Pomaire, Clay Pottery and Gastronomy near Santiago

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.
Pomaire, Chile, crafts.
Image: diariolabrador.cl

If you're looking for a day trip from Santiago that combines culture, cuisine, and nature, consider visiting Pomaire. This small town, renowned for its traditional pottery and giant empanadas (Chilean turnovers), has a population of around 5,000 residents. Located in the municipality of Melipilla, it’s about 50 km west of Santiago and easily accessible via Route 78, also known as Autopista del Sol.

Pomaire has indigenous roots dating back to pre-Hispanic times. While the exact origin of its name is uncertain, some theories suggest it may derive from native languages such as Quechua or Aymara.

Today, Pomaire is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to experience Chilean culture and folk art. It is well known among Chileans for its strong traditions and proximity to the capital. However, for many foreign tourists, Pomaire remains an undiscovered gem. Its main attractions include numerous pottery workshops scattered throughout the town, where visitors can watch artisans at work and even try their hand at making their own clay creations.


  • How to Get There

As mentioned earlier, Pomaire is located about 50 km (31 miles) west of Santiago, Chile. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus via Route 78 (Autopista del Sol), taking the Pomaire exit near the town of Melipilla. The drive takes about an hour from downtown Santiago. Buses to Melipilla leave regularly from Santiago’s San Borja Terminal; from Melipilla, you can take a local taxi or minibus to Pomaire, a trip that takes about 15 minutes.

  • Traditions

Piggy banks, handicraft
Since ancient times, clay pottery has made this village famous. Surrounded by hills that have provided the necessary raw material for centuries, pottery has been the main activity here since before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Along its main streets, workshops produce and display thousands of ceramic items. This noble material can be molded into a variety of forms—from large cántaros (jugs), cookware, and plates to small chanchitos de greda (clay piggy banks), which make excellent souvenirs. Visitors can choose from a wide range of shops and prices.
 
"El Cototudo" Restaurant 

But Pomaire is not only known for its handicrafts; it also offers delicious traditional food. Local specialties include cazuela (hearty soup made with hen, pork, or beef), Chilean empanadas, arrollado (rolled pork), pernil (pork leg), pastel de choclo (corn pie), chancho en piedra (a spicy tomato and garlic sauce), and the much-loved humitas (corn-based tamales).

Empanadas, one of Chile’s most iconic foods, are turnovers filled with meat, cheese, seafood, or vegetables and traditionally baked in clay ovens. Pomaire’s empanadas are particularly famous for their size—some weighing up to a kilogram!

It’s also worth mentioning that TasteAtlas, an online platform specializing in traditional food from around the world, ranked chancho en piedra as “The Best-Rated Salsa in the World 2023.” Pomaire’s main streets, Roberto Bravo and San Antonio, are lined with pottery shops and restaurants that compete to attract hungry visitors.


  • Nearby Attractions

Near Pomaire, you can explore the Rutas del Vino (Wine Routes), where several vineyards offer tours and tastings of high-quality Chilean wines.

Although it's located just over 70 kilometers from Santiago, many tours combine a visit to Pomaire with a stop at the house of Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda in Isla Negra, now a museum on Chile’s central coast.

Pomaire is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're drawn by art, cuisine, or local culture, this charming town promises a memorable experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore Pomaire on your next trip to Chile.
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