Zapallar


Zapallar is a Chilean town and commune located in the Petorca Province, Valparaíso Region. The commune spans an area of.
Zapallar is a quaint and elegant seaside resort town, which has played a significant role as a playground for Chile's economic and political elites. Together with its neighboring towns of Cachagua and Maitencillo, Zapallar represents the heart of one of Chile's most attractive and exclusive vacation areas. The town is built along steep hills along a protected horseshoe bay with high quality white sand. To the north and south of the town center, the geography is rugged, characterized by steep cliffs and rocky precipices. Zapallar is an attractive town, popular with tourists, due to its majestic views and the many historic mansions that now sit side by side along more contemporary expensive homes. A mediterranean micro-climate is conducive to cultivating the many attractive gardens that historically adorn the town. One of the town's most attractive features is the stone masonry promenade that extends along the beach for three kilometers.
Zapallar is located two hours northwest of Santiago and seventy minutes north of greater Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.

Demographics

According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Zapallar has 5,659 inhabitants. Of these, 4,744 lived in urban areas and 915 in rural areas. The population grew by 24.3% between the 1992 and 2002 censuses.

Administration

As a commune, Zapallar is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a communal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years. The 2012-2016 alcalde is Nicolás Cox Urrejola. The communal council has the following members:
Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Zapallar is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Mr. Eduardo Cerda and Mrs. Andrea Molina as part of the 10th electoral district,. The commune is represented in the Senate by Ignacio Walker Prieto and Lily Pérez San Martín as part of the 5th senatorial constituency.