San Alfonso del Mar: the 1 km pool that was once the world's largest

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This pool is 1 km long. San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo, Chile, holds around 250 million litres of Pacific Ocean water, and for years it held the record as the largest swimming pool in the world.

Where it is

Algarrobo is a beach town on Chile's central coast, roughly a 2-hour drive from Santiago. It makes an easy day trip or weekend escape from the capital, and you can combine it with nearby Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Can you swim in it?

San Alfonso del Mar is a private resort. The giant lagoon is generally reserved for residents and guests, so if swimming is the goal, book a stay at the resort rather than turning up for the day. Check the current access rules before you go, because they can change by season.

What else to do nearby

• Isla Negra: Pablo Neruda's ocean-front house-museum is just down the coast.
• Valparaíso: colourful hills, funiculars and some of the best street art in South America.
• Wine country: the Casablanca Valley sits between Santiago and the coast. It's perfect for a white-wine stop on the drive.

Getting around

Buses run regularly from Santiago to Algarrobo, but renting a car gives you the freedom to hop between beach towns, Isla Negra and Valparaíso.

#chile #algarrobo #southamerica