Things To Do
in San Juan de la Costa
San Juan de la Costa is a coastal commune in Chile's Los Lagos Region, just west of Osorno. It comprises a string of small villages along the Pacific coast, set against lush forests and fjord-like waterways. The area blends Mapuche heritage with a strong fishing and farming tradition, offering seafood-forward cuisine and rural charm.
Expect a temperate, rainy climate with dramatic skies and welcoming coastal communities along the shoreline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You begin your journey by arriving at San Juan de la Costa and settling into a rustic beachfront lodge overlooking the Pacific. You stroll along the black sand shore, collecting seashells and feeling the cool ocean breeze on your face. You meet your guide and learn about the region’s history and the Mapuche heritage that shapes the local culture.
After lunch of freshly caught seafood, you visit a nearby coastal viewpoint to admire the dramatic cliffs and migrating seabirds. You explore tide pools teeming with starfish and sea anemones while your guide explains the marine ecosystem. You pause for a moment of reflection as the sun casts golden hues across the water.
You return to the lodge for a communal dinner featuring traditional Mapuche stews and freshly baked bread. You gather around a bonfire on the beach, tasting local chicha and listening to ancestral stories. You end the night star gazing, spotting constellations unhindered by city lights.
You join a Mapuche elder at a community center to learn about ancestral weaving techniques and the significance of each pattern. You try your hand at creating a small loom tapestry under patient instruction. You sip herbal tea made from native plants as you listen to stories about the Weichafe (warrior) tradition.
You enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by local families, featuring merken-spiced lamb and quinoa salad. You participate in a traditional palín (stick-and-ball game) that teaches teamwork and respect for the land. You then watch a ceremony blending music, dance, and song that honors the spirits of the forest.
You dine on a specially prepared curanto—a communal feast cooked in an earth oven with shellfish, meats, and potatoes. You join in singing ancestral Mapuche chants around a circle of flickering candles. You drift to sleep in a bébed (traditional hut), lulled by the whisper of wind through ancient trees.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧭Local transport (one-way) | $1-3 |
| 🫖Coffee/tea | $2-4 |
| 🥗Vegetarian-friendly lunch | $6-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal and forest scenery with easy access from nearby towns
- Fresh seafood and rural Chilean cuisine with welcoming communities
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist amenities compared to bigger cities
- Weather can be variable and rain is common year-round
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor." - The check, please.
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in San Juan de la Costa
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over open water with fishing boats, cliffs, and a wide horizon; best in early morning.
Dramatic sea stacks and windswept shores; capture wide seascapes and moody skies during late afternoon.
Mossy trunks, ferns, and filtered light through the temperate rainforest; ideal for at-eye-level nature shots and textures.
Wide sandy shores with tidal pools and ocean spray; great for sunset silhouettes and low-angle shoreline photography.
Food in San Juan de la Costa
San Juan de la Costa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional seafood and meat stew associated with southern Chile and Chiloé-inspired coastal cooking; look for variants at coastal eateries.
Must-Try!
Crab pie—a creamy, savory dish popular in coastal towns; often served as a rich main course.
Grilled river trout with herbs, lemon, and olive oil; a staple in lakeside communities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh seafood stalls, grilled fish, empanadas, and prepared snacks along the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common; use respectful language and maintain politeness in conversations. Keep conversation relaxed and friendly; Brazier topics to avoid include sensitive political issues.
Show respect for indigenous sites and traditions; ask before taking photos of people or ceremonies when possible.
Dress modestly in small communities; arrive on time for small events; participate modestly in local customs when invited.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan de la Costa
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10% is customary if service is not included. In casual eateries, rounding up or leaving a small amount is common. Taxis and tour guides may appreciate a small tip for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and tourist facilities. Cash (Chilean pesos) is useful in markets and rural areas; some smaller vendors may prefer cash or local transfers. ATMs are available in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with mild to warm temperatures; still breezy by the coast and occasional rain showers. Pack layers, sun protection, and a light rain jacket.
Milder daytime temperatures with cooler mornings and misty conditions near forests and water. Great for soft light photography and harvest-season flavors.
Cool and rainy with frequent overcast skies; some trails may be slippery. Stay warm, waterproof, and prepared for wind along the coast.
Rising daylight and fresh greenery; rainfall remains common but flowers start to appear, especially in forested areas.
San Juan de la Costa at Night
Hiking in San Juan de la Costa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A striking granite-tower valley with forested approaches and river crossings; popular for day hikes and multi-day treks with a guide.
Ancient alerce trees and temperate rainforest scenery; network of trails suitable for varied fitness levels.
Gentle to moderate trails through native forest with opportunities to see birds, ferns, and mossy trunks.
Airports
How to reach San Juan de la Costa by plane.
Closest regional gateway with domestic connections to other Chilean cities and some international flights; from there, you can reach San Juan de la Costa by road.
Chile's main international hub; most travelers connect domestically to PMC or other regional airports for the final leg to San Juan de la Costa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rural and coastal families who sustain fishing, farming, and small businesses; strong communal ties.
People who spend part of the year in the coast region, attracted by the milder climate and scenic landscape.
Indigenous residents with cultural heritage present in regional areas; respectful engagement is appreciated.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed in communities; local leagues and informal matches are common.
Both recreational and small-scale commercial fishing are integral to coastal life.
Popular for weekend trips, with many scenic coastal trails and forest walks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan de la Costa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seek out vegetable-forward dishes, hearty legumes, quinoa or bean bowls, and salads; ask for cooking oils or broths that suit your needs.