In Pinto, local history and route planning go hand in hand: the parish of Nuestra Señora del Tránsito was founded in 1907. The N-549 runs through the town from north to south, connecting it with Coihueco to the north. When planning, it helps to distinguish the town itself from destinations throughout the Commune of Pinto.

Local History and Festivals

The commune also has its own founding history: it was founded on October 6, 1860, by José Manuel Pinto Arias (1818–1872), intendant of Ñuble and a colonel in the army. The history of the commune and the parish founded in 1907 are two distinct points of reference for Pinto.

The Fiesta del Cordero/Expo Ovina is held at Plaza de Pinto. It is typically held in late October or early November. The program includes a trade fair, awards in sheep-farming categories, and an asado al palo (spit-roasted barbecue). If the event runs for a second day, it also features artistic performances, stalls selling local products, and traditional games. Check the exact event dates before your trip.

Semana Pinteña 2026 took place from February 20 to 22 at Parque Criollo de Pinto, within the commune. The festivals offer different ways to plan a stay: the Fiesta del Cordero is associated with the town plaza, while Semana Pinteña took place at Parque Criollo within the commune.

Natural Attractions in the Commune of Pinto

Reserva Nacional Ñuble extends across the communes of Pinto and Antuco. It protects the huemul, an endangered Andean deer. Its predominant plant species include roble, lenga, and ñire. The reserve is home to 630 plant species, 97 bird species, and 17 mammal species.

Visitor facilities at the reserve include trails and viewpoints, including an accessible trail, as well as camping and picnic areas. Two hiking options differ considerably in duration and difficulty: the Sendero Inclusivo is 410 meters round trip, takes 30 minutes, and is rated easy. The Sendero Huella Huemul is two kilometers round trip, takes one hour, and is rated moderate.

A 2019 SERNATUR description of Shangri-La recounts long hiking trails beneath old-growth coigüe forests that lead to numerous waterfalls. The commune’s landscape spans the intermediate depression, the pre-Andes, and the Andes; the region is home to a wide variety of native plants and animals. A 2019 SERNATUR listing states that Nevados de Chillán has more than 500 hectares of ski runs surrounded by native forest. Ski-area information may change.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Access to Reserva Nacional Ñuble is via the Atacalco sector in the Commune of Pinto. A CONAF reopening notice dated September 8, 2025, lists opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and states that tickets must be purchased at pasesparques.cl. Check the official visitor information about access, opening hours, and tickets before your visit.

The route to the reserve follows Route N-55 and, at Recinto, Route N-633 south. A two-wheel-drive vehicle can take you as far as the entrance to Fundo Los Cipreses. The remaining eight kilometers to the entrance of the reserve must be traveled in a four-wheel-drive vehicle or on foot. Road and vehicle conditions may change; check this information before setting out.

More Attractions in the Commune

Other attractions in the commune’s tourism area include Termas de Chillán in the Andes, 80 kilometers from the city of Chillán. The complex includes a ski area, hotels, and a casino; nearby, you’ll find restaurants, cabins, campgrounds, and sports and recreational activities. The combination of local history and the commune’s natural attractions and leisure activities offers a range of themes for planning your trip, while keeping the town’s landmarks distinct from destinations elsewhere in the commune.

Discover more destinations: San Fabián, Coihueco, Cobquecura, Quillón.

For the broader travel overview: Ñuble Province.