Location
Chile
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Playa Luna
Playa Luna is Chile's only recognised nude beach, a small sandy cove at the foot of a ravine on the Pacific coast of the commune of Puchuncaví, between the fishing village of Horcón and the resort of Maitencillo, in the Valparaíso Region. Nudists had used this stretch, the former Playa La Iglesia at the far end of Horcón's long beach, since hippie days in the 1960s, and moved here for good after the older nude spot at Cau Cau was taken over by condominiums. Photographer René Rojas founded Playa Luna on 1 February 2000; a later court case brought by the police ended with a ruling that naturism did not offend public morals, and the beach celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. The ravine and cliffs shelter the cove and are home to marine otters (chungungos) and seabirds. The sand is soft with some small stones, there is no shade and no facilities, and the surf can be rough. House rules ban alcohol, smoking, loudspeakers, ball games, photography and phone use on the sand, and ask for a balance of men and women; men are discouraged from coming alone or in all-male groups. Hundreds of people visit each summer.
Getting there
By car, take the coastal road F-30-E (Concón-Papudo) to around km 50 between Horcón and Maitencillo, then follow the signed dirt access to the Playa Luna parking (search 'Acceso Estacionamiento Playa Luna'); parking on the private land is paid. From the car park a marked path heads towards Quirilluca beach and then over a small hill down to the cove, about 20-30 minutes with steps, slopes and loose ground that gets slippery when wet. There is no direct bus: buses go to Horcón, then taxi or a 45-60 minute low-tide walk along the shore. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the wild setting, clean sand and water and a calm, respectful crowd that polices itself, with families, couples, locals from Santiago and Valparaíso and first-timers. The recurring complaints are the long, uneven walk in, the paid parking, the total lack of shade and services, and jellyfish in some seasons. Some report car break-ins at the parking area, and clothed hikers occasionally pass near the access path. Regulars advise bringing all water and shade and walking further along the beach for more space.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Chile has no law designating nude beaches; Playa Luna has operated since 2000 with the tacit acceptance of the Puchuncaví municipality and the maritime authority (Capitanía de Puerto), which in 2014 set conditions such as no camping, fires, litter, pets or motorbikes and a lifeguard in season. A court dismissed an early police case against the founder, and a 2012 complaint over Sernatur's sponsorship of a nudist meeting was rejected by the Contraloría.
Naturism at Playa Luna sits under Chile's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Chile public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -32.7589, -71.4489
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Chile
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Playa Luna?
It is Chile's only accepted nude beach, operating since 2000 with the tolerance of the municipality and maritime authority; a court ruled early on that naturism there did not offend public morals.
Can single men visit?
The beach's founder asks for a gender balance and discourages men from coming alone or in all-male groups.
How long is the walk?
About 20-30 minutes from the paid car park on uneven paths and steps, or 45-60 minutes along the shore from Horcón at low tide.
Are there facilities?
No toilets, food or shade; bring water, food and an umbrella.
Can I take photos?
No. Photography and using a phone on the beach are not allowed.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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