Located on the coastline of the Puchuncaví commune, Quirilluca Park offers over 125 hectares of biodiversity, geological history, and unique landscapes, now accessible to the entire community. The park has been developed by the Maratué project, which has not only ensured the conservation of the ecosystem but has also installed a network of trails, viewpoints, and information stations that can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
“The park represents a real opportunity to learn about and conserve the environment without creating barriers to access. Here, anyone can have an educational experience in contact with nature,” emphasizes Franco Venegas, Maratué’s socio-environmental manager.
Nestled between the towns of Campiche and Maitencillo, just five kilometers from downtown Puchuncaví, the park includes a parking area with access to Luna and Quirilluca beaches. From its trails, visitors can observe cliffs designated as geosites and sclerophyllous forests, home to the northern belloto tree, a protected species due to its endangered status.
Nature, Science, and Community
The Maratué Project has promoted various active conservation efforts, such as the annual census of Peruvian boobies and marine otters, key species for the ecological balance of the area. Signage throughout the park incorporates QR codes that provide updated scientific data on flora, fauna, and geological formations.
“We have a detailed record of the park’s main natural features. We have identified and monitored the 197 specimens of northern belloto tree present in the forest, as well as the evolution of the booby colonies between October and April, the time when they nest on the cliffs,” explains Venegas.
Furthermore, one of the park’s pillars is its educational focus; it regularly receives visits from schools and local groups. These outings allow children and young people to learn firsthand about native ecosystems, conservation, and climate change.
Free access year-round
Quirilluca Park is permanently open to the public. Admission is free and no registration is required. Parking is only charged during the summer months (December 15 to March 15), except for vehicles registered in Puchuncaví.
Vehicle access is available from Route F-30 E, opposite the town of Las Catitas, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM during the summer season). There are no time restrictions for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The Puchuncaví district has historically been seen as a sacrifice zone, but it also contains areas of high environmental value that must be preserved. Quirilluca Park demonstrates that it is possible to protect an ecosystem while opening it up to the educational and scientific community, as well as to those who seek to learn or simply enjoy its beauty,” Venegas concluded.