Discover Curicó: History, Nature and Wine

Curicó combines distinctive landmarks from its urban history with a protected natural area and the Ruta del Vino. At its heart is the Plaza de Armas, the city’s most important civic centre and one of the municipality’s most significant tourist attractions. Curicó offers different starting points for planning your trip – from architecture and urban history to nature and regional cuisine.

Plaza de Armas: Heritage and Urban History

The Plaza de Armas de Curicó was declared a Zona Típica in 1986. The square is home to the Kiosco Cívico, which was declared a Historical Monument in 1978. Its structure is made entirely of metal, combining cast iron and wrought iron. A rectangular terrace stands two metres above the ground and is supported by ten columns. Arabesques and plant motifs decorate the Kiosco – details that invite a closer look at its design.

The square’s origins also have a specific story: surveyor Pedro Zepeda laid it out using a Castilian vara and a 200-jarcia rope. The central fountain was brought from France by Rafael Munita, the province’s first intendant. The trees include American oaks, fan palms, lindens, hazelnut trees, boldo trees, araucarias, Lebanon cedars and pines. The architecture, surveying history, fountain and plants offer different perspectives on the same public space.

More Historic Landmarks and Cerro Condell

The building of the Escuela Presidente José Manuel Balmaceda D-2 represents another chapter in the city’s history. Dating from 1890, it was declared a Historical Monument in 2004. Its age has made it part of the collective memory of Curicó’s residents. The Monumento al Toqui Lautaro adds another landmark: sculptor Heraclio Calquín created it from a tree trunk.

Visitors looking to experience Curicó’s natural and recreational attractions will find an important point of interest at Cerro Carlos Condell. Its flora and fauna are protected, and the park is maintained for residents and visitors. As part of a municipal prevention event, a guided trek for students from Liceos Fernando Lazcano and Luis Cruz Martínez took place in Parque Cerro Condell.

Getting There and Choosing Your Holiday Rental

From Santiago, you can reach Curicó by direct bus or by EFE train from Estación Central. Another option is to travel by rental car via Ruta 5 Sur. From Curicó, Ruta J-60 heads towards the coast as the Ruta del Vino; Ruta 5 Sur provides access to other attractions in the surrounding area. When choosing a holiday rental in Curicó, consider whether urban history, nature or trips along these roads will be the focus of your stay.

Wine, Gastronomy and Local Events

The announced Fiesta de la Vendimia Curicó–Chile was intended to bring together wine, cuisine and regional products. The 2026 edition was announced for 20–22 March at Parque La Granja in Curicó. The programme at the time included a Plaza del Vino featuring 15 wineries, including producers from the Ruta del Vino and invited wineries. It also planned a masterclass on Chilean cuisine and wine with 28 invited chefs, as well as public food demonstrations.

The announced Fiesta de la Vendimia Curicó–Chile 2026 was also set to include 72 artisans, 47 exhibitors of related products and 30 exhibitors of craft wines, sangrias, ciders and spirits, along with complementary products. The programme also included 67 food exhibitors and 80 micro-entrepreneurs. At the Fiesta de la Chilenidad, Chilean culture, folklore and traditional cuisine came together in the amphitheatre at Alameda Manso de Velasco from 3–6 September. The Municipalidad de Curicó organised the event, which attracted visitors from Chile and abroad.

If you are considering Curicó as a holiday destination, you can choose your accommodation based on whether you want to focus primarily on its historic landmarks, the natural setting of Cerro Carlos Condell, or its wine and food culture.

Discover More Places

Other places to discover include Sagrada Familia, Vichuquén, Llico, Molina and Licantén.

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