Talca

Talca claims a central role in the Chilean independence movement. National hero Bernardo O’Higgins lived here as a child and the nation’s declaration of independence was signed here in 1818. Artifacts and documents from the movement can be viewed at Museo O’Higginiano y Bellas Artes de Talca. Also, the town is located in the heart of wine country and is adept at handling the influx of tourists in search of the perfect glass. Other highlights of the town include the Mercado Central and the Reserva Nacional Altos de Lircay, which is approximately an hour away by bus.

Talca has an array of accommodation options. Hotel Terranova offers all the amenities any traveler would need, while Maea Hostal is one of the better options for travelers in need of a well-kept room at a low price. Hostal Pehuenche is another good budget option, which shares a building with Hostal San Cristobal.

There are ordinary fuente de sodas and places to find a cheap empanada such as San Pablo’s around every corner in Talca. But the town also features a pair of restaurants in Viva Ce and Chilote that offer a break from the ordinary. Be sure to order a bottle of wine from the wide selection at Vivace or chow down on the fish at Chilote. After dinner, head toward La Papa Pastelería for helados.

Neighborhoods in Talca: Around Talca,

Other places nearby Talca: Santa Cruz, Rancagua, Angol, San Fernando, Curicó, Chillán, Concepción, Contulmo, Pichilemu and Constitución.