Serving as Chile’s main freight port, San Antonio overlooks the Pacific Ocean to the south of Valparaiso. The area was home to Native American peoples for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Portuguese-born Don Antonio Nunez de Fonseca in 1590. He is credited with establishing warehouses for the storage of seafood and agricultural goods waiting to be transported to Santiago de Chile.
Things to do in San Antonio
In the city’s south is the San Antonio Historical and Natural History Museum, which houses an impressive skeleton of a blue whale. Its exhibits showcase the natural and archaeological heritage of the region, with everything from Atacameños remains to Cambrian fossils on display. Get up close to ceramics from the Diaguita people and teeth from a Carcharodon megalodon, as well as dissected floral species from central Chile.
Stroll along the Paseo Bellamar, which hugs San Antonio’s waterfront and offers views of its bustling port. Watch the fishing boats coming and going or grab a bite to eat from one of the cafes lining the route. Don’t miss the red-and-white-striped Faro Punta Panul, an inhabited lighthouse that dates back to 1924.
For a retail fix, visit the Mall Arauco San Antonio to find a diverse range of stores alongside virtual reality and entertainment facilities. You can browse children’s clothing at Limonada, shop for lingerie at Tienda Flora or pick up new shoes at Bata. Adjacent to the shopping mall is a food court, home to local eateries, fast-food chains and ice creameries.
Getting around San Antonio
San Antonio is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Santiago and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Long-distance buses connect to San Antonio while local services travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.