Arauco: Coast, History and Mapuche Culture

Arauco combines a long coastal beach with impressive stories and places connected to Mapuche culture. Cerro Colo Colo also shapes the character of the town: the hill is part of the coastal range, has lush vegetation and is also a ceremonial and religious centre for the Mapuche. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Arauco, you might first consider whether the coast, cultural history or nature will play the biggest part in your stay.

Playa de Arauco: a coastal beach with fine sand

Playa de Arauco is a local coastal beach and bathing spot in the town of Arauco, in the commune of Arauco. It is approximately ten kilometres long and is known for its fine white sand. These features give the beach a clear place in your travel plans: Arauco is not only of interest for its historical and cultural themes, but also as a destination for a coastal stay.

If you would like to make Playa the focus of your trip, you can keep this in mind when looking for a holiday rental in Arauco. By contrast, Cerro Colo Colo offers other points of interest for those who want to learn more about the area’s history and Mapuche traditions. The different themes can help you organise your travel interests without reducing the town to just one reason to visit.

Cerro Colo Colo: history and significance

Cerro Colo Colo is included as landmark 7, “Ciudad de Arauco,” on Heritage Route No. 36, “Nahuelbuta. Cordillera, Costa, Cultura.” The route’s name itself places the hill in the context of the themes of mountain range, coast and culture. The site is also closely tied to the history of Arauco: the town was founded on the slopes of Cerro Colo Colo.

A historic monument is also located here. In 2008, Cerro Colo Colo was declared a National Monument in the Historic Monument category under Exempt Decree No. 2360. This distinction complements its significance as a ceremonial and religious centre for the Mapuche. At the hill’s rehue, We Tripantu, celebrated at the winter solstice, is one of the most important ceremonies.

There is also a grotto built of concrete and stone on Cerro Colo Colo, with a statue of the Virgin Mary. It is next to a waterfall that flows from inside the hill. The entrance to the grotto is at the foot of Cerro Colo Colo, at the end of Esmeralda Street. Together, these distinctive features make the site a special point of interest for anyone interested in Arauco’s cultural and religious heritage.

Another historical trace leads to the Spanish fort of San Felipe de Arauco, founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1552. The hill, the town’s founding on its slopes and the fort represent different aspects of Arauco’s history. They should not be confused: the fort has its own founding year, while the town’s founding here is associated with the slopes of Cerro Colo Colo.

Wetland and birdlife

Another facet of the area’s nature is the Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedal Arauco–Carampangue. The wetland serves resident and migratory birds as both a habitat and a feeding ground. Its landscape includes hygrophilous vegetation, typical of coastal wetlands. So, alongside the coast and the vegetated Cerro Colo Colo, Arauco also offers a nature-focused attraction centred on habitats and vegetation.

Which holiday rental suits your travel interests?

When looking for a holiday rental in Arauco, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on during your trip.

If you are travelling with children, the differences between these themes can also spark conversations: about the significance of We Tripantu, the town’s origins or the role of a wetland as a habitat and feeding ground for birds. Those more interested in coastal landscapes will find a different point of interest in Playa than travellers who would like to explore history and culture. Arauco thus offers different perspectives to consider when planning your trip and choosing a suitable holiday rental.

Discover more destinations

You can also explore Frutillar, Contulmo, Curanilahue, Cañete and Tirúa as other destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Arauco Province.