San Carlos, Chile
San Carlos is a city and commune in Punilla Province, Ñuble Region, Chile. It sits on a fertile plain about 365 km south of Santiago and 32 km north of Chillán, between the city and river lands. The area covers 874 square kilometers and has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers.
Founded on July 3, 1800 as San Carlos de Itihue, the town is known for farming. Local crops include apples, grapes, berries, and kiwis, with many villages in the surrounding countryside.
Population: about 51,000 in the city and around 50,000 in the commune (based on 2012 data). Most residents live in towns, with a portion in rural areas.
Government: The municipality is led by mayor Hugo Naim Gebrie Asfura (RN).
Notable people and culture: San Carlos is the birthplace of Violeta Parra, a renowned Chilean folk artist. Her supposed birthplace house is a National Monument, and there are plans to create the Casa Museo de Violeta Parra. The city is also home to the Medialuna de San Carlos, a large rodeo arena that seats about 8,000 people.
Education and services: The commune has about 60 primary schools and 7 secondary schools, plus a public library named after Eusebio Lillo.
Religion: The majority of residents identify as Catholic, with a significant Evangelical Protestant minority.
Twin town: Baena, Spain.
Geography and borders: San Carlos is bordered by Ninhue, Ñiquén, Cauquenes, San Fabián, San Nicolás, Chillán, and Coihueco. Coordinates are roughly 36°25′S, 71°57′W.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 05:24 (CET).