Caleta Quintay
A charming coastal gem near Santiago, Quintay offers vibrant fishing coves, turquoise beaches, and delicious seafood with breathtaking ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh seafood
Caleta Quintay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh seafood
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal gem near Santiago, Quintay offers vibrant fishing coves, turquoise beaches, and delicious seafood with breathtaking ocean views.
"Delicious Lunch with an Amazing View! The location is absolutely stunning, with sweeping views of the ocean."
🚗 Easy Public Transport
Take a bus from Valparaíso to Quintay for a cheap and easy journey. Get off at 'La plaza Quintay'. :bus:
🍽️ Arrive Early for Lunch
Restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive by 12:30 PM for the best experience. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Caleta Quintay
The main fishing cove
A vibrant fishing cove with colorful boats and fresh seafood. Experience authentic coastal life.
Playa Chica Quintay
Accessible via a forest walk
A charming, turquoise-water beach reached by a scenic walk through a coastal forest. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Seafood Restaurants
Along the caleta
Savor incredibly fresh seafood with stunning ocean views. Many restaurants are pet-friendly and offer local specialties.
Whale Museum
In the caleta
Discover the area's maritime history and the fascinating story of whale processing in Quintay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Quintay
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Public Transport
Take a bus from Valparaíso to Quintay for a cheap and easy journey. Get off at 'La plaza Quintay'.
🍽️ Arrive Early for Lunch
Restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive by 12:30 PM for the best experience. :knifeforkplate:
🥾 Forest Walk to Beach
Enjoy a beautiful walk through a forest to reach Playa Chica. It's a refreshing and scenic route.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Options
Several restaurants in Quintay welcome pets, making it a great spot for a day out with your furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Public Transport
Take a bus from Valparaíso to Quintay for a cheap and easy journey. Get off at 'La plaza Quintay'.
🍽️ Arrive Early for Lunch
Restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive by 12:30 PM for the best experience. :knifeforkplate:
🥾 Forest Walk to Beach
Enjoy a beautiful walk through a forest to reach Playa Chica. It's a refreshing and scenic route.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Options
Several restaurants in Quintay welcome pets, making it a great spot for a day out with your furry friends.
📸 Scenic Views Galore
Quintay offers stunning coastal landscapes. Don't forget your camera for breathtaking photos!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Quintay's stunning coastal scenery and delicious, incredibly fresh seafood. The charming fishing cove and the scenic walk to Playa Chica are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While generally positive, some note that restaurants can get very busy, especially on weekends, making early arrival advisable.
"🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Delicious Lunch with an Amazing View!
My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting Caleta Quintay for lunch, and it was an experience to remember! The location is absolutely stunning, nestled by the picturesque coastline, with sweeping views of the ocean that perfectly complemented the meal.
We ordered three principal plates, each showcasing fresh, flavorful ingredients and prepared to perfection. The seafood was clearly the star of the show – incredibly fresh and cooked just right. Every bite was a celebration of local flavors. Alongside our meal, we enjoyed two refreshing drinks that paired wonderfully with the food.
The service was outstanding – warm, attentive, and efficient without ever feeling rushed. It made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re here for the food, the view, or both, Caleta Quintay delivers on every front.
Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!
Check out more of my adventures and photography on Instagram: @shot.by.jared.
Let me know if you’ve been here too – I’d love to hear your thoughts!"
Jared Bautista
"Beautiful and scenic. Worth making a stop and spending an hour here to enjoy the wonderful scenery."
Paul Vetrano
"This place was absolutely beautiful and very quaint. Loved it and awesome views."
John Guy Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quintay is approximately a 90-minute drive from Santiago via Route 78 towards Valparaíso. You can also take a bus from Santiago to Valparaíso and then a local bus to Quintay.
Yes, it's very easy! You can take a bus from Valparaíso (corner of Chacabuco street) directly to Quintay. The journey is short and affordable.
Absolutely. Driving is a popular option, with clear routes from Santiago and Valparaíso. Parking is available, especially near the caleta.
From Santiago, it typically takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Valparaíso, it's around 30-50 minutes.
Buses from Valparaíso to Quintay are frequent. Look for buses heading towards Quintay or Laguna Verde.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Quintay itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore the caleta and beaches.
