On the coast road just north of Reñaca, the landscape suddenly turns to sand: the Dunas de Concón rise steeply from the edge of the road to a crest high above the sea. The dune field is a protected nature sanctuary — a remnant of the huge dune systems that once covered this coast — hemmed in today by apartment towers on every side.
Climb to the top and you look south over Reñaca and the whole bay to Valparaíso, and west across the Pacific — it is one of the great sunset spots of central Chile. Sandboarding is popular on the slopes where it is permitted, and the town of Concón below is famous for seafood and its empanadas de mariscos.
Top things to do at Concón Dunes
Climb for the sunset
Arrive an hour before sunset, climb the soft sand (it is steeper than it looks) and find a spot on the crest. Bring a layer — the wind picks up in the evening.
Try sandboarding
Boards are rented near the dunes in season, and some tours include a lesson. Stick to the areas where it is allowed: parts of the sanctuary are closed to protect the dunes.
Walk out to Roca Oceánica
A few minutes north, this granite headland has a short coastal trail with views of the surf and the coast towards Quintero.
Eat empanadas in Concón
Concón’s seafront restaurants are famous for fried empanadas filled with shellfish and cheese (“mariscos queso”) — a Chilean coastal rite.
How to get to Concón Dunes
- By car or taxi: about 20 minutes from central Viña del Mar along the coast road through Reñaca.
- By bus: local buses run from Viña del Mar to Concón along the coast road; ask the driver for “las dunas”.
- On a tour: sunset tours from Santiago combine Valparaíso with the dunes.
Insider tips
- Respect the fenced and signed areas — the sanctuary has been damaged by overuse.
- Sand gets hot in summer afternoons and cold and windy at dusk; wear proper shoes.
- Carry out everything you bring.
Best tours & tickets for Concón Dunes
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Concón Dunes, from Viña del Mar or on a day trip from Santiago:
Day trip from €53 Santiago: Valparaíso, Llama Vineyard & Concón Dune Sunset
A later-starting coast day that ends the right way: watching the sun sink into the Pacific from the Concón dunes. A newer tour with a small number of very positive reviews so far.
- Sunset from the top of the Concón dunes
- Valparaíso’s hills and street art
- A vineyard stop where llamas roam
Private tour from €176 Private Tour to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar & Concón Sand Dunes
A private tour that covers the three faces of this coast — the historic port, the Garden City and the wild dunes of Concón — with the freedom to linger where you like.
- Valparaíso’s hills with a private guide
- Viña del Mar’s seafront
- Time on the Concón dunes
Nature & adventure from €260 Penguins, Sea Lions, Sandboarding, Chilean Food & Drinks
A nature-focused alternative to the city tours, combining wildlife on the coast north of Viña del Mar with sandboarding and a taste of Chilean food. Paragliding can be added for a fee.
- Humboldt penguins and sea lions on the central coast
- Sandboarding on the dunes
- Chilean food and drinks along the way
