Rancagua, Chile

Monumento a Bernardo O'Higgins in Rancagua, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plaza_de_los_H%C3%A9roes.jpg
Author: Aeveraal


Rancagua is the capital of Cachapoal Province, in O'Higgins Region, Chile. Located 87 km (54 mi) south of Santiago, it covers 260.3 sq km (100.5 sq mi) and has a population of 220,000 people (2012 estimate).

Rancagua was founded by José Antonio Manso de Velasco in 1743 and was originally named Villa Santa Cruz de Triana. It is the site of the 1814 Battle of Rancagua between Chilean forces led by Bernardo O'Higgins against the vastly superior Spanish forces led by Mariano Osorio. The Spanish prevailed in the batter, leading to the repressive Reconquista period of Spanish rule.

Today Rancagua is a modern city with an economy based on mining, tourism, agriculture and services. It is also one of the most attractive in the O'Higgins Region. The city is surrounded by vast expanses of vineyards. The city is also home to El Teniente, located 40 km (25 mi) to the east of the city center. This is the largest underground copper mine in the world.

El Teniente, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Caletones.jpg
Author: Javier Rubilar

Visiting Rancagua

You can reach Rancagua by taking the Metrotren from Santiago's Estación Central. The fare is $1300 CLP for a one-way trip. To drive there, take Ruta 5, the main highway heading south from Santiago. The distance is 90 km. There are two toll plazas on the route for a total toll fare of $2000 CLP.

Places of Interest in Rancagua

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