A world away from the busy beaches and bars further North, Tonchigüe is little more than a sleepy fishing village with a modest beach. About 2 kilometers south of town, the road heads west, following the coast towards Punta Galera where it eventually runs into Quingüe, Estero del Plátano, San Francisco and Bunche. Rarely trekked by tourists, this area is abundant in visually arresting and culturally interesting sites, from tiny villages and quiet coastlands to remote forests and hidden waterfalls.
Lucky travelers visiting Estero del Plátano between June and September may spot a whale or two breaching the waters offshore. Besides watching whales and hiking, travelers can also volunteer in nearby communities. Ecotrackers (www.ecotrackers.com) runs a community development program in Estero del Plátano, where you can live with a local family and take part in a variety of projects. If you’re not one for roughing it, there are a couple of nearby hotels with private beaches.