Licantén: Culture, the Mataquito and routes to the coast

Licantén brings together the history of poet Pablo de Rokha, visible traces of a former railway and day-trip destinations along the Mataquito. If you’re looking for a vacation destination with cultural discoveries and routes toward the coast, you’ll find plenty of ways to shape your trip here: from the square in the town center to viewpoints and local traditions across the municipality.

Culture and history in Licantén

The public library is housed in a renovated building that was once the railway station, built in 1938. The building is considered a cultural attraction in the municipality, connecting a present-day public space with the area’s railway history. There are reminders of the railway outside the building, too: Licantén was the terminus of the former Mataquito railway branch, and structures from the former terminal can still be seen. A monument also commemorates this railway branch.

Licantén is also associated with the poet Pablo de Rokha. He was born there on October 17, 1894; his birth name was Carlos Díaz Loyola. He is considered the author of some of the most rebellious and controversial Latin American poetry of the mid-20th century. A monument to the poet stands in Licantén’s square, which is highlighted as a photo spot. The square itself is considered a place worth visiting in town.

Exploring the Mataquito

Licantén lies 88 km west of Curicó on Route J-60, which connects Curicó with the seaside resort of Iloca. The drive from Talca can also be planned using the sequence of roads: take Ruta 5 Sur to San Rafael, then head west on Route K-40 to La Huerta, and continue west on Route J-60 to Licantén. Licantén is considered a gateway to the coast of Curicó Province.

Nearby day-trip destinations include the Mirador y Centro Cultural Pablo de Rokha, 3 km west of Licantén on Route J-60 toward the coast. It serves as a photo spot and rest area. In La Pesca, nearby Mirador El Peñón offers views of the Mataquito estuary and the point where the river meets the sea. If you’re interested in the waterside landscape, you can include this viewpoint in your trip.

Los Escalones is a 100-meter-long suspension bridge connecting Licantén with Curepto. The Mataquito-Huenchullamí protected area extends across the municipalities of Licantén and Curepto; records show 146 resident and migratory bird species in the area. Alongside the railway’s traces, the landscape and birdlife offer further themes for day trips.

Local traditions and cuisine

The Expo Legumbres y Costumbres is one of Licantén’s most important gastronomic and folkloric festivals. The Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Lora sanctuary is also nearby, 8 km west of the town. It is an architectural landmark and a center of the municipality’s social, religious and cultural life. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Lora takes place on the third Sunday of October.

In La Pesca, visitors can go sport fishing and watch fishermen at work in their daily routines. The fish caught there include corvinas, róbalos, pejerreyes and lenguados. In Caleta Duao, which belongs to the municipality of Licantén, fresh fish and seafood are sold; the area also has family-run local dining by the sea and in the countryside.

Choose the right place to stay

When choosing a vacation rental, consider which aspects of the area you want to focus on during your trip: Licantén’s memorial to its poet and railway history, excursions to viewpoints and landscapes along the Mataquito, or the municipality’s local cuisine and traditions. The directions via Curicó and the route from Talca provide practical guidance for getting there.

Discover more destinations

Explore Vichuquén, Sagrada Familia, Curicó, Molina and Llico too.

Go to the main travel overview: Curicó.