Where to See Penguins Near Santiago, Chile

Most travelers don’t expect penguins in central Chile — but there is a colony of Humboldt penguins about two and a half hours from Santiago. If you want to see penguins near Santiago, this is the short answer: Cachagua Island is the easiest colony to visit on a day trip. The big colonies farther north and south are spectacular too, but each one needs a flight. Here’s how they compare.

Cachagua Island: penguins on a day trip from Santiago

Isla Cachagua is a small rocky islet in front of the beach of Cachagua, on the coast of Zapallar, roughly 160 km from Santiago. It’s a protected Natural Monument, administered by CONAF, that shelters a breeding colony of Humboldt penguins along with cormorants and pelicans.

• How you see them: from the water. Authorized local boats leave from the shore and circle the island; landing is not allowed, which is exactly what keeps the colony protected.
• When: the penguins live on the island all year. Boats go out only when the sea is calm, so a rough day can move your trip.
• What to expect: penguins on the rocks and in the water around the island — but they’re wild animals, and no one can guarantee a sighting.

Our Cachagua day

On our Cachagua Penguin Island & Parque El Boldo trip we pick you up in Santiago at 8:00 AM and drive to the coast. A small local boat takes you around the island for about an hour, with life jackets for adults and children. After a lunch stop in Zapallar (not included — we’ll recommend places, vegetarian options too) we walk the easy trails of Parque El Boldo through native coastal forest, and you’re back in Santiago around 5:00 PM. USD 299 / person.

Punta de Choros: the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

Farther north, the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve protects three islands — Choros, Damas and Chañaral — off the coast of the Coquimbo and Atacama regions. Boats leave from the cove of Punta de Choros, about two hours by road from La Serena’s airport (the last stretch is gravel). Besides penguins, the boat trips are known for sea lions and dolphins; Isla Damas is the only island where visitors may go ashore. Chile’s tourism board recommends September to March, when the sea is usually calmer. From Santiago it’s best done as an overnight trip: a short flight to La Serena, then the drive.

Puñihuil, Chiloé: two penguin species side by side

On the Pacific coast of Chiloé Island, the islets of Puñihuil are a Natural Monument where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest together — a rare sight. Small boats leave from the beach and circle the islets without landing. The penguins are there in the breeding season, roughly October to March. It’s a natural add-on if you’re already traveling to Puerto Montt and Chiloé.

Punta Arenas: Magellanic penguins in Patagonia

In the far south, the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument on Isla Magdalena, about 35 km from Punta Arenas, is home to Magellanic penguins during the southern summer. Boat trips leave from Punta Arenas; check the season dates with the operators before you book, as visitor numbers on the island are regulated. If you’re heading to Torres del Paine, our guide to the W Trek covers getting south.

Which one should you choose?

• Only a few days in Santiago: Cachagua — a full day, door to door, no flight.
• Penguins plus dolphins and sea lions, with a night away: Punta de Choros, from La Serena.
• Already going to Chiloé or Patagonia: Puñihuil or Isla Magdalena in season.

Good to know before any penguin trip

• Boats depend on the sea. If conditions are rough, trips are moved; plan a flexible day.
• Bring a layer. The Pacific breeze is cool even in summer — and sunscreen for the glare off the water.
• Seasickness: if you’re prone to it, bring your usual medication.
• Respect the colony: keep your voice down near the rocks, never feed the animals, and leave nothing behind.

Planning more days around Santiago? See our guide to the best day trips from Santiago, from horseback rides in the Andes and on the coast to the city’s food markets.