Algarrobo, Chile, is a beautiful beach escape. An hour and a half bus ride from the thriving capital city Santiago lies this chic seaside town. Shopping, restaurants, and nice hotels don’t even scratch the surface of what makes this place incredible…like the world’s largest swimming pool!
Cafes dot along the coastline, and zones on the boardwalk have free wifi. The water is blue and clear, and you could easily spend all day on the lovely public beaches.
Pro tip: The ozone layer is thin here, so wear a lot of reef-safe sunscreen!
If you’re interested in sustainable travel, check out our article about how to fly sustainably.
Algarrobo
In Chile, the whole Vina del Mar region is known for its beautiful Pacific beaches. They are all incredible. I visited a few while living in Santiago, but my favorite was definitely the soft sands and blue waters along the city Algarrobo.
One of Algarrobo’s big tourist attractions is the San Alfonso del Mar hotel, and its massive swimming pool. It was the world’s largest swimming pool until a hotel in Dubai stole the title.
Seriously, however large you think this pool is, you are underestimating it. It’s more like a mid-sized lake separated from the ocean by a tiny strip of sand. There are sailboats that cut across it’s waters as people swim along the edges. It shows up on Google maps if you zoom in a little bit.
You do need to book a night at the San Alfonso to use to pool, because they don’t sell day passes. (Probably to keep it from becoming overcrowded.) It’s a bit on the pricey side, but absolutely worth the massive pool and other luxury amenities.
However, if you are not looking for an expensive (but luxurious) vacation, you can see it from the nearby beach. Trust me, it is still an incredible view.
Algarrobo is a fabulous resort town to spend a few days in. (Or more, depending on how much you love beautiful beaches.) Lounge all day on the shores of Playa El Canelillo or Playa Mirasol. Sip a latte on the patio of a café while you listen to the waves.
Nearby
If you find yourself looking for a little more adventure to get a break from all that relaxation at the world’s largest swimming pool, the city’s bus station can take you all over the area. The artistic sea port Valparaiso is an hour away, and Isla Negra, former home of famous poet Pablo Neruda, is half that distance in the opposite direction. There are a dozen other interesting cities on the way; do some exploring and see what they have to offer!
All in all, Algarrobo is a beautiful city on the Pacific that you should definitely visit. It is a once in a lifetime type of experience. I’m sure that you, like me, will fall in love with the Pacific ocean and the gorgeous beaches. And your friends will be jealous when they see the photos of that huge swimming pool at San Alfonso del Mar!
What is the largest swimming pool you have ever been in? Would you like to try out this one if you had the chance? Let me know in the comments!