Parking is generally available, and while some areas might have informal charges, there are no official entrance fees for the town or beaches.
Quintay is accessible at all times. However, restaurants and the museum have specific operating hours, typically from Wednesday to Sunday for restaurants.
Information on specific entrance fees for the Whale Museum can vary. It's best to check locally upon arrival or look for updated information online.
Yes, Quintay is open on public holidays, but expect larger crowds. It's advisable to plan your visit and arrive early.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the vibrant Caleta Quintay (fishing cove), Playa Chica Quintay with its turquoise waters, and the local seafood restaurants. The Whale Museum is also a point of interest.
You can enjoy fresh seafood, relax on the beaches, take scenic walks, explore the fishing cove, and learn about local history at the Whale Museum. +1
Yes, Quintay is family-friendly. Kids can enjoy the beaches, the colorful boats, and the unique atmosphere of the caleta.
Quintay is incredibly picturesque, with colorful boats, coastal views, and charming streets. It's a photographer's paradise.
Expect beautiful coastal scenery, a lively fishing harbor, clear waters, and surrounding natural landscapes, including a forest leading to Playa Chica.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Quintay is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood. You'll find a variety of fish and shellfish dishes, often prepared with local ingredients.
Yes, Quintay boasts several excellent restaurants, many with stunning ocean views. They are known for their delicious seafood and pleasant ambiance.
Popular spots include La Caracola Quintay Restaurant and Restaurante Pezcadores, both praised for their fresh seafood and views.
Several restaurants in Quintay are pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a meal with your furry companions.
For the best experience and to avoid crowds, it's recommended to arrive for lunch around 12:30 PM, especially on weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
The Caleta Quintay with its colorful boats, the scenic coastline, Playa Chica, and the views from the restaurants are all fantastic for photos.
You can capture vibrant fishing scenes, stunning ocean vistas, charming coastal architecture, and natural landscapes.
Yes, Quintay offers beautiful coastal landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it ideal for landscape photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday provides clear, bright shots of the colorful caleta.
The Mirador el Chiringuito Punta Ballena offers excellent panoramic views. Many restaurants also provide stunning vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Many of the seafood restaurants are pet-friendly, which can be a bonus for families traveling with their furry companions. The Whale Museum also offers an educational element that can be engaging for older children interested in marine life and history. Pack snacks and drinks, as options might be limited outside the main restaurant areas.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Santiago
+1Make sure to plan for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants with ocean views. Arriving by late morning or early afternoon will give you ample time to explore, enjoy a meal, and head back to Santiago before evening traffic. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger weekend crowds.
🐶 Pet Owners
This makes it easier to plan a full day out without worrying about leaving your pet behind. The scenic walks, particularly the path to Playa Chica, are also enjoyable with a leashed dog. The open coastal areas and the forest trail offer pleasant environments for pets to explore. Remember to bring water and waste bags for your pet's comfort and to keep the area clean. :dog:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Caleta Quintay
+1Strolling through the caleta, you'll find small stalls selling fresh catch and local crafts. The air is filled with the scent of the sea and the sounds of gulls. It’s a place to truly connect with the maritime heritage of the region. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with the locals and learn about their traditions.
For those interested in history, the Whale Museum located in the caleta offers a fascinating glimpse into Quintay's past as a significant whaling station. It's a unique educational stop that adds depth to your visit.
The Scenic Walk to Playa Chica
+1The walk itself is relatively short and offers a peaceful escape from the main caleta. It’s a chance to enjoy nature and the fresh sea air before reaching the tranquil beach. The contrast between the lush greenery of the forest and the bright blue of the ocean is striking.
Playa Chica is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. It's less crowded than some other coastal spots, making it perfect for unwinding, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural beauty. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
:athletic_shoe:Gastronomic Delights of Quintay
Many restaurants, such as La Caracola Quintay and Restaurante Pezcadores, offer not only delicious food but also breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Dining on a terrace overlooking the sea, with the sound of waves as your soundtrack, is an unforgettable experience. These establishments are often pet-friendly, adding to their appeal.
+1It's highly recommended to arrive early for lunch, especially on weekends, as these popular spots tend to fill up quickly. This ensures you get the best tables and enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit