, ski down volcanic slopes at Nevados de Chillán, then soak in 65°C thermal pools while watching the sunset over snow-capped peaks.
The Feria de Chillán Market
The Feria de Chillán runs for multiple blocks between Maipón and Isabel Riquelme streets, making it one of Chile's largest open-air markets. You'll find local farmers selling corn twice the normal size and pumpkins weighing up to 20 kilos. Watch artisans craft traditional Chilean horseman (huaso) gear, from hand-stitched leather saddles to intricately designed metal spurs. Browse through rows of hand-woven wool blankets, locally made pottery, and woven bamboo baskets. In the food section, sample Chillán's distinctive longaniza sausages and buy jars of seasonal fruit preserves made by local families.
Skiing at Nevados de Chillán
At Nevados de Chillán, 82 kilometers from the city, you can ski across 1,000 vertical meters of terrain on three volcanic peaks. The deep snow (averaging 10 meters annually) creates excellent skiing conditions from mid-June to early October, with the best powder typically in August. Beginners can practice on wide, groomed runs while advanced skiers tackle steep chutes created by old lava flows. The 13 lifts, including modern quad chairs and surface lifts, connect all areas of the resort.
Natural Hot Springs
The same volcanic forces that built the mountains heat dozens of thermal pools around Nevados de Chillán. Soak in waters ranging from 27°C to 65°C while looking out at the Andes mountains. The springs contain high levels of minerals and flow continuously from underground volcanic sources. You can visit year-round - many skiers and hikers come here to relax their muscles after a day in the mountains.
Getting Around
Drive from Santiago to Chillán in about five hours via the Pan-American Highway, or take the comfortable TerraSur train service between the cities. Once in Chillán, use the María Teresa bus terminal as your starting point for local transport. If you're skiing, consider staying in Las Trancas, a small mountain town 10 minutes from the resort base, as an alternative to resort accommodation.
Climate and Air Quality
Summer days in Chillán reach an average of 20.1°C in January, while winter temperatures drop to 7.9°C in July with frequent rain. The city struggles with poor air quality, especially during winter when residents use wood-burning stoves for heat. With 62% of households depending on firewood for heating, Chillán ranks as the fourth most polluted city in Chile during cold months.
